
Philadelphia Eagles: 10 Moves That Will Hand Them the Lombardi Trophy in 2012
When the Philadelphia Eagles opened last season against the Green Bay Packers, many would not have guessed that 17 weeks later, a rematch would be held with Michael Vick under center. However this time, a championship was on the line, as the wild-card game left many Eagles fans disappointed.
As Vick threw the season-ending interception to Packers Tramon Williams, there were many questions to be answered as to what that Philly team can do to finally win a ring.
Here are the 10 moves that the Philadelphia Eagles can make to seal a trip to Disney.
10. Wide Receiver: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
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T.J. Houshmandzadeh was an elite player back in his Cincinnati Bengal days. Then he went to Seattle, followed that up with a stay in Baltimore, and now finds himself a free agent. Obviously, he's not as productive as he used to be, and age is a big reason.
The Eagles have tons of depth at the WR position, with Pro-Bowler DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Riley Cooper. However, the one thing they lack is size.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh could help them in the red zone, simply because he's huge. He could be a great target for Vick, and would not be a bad idea for the Eagles to consider.
Obviously, Houshmandzadeh wouldn't be around long-term, but could certainly get the job done for about two years. It may be a stretch to sign an out-dated player, but it could work out to be a nice pick-up.
Maybe if it were T.J. Houshmandzadeh that Vick was throwing to against the Packers in the playoffs, his height could've helped by actually grab the game-winning touchdown.
9. Defensive Tackle: Albert Haynesworth
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I know what you're thinking, "Albert Haynesworth? His attitude will never fly in Philly."
That may be true, but look at what Andy Reid has done to revive a player's career. Yes, Albert did not seem to care at all about football in Washington, but honestly, Washington is a team that isn't going anywhere for a while, and he knows it. Albert wanted out of there, and Philly could be the perfect landing spot for him.
Haynesworth, under the coaching of Andy Reid, could revert back to the form he had in Tennessee, where he was a beast.
If you put him alongside Trent Cole, no offensive line in the league would want to see the Eagles on their schedule. It may seem like a bad idea for the Eagles image, but think about it. It would be a great move if Haynesworth would give a bit more effort than he did as a Redskin.
8. Cornerback: Lito Sheppard
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If you're an Eagles fan, you most definitely know this guy. Lito Sheppard was a beloved star at corner that Philly fans grew to love before he was let go.
This may be a big stretch, but it would certainly bring some spark back to that locker room. Lito is a free agent, last playing ball in a Minnesota jersey where he barely saw playing time.
What better way to end Lito's career than with the team he started with (and maybe a ring). I'm not promising that he would be a starter—most likely will be second or third string corner—but the entire city of Philadelphia would love to see this guy again on Sundays, and he is known to come up with big picks in crucial moments.
7. Center: Olin Kreutz
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It's not saying much, but Olin Kreutz was Chicago's best pass-protector in 2010. He's a declining player at this stage of his career, but he just doesn't miss any games; Kreutz made his 129th consecutive start in the season finale.
Nick Cole will not be re-signed by the Eagles, simply because he is not the answer. I'm not saying Olin is, but his stability and strength will certainly help protect Mike Vick.
The Eagles had a lot of trouble keeping that O-line healthy last season, which is a big reason why Vick was forced to scramble more, hence throwing more picks and turnovers. Someone like Kreutz can be a temporary solution for the Eagles, a solution long enough to get that Lombardi trophy.
6. Inside Linebacker: Stewart Bradley
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Stewart Bradley is a solid linebacker, and the Eagles need someone like him to stay on their roster. Bradley is a underrated player for the Eagles that has had much success so far with the team. Unfortunately, his season ending injury late in the season last year kept him out of the playoffs.
His contract is currently up, but re-signing Bradley would be prove to be worth the money. Since the Eagles drafted Casey Matthews in the fourth round, it would be even better for them to have two solid linebackers.
