Next Steps for Philadelphia

The “dream team”, as backup quarterback Vince Young referred to them in the preseason, has been just about anything but. At 4-8, they aren’t mathematically eliminated from playoff contention but they are about as much of a long shot as any team in the league. They have had problems on both sides of the ball as well as off the field. However, the players aren’t the only ones catching criticism; long time Head Coach Andy Reid and new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo are both on the hot seat for the team’s struggles. However, they aren’t fully to blame as they aren’t on the field losing 8 games. There are obviously some changes that need to be made on the field if they plan to bounce back in 2012.

On the offensive side of the field, they explosive plays that carried them to the playoffs in 2010 just haven’t been there. Michael Vick had a great season last year and earned a huge contract but this year he has been hampered by a concussion and now broken ribs. Even when healthy, he hadn’t been picking apart defenses, whether with his feet or his arm, the way he was last year. His two favorite targets, Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, have both missed time; Maclin for injuries and Jackson for behavior (he slept through a team meeting). Jackson obviously has his own agenda and will continue to play by that which is a shame because if he played up to his full potential, such as he did last year, he would earn the money he thinks he deserves. While Jeremy Maclin is also an electric playmaker, it is tough to be overshadowed by one who’s just a little bit better. But while Jackson is not on the field mentally, this could be chance for Maclin to earn a big contract with his play on the field.

On the other side of the ball, Juan Castillo has the right idea but may just have the wrong personnel for it. Running the rarely implemented Wide 9 defense, he contains the outside running game very well and forces most offense through the middle of the field. While the defensive line puts good pressure on the pocket, the problem lies behind them. The Philadelphia linebackers couldn’t tackle a snowflake in a blizzard. It doesn’t get any better, as the very expensive secondary, with names such as Asante Samuel, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the biggest free agent acquisition Nnamdi Asomugha, aren’t known for their run defense. They are all exceptional pass defenders but because they play the Wide 9, they don’t get a chance to play coverage when the offense runs through the middle of the field and never gets to them. However, they aren’t helping themselves as when they are tested, they haven’t lived up to their contracts. In both games this year, emerging Giants star Victor Cruz has dominated Asomugha man-to-man, collecting over 100 receiving yards in both. The two big money cornerbacks, Asomugha and Samuel, have only totaled 5 interceptions this year.

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The problems are clear as day to the tough-to-please Philadelphia fans but what will the front office and Andy Reid do about them? There have been many speculations of Reid being fired but that will not happen. Reid has been here for worse seasons and this is the first season with a lot of new players, there is still time to build chemistry.

Due to their mediocre record, they should have a draft pick somewhere in the middle of the pack. With that pick, they need to pick the best available run defense linebacker; someone like Ronnell Lewis of Oklahoma or Dont’a Hightower from Alabama. While they will only be rookies along with Jamar Chaney, they will at least be a start to fixing the biggest hole on the field. With help in the middle of the field, the play of the defensive line and secondary should both be at higher levels. Kurt Coleman has been a pleasant surprise in the secondary and with more time, DCR and Asomugha will build a little more chemistry with the defense and play up to their potential. The Wide 9 defense puts a lot of responsibility on the linebackers and it will work very well with the right personnel.

On the other side of the ball, the Eagles need to figure out who will remain as playmakers and who they are willing to part ways with. Michael Vick and Vince Young can both carry offenses, but if they continue to have troubles, it may be time to look for a young quarterback to start building up; Mike Kafka will not be that young quarterback. However, that is the least of their worries and Reid will most likely not go for a quarterback. His biggest problem is Jackson and Maclin. He loves DeSean but if he continues to play with no heart and not care about his performance, it may be time to let him take his poor attitude elsewhere. The Eagles have a good supporting cast with Brent Celek, Riley Cooper, Jason Avant and of course the star running back, LeSean McCoy. They either need to stick with Jeremy Maclin or DeSean Jackson and let the other walk; it’s clear they both want to be the number one and when you have two stars, they have to share the responsibility.

I believe Reid knows what he needs most and will draft a linebacker early, maybe even two, as well as an addition to the secondary and maybe a wide receiver. I wouldn’t be surprised if they went into free agency or the trade market for a veteran linebacker to anchor the middle. I doubt he’ll change anything up on the offensive side of the ball. He has 4 Pro Bowl caliber players in Vick, McCoy, Jackson, and Maclin and knows what they are capable of. He is too high on Jackson to let him go and will probably pay him the money he is asking; the unfortunate truth is that he does deserve it. I have faith in my team and the offensive firepower they possess. As long as the front office gives Castillo some better players to work his schemes with, they should be fine in 2012. If not, I’ll be writing this same article a year from now; let us Eagles fans hope not.

By: Jason Arias
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer