Roster Suggestions for the New Eagles

Most observers assume Andy Reid shall walk the proverbial plank at the end of this, his 14th and most disappointing Eagles’ season. Big Red didn’t win the big one and he never recovered from the death of defensive guru Jim Johnson. Reid’s relentless admiration for the passing game and lack of game-day management helped seal his fate in Philly.
So what of the roster of he has crafted? A close follower offers his thoughts.
The defensive backfield is beyond disgraceful so corner Nnamdi Asomugha, the biggest Brotherly Love free agent bust since Lance Parrish, is gone, along with undistinguished Brandon Hughes and third round strike out Curtis Marsh. Safeties Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, and undersized rookie David Sims can leave. The team must find one or two big, aggressive hitters to patrol the deep middle and provide support in run defense.
Offensive line depth is a necessity so lazy turnstile Demetress Bell will join oversized King Dunlap, nice guy no talent Danny Watkins and unknown center Matt Tennant on waivers. It was not the fault of Watkins that Reid drafted the 26-year-old firefighter. Tennant couldn’t beat out Dallas Reynolds and Dunlap was supposed to be waived before this year.
New blood on the defensive line can replace courageous Mike Patterson, overachieving Derek Landri and tired Daryl Tapp. The linebackers improved but the Birds can do better than Akeem Jordan, Jamar Chaney, and fourth round waste Casey Matthews. It’s purely stunning that the coaches chose to start slow-footed Matthews at middle linebacker in 2011.
Offensively, Jason Avant’s good hands can’t overcome average speed and lack of big play capability and the same goes for so-so reserve tight end Clay Harbor. Dion Lewis, a smallish running back, is a goner. The team should hire bigger and tougher back-ups to succeed Harbor and Lewis.
The big cut is QB Michael Vick. The guy was electric in 2010 with dreams of high-scoring offense behind a cannon arm and quick feet. But now, even if he takes a pay cut, I think I’ll pass, so to speak.
These last few weeks could present Eagles’ followers with fool’s gold, but many of these guys are young and deserve a fresh start with a new coaching philosophy. The pressure is eliminated but athletes realize the video machines are in constant operation and they’ll need to perform to impress their current or future employer.
If Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie accepts a reasonable contract, he can return if only because the team will have so many defensive backfield vacancies to fill. Safety Colt Anderson is a special teams warrior and he’s welcome, along with rookie DB Brandon Boykin.
Mychal Kendricks and Demeco Ryans are the foundation of a decent group but the Birds need a pass rush ‘backer (and perhaps a 3-4 minded coordinator). The line is adequate with potential shown by Fletcher Cox, second-rounder Vinny Curry, injury plagued Brandon Graham, veterans Trent Cole and Cullen Jenkins and small college giant Cedric Thornton.
The offensive line will improve with as Jason Peters, Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans return. The remainder are welcome to compete in training camp, including Evan Mathis, rookie tackle Dennis Kelly, practice squad center Dallas Reynolds, journeyman Jake Scott, and unknown Nate Menkin. They don’t make a lot of money and the cash savings will be needed to address the woeful defensive backfield and accommodate higher than usual draft slots.
The skill positions are not in terrible shape with receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin starting and big Riley Cooper deserving of more playing time. Rookie Marvin McNutt, another bigger pass catcher, deserves a look. Speedster Damaris Johnson should return. Tight end Brent Celek is steady enough to stay.
The new coaching staff should find a way to share the ball between LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown. It says here that rookie Chris Polk can also carry the pigskin. He suffered a turf toe injury and never had a chance to show his talent. First-year fullback Stanley Havili is a rugged blocker who is lethal in the “I” formation, but Reid seldom employed it.
A balanced attack should see each of the running backs excel. If the right deal is offered, I’d consider trading McCoy. Running backs don’t last long in the NFL, McCoy is coming off of a concussion, and Brown and Polk can play. One or two new safeties are absolutely crucial for the 2013 Eagles and perhaps McCoy, near the height of his value, could land a much-needed physical presence in the defensive backfield.
I’m good with Nick Foles and Trent Edwards returning. The key is what the draft and trade market presents at quarterback. If nothing overwhelming appears, they must not reach just to fill the need. A balanced attack and sturdy defense can sustain an average quarterback.
The special teams need athletic and strong back-up linebackers and safeties. Kicker Alex Henery, punter Mat McBriar and long-snapper Jon Dorenbos are fine. Henery survived the pressure of replacing David Akers and Dorenbos will never be appreciated for his consistency.
As for coaching, I’d suggest hiring a top front office football guy and let him orchestrate the staff hires, drafts and free agent selections.
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net