? for Philly fans on the bored

[The Moz 69]

Why won't Philly brass get a elite WR for Donovan? A WR is basically all that Philly is missing to go to the Superbowl. They look like they are un willing to pay Boldin top dollars , won't go after Ocho ( maybe had an off year but he is still young ) , didn't even hint at Holt ( old but has 1-2 decent years left ) , they wiffed on TJ for an unknown reason. Do they just plain hate Donovan or what? Donovan had 1 season with a top level WR and light it up.

 

Not knocking DJack as he is a fine speed guy but They need a elite wr IMO to be a GREAT team - without one I see them a step below a few teams ( still good but not as good as they could be )

[WhiteWonder 2,171]

If they know whats good for them they stay away from Ocho Cinco... hes actually 31 himself besides being a cancer.

 

Believe it or not i think Philly fans need more faith. You don't make what 5 NFC championship games and 1 super bowl over the last 8? years by being clueless.

 

However I am suprised they havn't gone after Torry. Seems like he would be the perfect fit as the possesion guy opposite Jackson and a good guy to have for McNabb. SO that kind of baffles me but then again I am also baffled the Vikings havn't made a play for Torry either.

[JT 137]

It's a fair question.

 

I'm not a Chad Johnson fan; never was, even during his best years. Conversely, I think Housh has been one of the best WR in the league for a few years. How he ended up in Seattle is beyond me.

 

Boldin is a man out there. Maybe a bit of a pain in the ass, but what % of WR aren't? He's a guy worth paying for, and I understand he and McNabb are friends on top of everything else.

 

I don't know what Holt has left, and wonder the same about Harrison.

 

Seems strange to work your way into this great position financially, with tons of $$$ and draft picks, and not use them to address what most see as the most glaring weakness at the respective skill positions.

[unckeyherb 2]

from what I understand, they didn't ever really see TJ as an option. No interest at all really (frankly I am happy about that).

I think that they might give some thought to signing Harrison if hes still out there this summer. Seriously, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually think WR is not a position where they are really hurting. They don't have a marquee WR, but Jackson is only going to get better and hes a playmaker. Curtis, when healthy is decent and Baskett and Avant are both more than servicable (I actully like Baskett quite a bit). All that being said, I still have a feeling that they will make a splash on or before draft day. I could see them package one of their firsts and a pick next year for Boldin. It only makes sense for both teams, and they have the cap room to restructure his contract and still make him happy.

 

I have full faith in the FO, as much as they piss me off, you can't argue with their track record. Unless you are the type of fan that thinks a SB win is the only acceptable result. 5 NFC championships in 10 years. Nuff said.

 

McNabb to Boldin all day long in 09.

[The Moz 69]

The Eagles have a big -playmaker guy in Djac who can get bombs an such - they NEED a rock steady WR that can be the possesion guy - TJ woulda been perfect in that role -- at least Holt I would think who could be had for little money. Maybe they are goin gto take Marvin

[unckeyherb 2]

The Eagles have a big -playmaker guy in Djac who can get bombs an such - they NEED a rock steady WR that can be the possesion guy - TJ woulda been perfect in that role -- at least Holt I would think who could be had for little money. Maybe they are goin gto take Marvin

I think that Boldin fits the mold of a tough as nails guy that will fight for the ball in the middle of the field.

 

We agree on Djac and their need for a strong possession guy. Our thoughts differ a bit with respect to TJ (I think his numbers will take a major downturn this season). I'd be pretty happy if they grabbed Holt and Harrison for 1 year contracts. Use the two firsts on A guy like Eben Britton and one of Knowshon/Donald Brown, even Beanie.

 

Go into this season with a stud RB in Westbrrok and a very good backup to split significant time with, a strong/re-built o-line to protect a healthy McNabb, a WR corps of Holt, Harrison/Curtis, Djac and Baskett/Avant. Celek works for me at TE. Defense is strong, if one of the younger guys can step up in Dawk's absence as a leader. Still got Sheldon, Asante.

 

I'd feel pretty good if thats what we were looking at week one.

[Bert 1,091]

I have full faith in the FO, as much as they piss me off, you can't argue with their track record. Unless you are the type of fan that thinks a SB win is the only acceptable result. 5 NFC championships in 10 years. Nuff said.

 

So you are happy being the Chicago Cubs of the NFL?