Bradley has had a history of injuries, and that is the thing that has kept the Eagles from re-signing him earlier. The Eagles need a healthy linebacker core, and they just aren't sure Bradley is the answer. I say give him a one-year contact and go from there.
5. Defensive End: Ray Edwards
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Just look at that picture of Ray Edwards soaring through the air (like an Eagle) and tell me you wouldn't want him on your team. Ray Edwards of Minnesota would be a perfect fit on that defensive line in Philadelphia.
Talks about this move were thrown around mid-season last year, but both sides failed to reach any agreements. Banking on the Eagles not signing Haynesworth, this would obviously be a better move. Ray Edwards had a tremendous year, registering eight sacks and shutting down the run on his side.
He is somebody the Eagles would love to have on the roster. Back when the now-deceased Jim Johnson ran the defense in Philadelphia, they were the most feared D in the league. Bringing Edwards to the group will put them in the running for "scariest" defense once again.
4. Punter: Adam Podlesh
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The Eagles had probably one of the most underrated punters in the league in Sav Rocca, and his time with the eagles is now up. The Austrialian native averaged 43.8 yards per punt, and had some clutch punts when it mattered (yes, punters can be clutch too).
Why not bring in Adam Podlesh from Jacksonville, who coincidentally averages 43.8 yards per punt as well? It would be like Rocca never even left.
Punters and kickers are two positions that are really overlooked in free agency by a lot of teams, which is why Adam Podlesh would be a great fit.
In the 4th round of the NFL draft, the Eagles took the best kicker available, Alex Henery from Nebraska. All indications are that Henery will replace the future Hall-of-Fame kicker David Akers, so that gap is filled.
3. Quarterback: Tavaris Jackson
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Is that Michael Vick in a Vikings jersey? No, but it is Tavaris Jackson. For some strange reason, I feel like that if Tavaris could be signed to a cheap contract, he will be an Eagle next year.
Along with Adrian Peterson, Jackson brought that Viking team to the playoffs in 2009, where they lost to the Eagles in the wild-card round.
Jackson is a lot like Vick, and would have a great opportunity to watch and learn under Vick's wing for the season. If Vick goes down for a game or two, Jackson could step up and confidently take his spot. If Vick is out for an extended period of time, let's just say Tavaris can do no worse than Kolb did when he stepped in for Vick late in the season.
I like this move a lot, and it would be very smart for them to consider. I mean come on, he even looks like a mini-Vick.
Mike Kafka is the third-string QB in Philly, and we all know that backup Kevin Kolb will be in Arizona next year. So why not go with Tavaris?
2. Cornerback: Antonio Cromartie
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Yeah, Antonio Cromartie has his ups and downs, but really, who doesn't?
Cromartie had his best year in 2007 with the San Diego Chargers where he had 10 interceptions, but it all went down hill from there. He has had eight interceptions in the past three seasons, but he can still give some extra speed to the secondary or on special teams.
Cromartie will not be a Jet next year, and the Eagles will need someone to play opposite Asante Samuel. They did draft Curtis Marsh out of Utah St. and Jaiquawn Jarrett at the safety position, but those guys aren't ready to start.
Cromartie could potentially be that one guy help that defense out tremendously.
1. Cornerback: Nnamdi Asomugha
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Nnamdi Asomugha, enough said. This elite cornerback can improve any team, and is looking for a home.
As soon as the lockout is lifted and free agency begins, expect this guy to be gone quick. The Eagles have their eyes set on him, and he knows it.
Rumor has it that Asomugha is looking at a team in the NFC East, and it's not Dallas, Washington, or New York.
Would there be a better corner duo in the league than Asomugha/Samuel? That would be just flat-out scary, and not even Drew Brees would be able to keep a clean sheet. The Eagles were expected to trade up and try to get Patrick Peterson out of LSU, but that never happened.
One thing is for sure, if Asomugha lands on the Eagles nest next year, the Eagles will be well on their way to a trip to the Super Bowl.
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