11 Necessary Actions for the Philadelphia Eagles

With a 4-8 record, what can Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles hope to accomplish in the next four games?

Making the playoffs is not possible, so what now?

There are some changes and moves the team can make to position themselves for the 2012 season. The Eagles have the opportunity—unusual for them—to play meaningless games in December.

This means they can give young players ample playing time to see what they can do. The results will provide invaluable help in planning for the 2012 draft.

Hopefully, Andy Reid will be smart enough to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

These are 11 moves the Eagles should make before the start of the 2012 season.

Demote Juan Castillo

It was clear early in the season that the experiment of having an offensive line coach run the defense was a failure. No purpose can be served by allowing Castillo to finish the season.

The lackluster performance by the defense in recent games certainly shows he has lost the support of the players. It is not helpful to let inept play get ingrained into the players' psyches.

Let someone else have a shot with fresh ideas, and see if this can build some momentum for next year.

Maybe we can hope for the team to snag Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator for next year.

Start Mike Kafka

We have seen ample evidence of two things this year. First, Michael Vick is vulnerable to injuries. Second, Vince Young is not an effective backup quarterback.

So the logical conclusion here is that Mike Kafka must be given a lot of playing time over the last four games to see what he can do.

Break him in gradually if necessary. Put him in for the fourth quarter in the upcoming game. Then, have him start the second half the next game. Start him the following game after that.

This isn't rocket science, Andy Reid!

Kafka threw for 532 yards in the 2010 Outback Bowl, so he has talent.

But the Eagles need to see Kafka in extensive action in regular season games. Is he a viable NFL quarterback or is this an area that needs to be addressed?

Keep Playing Riley Cooper

Riley Cooper had five pass receptions against the Giants and again against the Seahawks.

The Eagles have difficulty scoring in the red zone. So even when Jeremy Maclin is able to return, Cooper needs to be given plenty of playing time.

The team needs to find out if his 6'3" frame can help him be a good red zone target.

Make DeSean Jackson Inactive

In order to assure Riley Cooper gets plenty of opportunities, let's just put DeSean Jackson on the inactive list for the remainder of the year. 

This should make Jackson happy, since he has made it clear that avoiding taking a hit is more important than making a catch. He shouldn't take any hits on the bench.

Maybe without his bad attitude around, the listless and sloppy play will end and some momentum can be established for next season.

The Eagles should be able to get Alshon Jefferey in the draft to replace Jackson. If they lose all their remaining games, maybe they can even get Justin Blackmon.

Give Casey Matthews Another Shot

We haven't seen a lot of Casey Matthews since he bit on the inside play-action to Brandon Jacobs and let Jacobs rumble down the field for a touchdown after a reception.

The Eagles need to determine if Matthews's performance was just the result of reduced offseason activities or if he's just not NFL material.

That can't be determined unless he plays. There are 16 quarters left in the season. Matthews needs to play at least eight full quarters.

Is Matthews a keeper or just another mid-round pick that will eventually be released?

Let Dion Lewis Run the Ball

Dion Lewis has carried the ball only nine times all season.

During his two college years at Pittsburgh, he carried 544 times for 2,860 yards. He broke Pittsburgh records held by Tony Dorsett, LeSean McCoy and Craig "Ironhead" Heyward.

What kind of a load can he carry in the NFL? Can he be an every-down running back?

The Eagles need to find out. What is the sense of getting LeSean McCoy beat up or even injured by playing him in all four quarters every game late in the season?

Give Lewis the ball. Let's see what he can do.

Activate Brandon Graham

Defensive end Brandon Graham was the team's first draft pick of 2010. If he is fully recovered from his injuries, let's get him activated and into the action.

We know what Trent Cole and Jason Babin can do—now let's see what Graham can do.

Is he going to be in the mix at defensive end in 2012, traded or what will his status be? He needs some playing time over the last four games to help determine this.

Draft a Linebacker with an Early Pick

The Eagles need to draft a linebacker with an early pick. If they use their first round pick for a DeSean Jackson replacement, they might miss out on top linebackers Luke Kuechly and Zach Brown.

Maybe they can figure out a way to trade up using their two second round picks to snag one of those players.

If not, maybe Vontaze Burfict will slip low enough to be had with one of their second round picks. Burfict has had some aggression problems, which may drop him down considerably in the ratings.

But this kid loves to hit, as the video shows. The Eagles have lacked such a defensive player since they lost Brian Dawkins.

Imagine having a defensive player the opponents fear. That would be a refreshing change!

Trade Asante Samuel in the Offseason

Having three All-Star cornerbacks certainly has not worked as expected. It  has been amusing watching Asante Samuel pretend he is trying to make a tackle this year.

He needs to be traded.

In return, the Eagles need to get either a decent linebacker or a draft pick. This would enable them to trade up for one of the top linebackers available in the 2012 draft.

Say Goodbye to Vince Young

It wasn't that bad of an idea to have Vince Young around as an insurance policy.

But we have seen what Vince Young can do and it isn't pretty. Either he is telegraphing his throws or he has lost the ability to read defenses.

Whatever the case, his propensity to throw interceptions makes him expendable.

Keep Andy Reid on a Short Leash

Andy Reid should be given a shot at fixing the Eagles. Getting rid of some malcontents in the offseason should improve the chemistry of the team.

Maybe over the last four games, the team will also discover the proper role for some of the younger players going forward.

But his leash should be short. Whoever is brought in as defensive coordinator should be of sufficient stature and experience that they could take over midseason next year if things aren't turned around.

Fly Eagles Fly!