[dhockster 0]

I think Boldin is still a possibility. I think nothing has happened yet because the Cardinals are not ready to deal him yet, they think they still might be able to make him happy. I think if something does happen it will come right at draft time when the Eagles still have something to trade. If the Cardinals wait until after the draft then there is really nothing they could get for Boldin, other than Reggie Brown (which wouldn't be a bad fit on the Cardinals; he just is not worth what Boldin is worth).

 

Of course, if it comes out after the draft that the Eagles could have had Boldin for one of their first round picks (or some other reasonable deal) then I will be critical of management. Boldin would be a great intermediate threat that would open things up for D Jackson.

[The Moz 69]

So you are happy being the Chicago Cubs of the NFL?

 

 

You really give my beloved Cubs waaaayyyyy to much credit here.

[unckeyherb 2]

So you are happy being the Chicago Cubs of the NFL?

Not for nothing, but if you think the last ten years of Eagles football has been poor, I can't talk to you. they are consistently in the hunt, year after year. five NFC Championship games (four straight) in ten years. I don't consider that the Cubs of the league. sorry.

[Bert 1,091]

Not for nothing, but if you think the last ten years of Eagles football has been poor, I can't talk to you. they are consistently in the hunt, year after year. five NFC Championship games (four straight) in ten years. I don't consider that the Cubs of the league. sorry.

 

I don't think it has been poor but it is far from being great. I would say you are like the Atlanta Braves, always in the playoffs but always choking before closing the deal, except Atlanta actually managed to win a championship.

 

Philly's been a good solid team for a long time but it would annoy me to have my team never close the deal.

 

To each his own.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I think the main theory behind not having an elite WR is that Donovan will throw to alot of receivers and spread the wealth. The bean-counting front office may feel that an elite WR would not be worth the price as it pertains to the amount of catches he may have during the season.

 

Additionally, McNabb hasn't had a go-to TE for quite some time. Chad Lewis was his de facto go-to guy back in day, for one, they had crappy WR at the time, and two, he could always count on Lewis being there and catching the ball.

 

As much as I would like to see a Boldin/CJ/Holt here right now, I think there are more pressing issues that need to be resolved on offense, namely a quality LT, a quality RB and heir apparent to BWest, and another TE to tandem up with Celek.

 

IMO, the only reason why Owens would up here is because he only cost them a 4th round pick. It was value, and that's what they're about. You will never ever see them overspend on an asset, regardless of the need.

 

I think that's why we saw McNabb come out publicly to ask for more help, because he was once a company man, the company was/is ready to abandon him, so he now has nothing to lose from speaking out.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I don't think it has been poor but it is far from being great. I would say you are like the Atlanta Braves, always in the playoffs but always choking before closing the deal, except Atlanta actually managed to win a championship.

 

Philly's been a good solid team for a long time but it would annoy me to have my team never close the deal.

 

To each his own.

 

I'm a fan and I'm with you. It's annoying, especially the way the organization represents itself to be "The Gold Standard" when it comes to success.

 

Makes me strongly questions what "success" they're really referring to, wins and championships or revenues and gate receipts.

[pimptastic69 0]

Could Birds have interest in Chad Johnson?

Quick little nugget before we call it a night here at MTC.

 

ESPN's Michael Smith said on NFL Live tonight that he's hearing the Eagles have interest in Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson.

 

Rather than paraphrase what Smith is reporting, here's exactly what he said so you can decide for yourself whether this is just a rumor or something more.

 

"I am hearing there is interest in Chad Johnson," Smith said. "Now there's been some back and forth as to whether or not he is officially on the market. I think everybody in Cincinnati has signed off on moving Chad Johnson except for owner Mike Brown. The Eagles could be in the picture. They have two first-round picks. They need a receiver."

 

Note: It was brought to my attention that I could have been clearer with the above quote. Smith was asked a direct question about the Eagles when he said, "I am hearing there is interest in Chad Johnson." So in my interpretation, he was directly talking about the Birds, not just saying there was general interest around the league in Johnson.

 

The other name Smith threw out there was Bills offensive tackle Jason Peters.

 

Our beat guys have mentioned Peters' name in the past, and according to Smith, the Eagles have "engaged in serious discussions" with the Bills about him. Per Smith, those talks could heat up again as the draft approaches.

 

Remember, Smith reported earlier this offseason that Donovan McNabb had met with Eagles management and wanted to see what weapons the Eagles would add before looking at a contract extension.

 

Stay tuned to philly.com to see if the Johnson rumors can be either confirmed or refuted.

 

And we will of course be back bright and early Wednesday morning with more.

