Philadelphia Eagles Offseason
Entry posted by Ryan Greenberg
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Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and 2nd Round pick
Great trade. Kolb has a lot of potential, but he is unproven. He definitly can end up being a solid QB, but the Eagles already have a pro-bowler in Michael Vick. The Eagles big weakness last year was their secondary. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is a pro-bowl cover CB who is proven, unlike Kolb. He will definitly help the Eagles defense this year, especially with the much improved secondary. The Second Round draft pick was a steal imo. Before the trade, the Cardinals were bluffing with a trade for Kyle Orton to lower the price. The Eagles called that bluff and got a 2nd rounder for it.
Signing of Jason Babin
Jasosn Babin had 12.5 sacks last season with the Titans and made his first pro-bowl. Another problem in the Eagles defense was the rush to the QB. Besides Trent Cole, the Eagles Defensive line was terrible. With Jasosn Babin, Trent Cole, and quality players like Juquae Parker, the Eagles Defensive End dephth chart is looking really good. One factor that isn't being talked about is the hiring of former Titans Defensive Line coach Jim Washburn. Each team Washburn coaches, the Defensive line who plays for him get a huge amount of sacks. Should be nice to finally see the Eagles put pressure on the QB for once.
Signing of Nnamndi Asomugha
What can I say? When the Eagles signed the best cover corner in the league in Nnnamdi Asomugha, I couldn't believe it. Throughout the week it was reported the Asomugha would sign on with the New York Jets or even the Dallas Cowboys. With Asomugha signing with Philadelphia, it gives the Eagles the best secondary in the league. Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuels, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are there to shut down every QB and WR in the league. One of the reasons the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl was because of the threat of their passing game. The Eagles now have a counter to that in Asomugha, Samuel, and Rogders-Cromartie.
Signing of Cullen Jenkins
Adding to the defense again, the Eagles signed DT Cullen Jenkins away from the Packers. Now the Eagles D-Line consists of Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, and Antonio Dixon. With Jim Washburn and his reputation for building Defensive lines, the addition of Cullen Jenkins will definity play an important part in his scheme. He had 7 sacks last season for the Packers which is excellant for the DT. He is also strong in stopping the running game which the Eagles were weak against in the last few seasons.
Signing of Steve Smith
The Eagles offense already consists of Michael Vick, Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Lesean McCoy, Brent Celeck, Ronnie Brown, and Jason Avant. With Steve Smith signing with the Eagles, this makes the team a top 5 offense. Not only that, this takes Steve Smith away from the division rival New York Giants. Eli Manning has lost Steve Smith and Kevin Boss this offseason. He now has limited targets to throw to which is a plus to Eagles, Cowboys, and Redskins fans. Steve Smith caught 112 passes in 2009 and is a gutsy player. He is expected to return to the field by late September/early October. Should be interesting to see how he performs.
Overall Grade: A+
Easily the best offseason I have seen the Eagles do. They finished 10-6 last season and they are now even more stronger. They have covered the holes on defense, though lineback remains a question with rookie Casey Matthews(brother of Clay) leading the linebacker core. If I had to predict, I'd guess the Eagles will get anywhere from 11 to 13 wins. They have a pretty easy road to at least winning the NFC East, but that isn't the goal. The signings/trade of Nnamdi Asomugha, Cullen Jenkins, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Jason Babin, and Steve Smith are designed for one thing and that is to win a Super Bowl. Obviously the NFC will be a tough test with the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears, but for the first time since 2004, it looks like the Eagles can finally get passed the NFC and into the Super Bowl. Should be a fun season.
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