Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Offseason

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In 2009 the Philadelphia Eagles came up short once again. At the end of the season the Cowboys dominated the Eagles two games in a row, one of which sent the Eagles home, ending their season. The Cowboys clearly looked like the better team that week.

But how far did anybody really think this team could make it in the playoffs? At the offensive skill positions the Eagles were very inexperienced, the offensive line was hampered by injuries throughout the season, and when Jamal Jackson went down, it was all too much.

As well as the offense, the defense had many struggles even before the year started. They lost valuable pieces in Stewart Bradley, Dawkins, and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. The linebackers were banged up and moved around all season, and nobody could hold down the free safety position.

Overall the Eagles had a good season, but until they have a Lombardi Trophy, there is always room for improvement. The Eagles have a lot of work to do this offseason to improve for next year.

QB Situation

The Eagles have a very good situation at quarterback. They have a possible future Hall of Famer in McNabb. Michael Vick may be able to get back to where he was before. Kevin Kolb is young and, as some people suspect, might be the future of the franchise.

I think if the Eagles were to only keep one Quarterback it should be Kolb. I don't think Kolb is more talented than McNabb, but I think he makes much more sense to keep than McNabb.

Kolb is what the Eagles need. He doesn't have the strongest arm, and people talk about his interceptions. But he is accurate, young, full of leadership qualities, and knows this offense as well as anybody. He could come out and do exactly what Aaron Rogers did in his first season as a starter, but Kolb will have better talent around him.

If the Eagles chose to start Kolb, they could still get very good value for McNabb. An extra first round pick on defense would help a lot.

The Defense

In 2009 the Eagles played well for what they had to work with. A lot of injuries limited this defense. Sean McDermott did a great job. It looks like he is going to be the long term solution, no question. If the Eagles are going to compete in the NFC East for years to come, they are really going to have to improve the run defense. The Cowboys and Giants are both very physical football teams and love to run the ball. The Eagles defensive line was dominated by the Cowboys in the those last two games.

I think if McDermott is given the talent, he could run an elite defense for many years to come. The defense needs help right now. We need an LDE, FS, SLB, and corner depth. A good draft, along with Bradley returning, will give McDermott everything he needs to put together a great defense next year.

Offensive Line

The Eagles line performed well in 2009 but still needs to be looked at this offseason. Jamal Jackson will more than likely not be ready to return, and we really need to solidify RG for the future.

Defensive Tackle

Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson have formed a very good tackle duo over the last three years, but they are both suited to play the same position at UT. Bunkley is the better of the two, so he is forced to play NT since he is strong enough.

But if they brought in a true NT and moved Bunkley to UT, it would improve both the run and pass defense. A big NT could clog up the middle and would draw double teams, which would free up Bunkley more. Bunkley would thrive if this were to happen.

Free Agency

The Eagles really need an upgrade at SAM. Karlos Dansby would be a great fit but will probably be hard to get in FA. Derrick Johnson would be a lot cheaper and could do well going back to a 4-3.

They need a veteran backup QB, so signing AJ Feely would make sense. He already knows the system.

Pre Draft Trades

Donovan McNabb and a fourth round pick to the Broncos for their first. Then we trade Mike Patterson and the Broncos' pick to the Bucs for pick number three.

Trade Mike Vick to the Rams for a fourth.

Trade Chris Gocong to a 3-4 team for a third.