 

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/Could_...ad_Johnson.html

 

I've always thought that Philly and CJ would be a good fit, and Philly has draft picks to offer. It's fairly clear that the Bungles want to move Johnson before the draft. The only problem is that he'll want a huge contract next year. But, maybe the Eagles can make something happen in one year.

[phan420 0]

Why won't Philly brass get a elite WR for Donovan? A WR is basically all that Philly is missing to go to the Superbowl. They look like they are un willing to pay Boldin top dollars , won't go after Ocho ( maybe had an off year but he is still young ) , didn't even hint at Holt ( old but has 1-2 decent years left ) , they wiffed on TJ for an unknown reason. Do they just plain hate Donovan or what? Donovan had 1 season with a top level WR and light it up.

 

Not knocking DJack as he is a fine speed guy but They need a elite wr IMO to be a GREAT team - without one I see them a step below a few teams ( still good but not as good as they could be )

Kinda hard to go after someone if the team they are currently on hasn't made them available yet, so that busts 2 of your "theories". All I can say is, wait until draft day. They will make a move

[MDC 5,890]

Why won't Philly brass get a elite WR for Donovan? A WR is basically all that Philly is missing to go to the Superbowl. They look like they are un willing to pay Boldin top dollars , won't go after Ocho ( maybe had an off year but he is still young ) , didn't even hint at Holt ( old but has 1-2 decent years left ) , they wiffed on TJ for an unknown reason. Do they just plain hate Donovan or what? Donovan had 1 season with a top level WR and light it up.

 

Not knocking DJack as he is a fine speed guy but They need a elite wr IMO to be a GREAT team - without one I see them a step below a few teams ( still good but not as good as they could be )

 

I think the Eagles brass doesn't get an elite WR for McNabb because they sincerely believe in an offensive system that spreads the ball around to multiple receivers, tight end and running back and they think spending big $$$ on a wideout is a waste. Personally I think the lack of a credible running game is a much bigger problem with the O. The Eagles have consistently graded out to one of the better offenses over the past ten years but they are always toward the bottom third in rushing attempts and yards and that really hurts in short yardage and in the redzone. I also think McNabb and the receivers would be that much better if the O weren't so predictable and play-action was a threat. But if they're going to throw the ball 60% or more of the time you're right, they should have made playmakers at WR a bigger priority.

 

Where the Eagles really screwed up is their failure to draft and develop a single above average receiver over the past decade. DJax looks like a nice deep threat but otherwise the crop of receivers they'd drafted has been awful: Pinkston, McMullen, Na Brown, Reggie Brown, Avant, etc. Now McNabb's in the last two years of his contract and they're almost forced to address WR in free agency or via trade because they haven't developed anyone.

 

I wasn't wild about most of the WR names out there. I'd take a flier on someone like Holt or Coles, but I didn't particularly like TJ or Ocho Cinco. Boldin would be a big plus but I'm sure they're asking a king's ransom for him. At t his point I'd be happy with Kenny Britt in the draft.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I think the Eagles brass doesn't get an elite WR for McNabb because they sincerely believe in an offensive system that spreads the ball around to multiple receivers, tight end and running back and they think spending big $$$ on a wideout is a waste. Personally I think the lack of a credible running game is a much bigger problem with the O. The Eagles have consistently graded out to one of the better offenses over the past ten years but they are always toward the bottom third in rushing attempts and yards and that really hurts in short yardage and in the redzone. I also think McNabb and the receivers would be that much better if the O weren't so predictable and play-action was a threat. But if they're going to throw the ball 60% or more of the time you're right, they should have made playmakers at WR a bigger priority.

 

Where the Eagles really screwed up is their failure to draft and develop a single above average receiver over the past decade. DJax looks like a nice deep threat but otherwise the crop of receivers they'd drafted has been awful: Pinkston, McMullen, Na Brown, Reggie Brown, Avant, etc. Now McNabb's in the last two years of his contract and they're almost forced to address WR in free agency or via trade because they haven't developed anyone.

 

I wasn't wild about most of the WR names out there. I'd take a flier on someone like Holt or Coles, but I didn't particularly like TJ or Ocho Cinco. Boldin would be a big plus but I'm sure they're asking a king's ransom for him. At t his point I'd be happy with Kenny Britt in the draft.

 

IMO, Reid has a golden chance to rebuild the offensive line into an elite unit. Even if they have to sacrifice a first round pick for Peters, you need to do it. Elite LT's don't fall from the sky.

