Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Moves to Get Right Back in Contention for 2013

Although we're only nine games into the 2012 season, that's been more than enough to wave the white flag and call off the dogs. 

This Eagles season is over, barring an amazing stretch of wins and some help from the rest of the teams. Don't hold your breath. 

As they say, "There's always next year."

But how do you fix a team that looks so good on paper yet plays so badly? 

The question is, how can the Philadelphia Eagles draft, sign and cut their way into the playoffs next year?

Fire Andy Reid

We may not need to wait long for this move at all. In fact, Reid might have coached his last game Sunday night. 

I like Andy Reid. In fact, I've gone on record saying I've always supported his moves, good or bad. I have no doubt that he will be extremely successful wherever he coaches next. 

That being said, I think it's obvious this team needs a coaching face-lift. The Eagles' defense has been in a downward spiral since the departure of Brian Dawkins and the passing of Jim Johnson. 

The offense has never had more weapons, and at the same time been one of the ugliest to watch, in the past 10 years. A coach can only do so much, yet could anyone else really do a worse job of preparing this team?

Who should replace Reid? I don't think it matters as much as people think. Any new system, mantra and energy would do this team good, whether it's coming from Jon Gruden, Bill Cowher, Chip Kelly or anyone else. 

Re-Sign Michael Vick

Michael Vick isn't elite. Nobody will challenge that statement. But he has the talent to challenge it on his own. 

Eli Manning used to be laughed at by Eagles fans. He was soft, whiny and never the most talented. Two Super Bowls later and we're biting our tongues. 

All it takes to change our image of Vick is winning football games. Vick looks bad, but behind a shoddy offensive line and questionable play calling, he isn't being bred for success. 

Plus, we don't have any other options. 

Nick Foles proved this week, and will continue to show, that he is not ready for this league. We don't have two or three years to wait for him, and Vick is obviously the more talented player. 

Vick's contract will be extinguished after the Eagles miss the playoffs this year. Luckily, the team will dodge a $100 million bullet. But this will still be Vick's team and I can't imagine he will be bitter about a smart business decision. 

Because of that, I think it's possible for the Eagles to re-sign Vick at a much more reasonable contract, giving the quarterback one last shot at redeeming himself to the fans. 

The best the Eagles could do this offseason is Joe Flacco. By all accounts, that chance will never come, neither through a long-term contract nor a franchise tag, Flacco will never see the free agency market. 

Unless you think Foles will come of age overnight, I can't see how a cheaper Vick isn't the choice to lead this team next year. 

Use a First-Round Pick on a Safety

Kurt Coleman. Nate Allen. Who are we kidding?

Our secondary has gone soft since Brian Dawkins left. You can see it in every single game. The Eagles are often scoffed at for their Brandon Graham pick because Jason Pierre-Paul went two picks later, but Earl Thomas going the pick after is overlooked.

The Seahawks' safety has become a facet of one of the best defenses in the league, while Graham and Allen have become dead weight.

By far the biggest need for this team is safety. The offensive line is laughable, but what do we expect with four of the five starters injured?

Safety, on the other hand, has been injury-free. Their play has been inexcusable.

With guys like Eric Reid (LSU), T.J. McDonald (USC) and Kenny Vaccaro (Texas) in the draft this year (Reid is a junior but expected to declare), the talent is undeniable.

It's hard to gauge where these players will go. Many teams including the Jets and Cowboys could use safety help, and it's usually a valued position come draft night.

The Eagles have reached on players as long as I can remember; at least reach on a need position this year.  

Find a New Number Two Wide Receiver

Riley Cooper has shown flashes of talent. Number two wide receiver talent? Probably not. 

This means that to replace current number two receiver Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles will have to look elsewhere. 

Why does this make sense? Two speed receivers and zero possession receivers has looked good on paper, but not on the field. Maclin has not been a disappointment, but it seems as if the passing offense has become big-play-or-bust. 

Any time Jackson or Maclin go over the middle, you hold your breath that they come out alive. So why not move Maclin to the slot where the true speed receiver belongs, and bring in a capable, sure-handed target on the outside?

The new man doesn't have to be flashy. A guy like Randy Moss could provide a veteran presence on a cheap, one-year deal.

Teams like the Patriots have proven over time that you don't need the Terrell Owens and Calvin Johnsons of the league to be successful. Just the right personality and attitude.

Jeremy Maclin as Wes Welker wouldn't hurt either.  

Draft Barret Jones

Last week I outlined potential offensive line targets for the Eagles in this upcoming draft. Just a couple of slides ago, I argued that the line, when healthy, isn't the problem. 

So why am I suggesting drafting a top lineman?

Barrett Jones has the talent to be a top lineman, but at the same time has value at multiple positions. I absolutely believe that, when healthy, the Eagles' offensive line can be one of the best in the league. 

I am also smart enough to know that injuries, especially coming off of a previous injury, are realistic risks. So having a guy like Jones to plug any holes that may occur next year could be a season-saving stop-gap. 

Where will Jones go in the draft? Again, it's hard to predict this early. However, you have to figure that if this slide continues, they may have the opportunity to turn a high first-rounder into two later picks to get both a safety and Jones. 

Will these five moves be enough? The answer to that question depends on what condition you think the Eagles are in now. Are they as good as they look on paper? If so, these small impact moves might be the difference.

If you think they're a long ways away, then I'm not sure any move besides a complete fire sale could appease you.

The Eagles need to win soon or the opportunity might be lost. Doing so might be possible if the right strings are pulled.