Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Eagles: where do they go from here?

Now that this season is officially over for the Eagles, they need to look to the future: and quickly. Many players are probably on their way out, or at least should be. Others are a big question mark. So let's break down the Eagles free agents one-by-one. Each player is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 on whether or not I think they'll be back, and should come back.

Correll Buckhalter (RB): Buck played tremendous even in his very limited time. He showed explosiveness and ability to cut through even small holes, something that Westbrook was certainly lacking due to his nagging injuries and beaten body. He really should have been given more carries, but I think Reid's allegiance to Westbrook got in the way. It is unfortunate, but I do not believe he will be back. He's looking for the starting opportunity elsewhere, and he doesn't do enough to complement Westbrook's size.
Unlikely to return (5), but I think he definitely has upside (8).

Sean Considine (S): Considine has never really played to his utmost. Unfortunately he sits near the bottom of the secondary depth chart, and is mainly limited to time on special teams or deep-back time. He's never been a consistent player, and I don't much reason for the Eagles to bring him back, unless he's on the practice squad.
Eagles unlikely to resign (4), and I don't believe they should (3).

Brian Dawkins (FS): The man, the myth, the legend. B-Dawk has been a pro-bowl Safety for the Eagles for as long as I can remember. Even in his mid-thirties, he still provides leadership and fuel for a defense that looked stellar on occasion. The Reid camp does not look kindly on aging stars, just see Mr. Trotter for evidence, and Dawkins may have lost a step or two in his years. I still think he can play, and you're not going to find many better for locker-room leadership and pure carnage on the field. He deserves at least another year, and another shot at a championship.
Eagles likely to resign (7), as they should (9).

Joselio Hanson (CB): Hanson has surpassed the distraught Sheppard on the depth chart. He showed real promise coming on late and helping the Eagles defense play some real good football. He definitely has potential, similar to that of Al Harris. With Sheppard likely to part ways with the team, you ought to hang on to the guy you moved in front of him.
Eagles might resign (6), I believe they should (8).

Jon Runyan & Tra Thomas (T): Two aging offensive-line juggernauts. This is a bit of a tough call for the Eagles front office. Both players are capable of continuing their careers, and attempting to draw a top-flight OT in free agency will cost you big bucks nowadays. Chances are high the Eagles will sign at least one of these players to a one-year contract, if not both. With Andrews hopefully returning next season, the line should be better, but help is most definitely needed quickly.
Eagles likely to resign one (7), I agree at least one ought to be resigned (9).

LJ Smith (TE): Everybody in Philadelphia loves to hate this guy. It is unfortunate; when he was paired with Chad Lewis, you could see flashes of a future. Unfortunately as a starter, Smith fell by the wayside with sloppy play and a pair of bricks for hands. The Eagles need to move Celek up the depth chart, and bring in a true blocking TE for help on short yardage. Smith is very unlikely to come back.
Eagles unlikely to resign (3), and they certainly should not (2).

Restricted Free Agents Hank Baskett (WR) and Nick Cole (G): Both of these guys ought to come back. Baskett has improved his play on the field, and deserves a role as a 3rd or 4th receiver. Cole played well once Andrews and Jean-Gilles were injured, and should even play higher than Max on the depth chart.
Eagles likely to resign both (7), and I think they should (7).

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