 

You're like me: I want Alex Mack. That dude will anchor that line for the next 10 years or so.

 

LT Peters

LG Herrmanns

C Mack

RG Andrews

RT Andrews

 

If you can accomplish that, YOU GET IT DONE.

 

With all that being said, they still need another RB. I'm good with McCoy from Pitt in the second round (if he's still there).

 

I'd be perfectly okay with Torry Holt at this point. However, if Ocho Cinco can be had for a 3rd and a later picks, you do it. He played hurt last year, and by no means do I feel that he's done. Squeeze one or two more years out of him, it'll be worth it. Either guy would be a big upgrade over Reggie Brown at this point, and it's all about upgrading what you got.

[dhockster 0]

IMO, Reid has a golden chance to rebuild the offensive line into an elite unit. Even if they have to sacrifice a first round pick for Peters, you need to do it. Elite LT's don't fall from the sky.

 

You're like me: I want Alex Mack. That dude will anchor that line for the next 10 years or so.

 

LT Peters

LG Herrmanns

C Mack

RG Andrews

RT Andrews

 

If you can accomplish that, YOU GET IT DONE.

 

With all that being said, they still need another RB. I'm good with McCoy from Pitt in the second round (if he's still there).

 

I'd be perfectly okay with Torry Holt at this point. However, if Ocho Cinco can be had for a 3rd and a later picks, you do it. He played hurt last year, and by no means do I feel that he's done. Squeeze one or two more years out of him, it'll be worth it. Either guy would be a big upgrade over Reggie Brown at this point, and it's all about upgrading what you got.

 

I was reading over the weekend about Peters, and have some concerns about his attitude and work ethic. He held out last year trying to get a new contract until the week before the season started, had to be scratched for the first game, had an average last year and missed the last two games with an injury. If the Eagles traded for him and gave him a big contract, would this guy be motivated to play?

 

I still would trade for him if Buffalo will do a reasonable deal (maybe a first and third) but I am somewhat leary that this guy may forget that all-pro talent still needs all-pro work ethic to be an all-pro.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I was reading over the weekend about Peters, and have some concerns about his attitude and work ethic. He held out last year trying to get a new contract until the week before the season started, had to be scratched for the first game, had an average last year and missed the last two games with an injury. If the Eagles traded for him and gave him a big contract, would this guy be motivated to play?

 

I still would trade for him if Buffalo will do a reasonable deal (maybe a first and third) but I am somewhat leary that this guy may forget that all-pro talent still needs all-pro work ethic to be an all-pro.

 

I have no concerns.

 

Those "concerns" could be the team's reasons for not giving him a huge contract (ie, negotiating tactics).

[MDC 5,890]

IMO, Reid has a golden chance to rebuild the offensive line into an elite unit. Even if they have to sacrifice a first round pick for Peters, you need to do it. Elite LT's don't fall from the sky.

 

You're like me: I want Alex Mack. That dude will anchor that line for the next 10 years or so.

 

LT Peters

LG Herrmanns

C Mack

RG Andrews

RT Andrews

 

If you can accomplish that, YOU GET IT DONE.

 

With all that being said, they still need another RB. I'm good with McCoy from Pitt in the second round (if he's still there).

 

I'd be perfectly okay with Torry Holt at this point. However, if Ocho Cinco can be had for a 3rd and a later picks, you do it. He played hurt last year, and by no means do I feel that he's done. Squeeze one or two more years out of him, it'll be worth it. Either guy would be a big upgrade over Reggie Brown at this point, and it's all about upgrading what you got.

 

I really have no interest in Ocho Cinco - he's a jerk, and I dread the effect he'd have on someone like DJax. I think the wideouts are actually pretty good and the OL and running game is a bigger issue. Ideally, I'd like the Eagles to land two linemen and a RB with the first three picks. The only OT I really like who'd be around later in the first is Eben Britton. Otherwise, I really like Moreno, D Brown, McCoy, Alex Mack and Max Unger. If the Eagles stood pat in the first and drafted Britton and Mack, then dealt up into the top of the second and got either Brown or McCoy, I'd be F'ing delighted.

 

I really fear they're either going to deal both first rounders to move up and draft Andre Smith or they're going to spend a first rounder on a cornerback. I'm just bracing myself for Andy Reid pissing me off once again ...

[Gabriel Balcavienga 0]

bottom line is - with a guy like TO at WR the team rolled over opponents. get a top tier WR you cheap frickin bastahds.

[Kilroy 0]

TO was the premier WR in the league when the Eagles acquired him. There are few at the position that have the type of impact someone like Owens does/did.

 

Can they improve at the postition? Sure. But what they have isn't that bad anymore.

 

Fans can piss and moan all they want, but it wasn't that long ago they were doing the same because the Eagles didn't pursue the Peerless Price's and Carl Pickens' of the NFL.

 

It'll be fun if they add Boldin or Edwards, but I'd still prefer to see them sure up the Oline and grab a young RB to lighten Westbrook's load and eventually replace him.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

TO was the premier WR in the league when the Eagles acquired him. There are few at the position that have the type of impact someone like Owens does/did.

 

Can they improve at the postition? Sure. But what they have isn't that bad anymore.

 

Fans can piss and moan all they want, but it wasn't that long ago they were doing the same because the Eagles didn't pursue the Peerless Price's and Carl Pickens' of the NFL.

 

It'll be fun if they add Boldin or Edwards, but I'd still prefer to see them sure up the Oline and grab a young RB to lighten Westbrook's load and eventually replace him.

 

I couldn't agree more.

 

I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell that they'll trade for Boldin, especially when it's known that the guy's not afraid to openly criticize management (which is the very last thing Banner and Lurie need).

[Kilroy 0]

I couldn't agree more.

 

I don't think there's a snowball's chance in hell that they'll trade for Boldin, especially when it's known that the guy's not afraid to openly criticize management (which is the very last thing Banner and Lurie need).

 

I was actually thinking they'd pursue Boldin moreso than Edwards. But if they acquire Boldin, the asking price is believed to be a 1st and 3rd round pick, but than whoever acquires him will also be expected to sign him to a new deal. That's the part that makes me think the Eagles would shy away. I don't know if they'd pay him the money he wants to make him happy.

 

If they did acquire him, and gave him the new deal, I don't think there'd be much reason to expect any trouble from Boldin.

 

Given the fact their WR core now is better than it was at any point in the past (outside the year and a half with Owens), along with them having holes elsewhere, I just don't see them parting with too much to acquire Boldin or Edwards.

 

They know they need another quality lineman, and they have to address the RB position too because they have no one backing up Westbrook at the moment.

 

Right now I'm expecting them to trade for Jason Peters, or trade up in the first to select an OT they really want. Only if those plans fall through do I think they than give consideration to trading for Boldin or Edwards.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I was actually thinking they'd pursue Boldin moreso than Edwards. But if they acquire Boldin, the asking price is believed to be a 1st and 3rd round pick, but than whoever acquires him will also be expected to sign him to a new deal. That's the part that makes me think the Eagles would shy away. I don't know if they'd pay him the money he wants to make him happy.

 

If they did acquire him, and gave him the new deal, I don't think there'd be much reason to expect any trouble from Boldin.

 

Given the fact their WR core now is better than it was at any point in the past (outside the year and a half with Owens), along with them having holes elsewhere, I just don't see them parting with too much to acquire Boldin or Edwards.

 

They know they need another quality lineman, and they have to address the RB position too because they have no one backing up Westbrook at the moment.

 

Right now I'm expecting them to trade for Jason Peters, or trade up in the first to select an OT they really want. Only if those plans fall through do I think they than give consideration to trading for Boldin or Edwards.

 

IMO, a 30 year old WR who wants Larry Fitzgerald money who's not named Larry Fitzgerald won't be an Eagle at the end of the day. I think fundamentally, it goes against what they have done in the past. That's all.

 

I really think, too, that they'll make that deal for Peters. It's better to have a proven guy over a pick any day of the week.

 

So they give up #28 and a third round pick for Peters. At 21, say they get somehow get Moreno.

 

The second round comes up, they decide they want to take a few of their 5th round picks, along with a future 4th rounder for 2010, to move up and grab center Alex Mack.

 

IMO, that would be a slam dunk draft right there. They rebuild the line for this year, and for the future, they retool the running game, and they put themselves in a strong cash position should any high price players get jettisoned during training camps this summer.

 

Who knows. Maybe Arizona doesn't make a move before draft day, keep Boldin, only to find that the relationship really needs to end, and they trade him to the Eagles for a future 1st round pick.

 

Next Saturday can't get here soon enough.

[The Moz 69]

offer a 1st and a 3rd for Boldin - I can't believe Philly's lunacy in stalling here. NYG and now Baltimore is vying for this guy as well -- even if it costs Philly 2 #1's they need him he is the missing piece to their team.

 

yes I am McNabb Dynasty owner