The Connection Between the Steve Smith signing and Jermey Maclin's Injury and Desean Jackson's Contract

In what would be a huge signing if the Eagles didn't already pick up a handful of Pro-Bowlers this off season, the Eagles picked up the (still) injured Steve Smith from the Giants.

Now Steve Smith WILL NOT play opening day, baring a miracle in recovery.  He isn't up to speed and healthy enough to play.  The Eagles are WILLING to guarantee him 2 million this year, with incentives leading up to 4 million dollars.  They must believe he is more valuable currently hurt than a healthy Plaxico who brought in 3-4 million, or a guy like Braylon Edwards with all the baggage he brings.

Steve Smith underwent Micro-Fracture Knee Surgery in December, and has yet to go anywhere near 100%.  Eagles staff believes with his recovery, he should be ready to go at the latest on Week 4.  Smith said in an interview, that he feels like he could practice tomorrow, but he doesn't want to rush anything. 

All this put aside, the Eagles didn't need a WR....and they got one....and they didn't get one that was cheap.  Desean and Maclin are two of the better 1-2 combo's in the league.  Jason Avant was arguably the best 3rd WR in the league.  Riley Cooper is the teams future as a tall target in the red zone.  The Eagles also have players with experience in camp for the 5th spot, such as Johnny Lee-Higgens, Chad Hall, and Sinocre Moss. 

But if Smith is healthy quick...is he your #2 or #3 WR? You know the Eagles could use another LB.....and they just got a WR.  Eagles Offense was set as it was with Ronnie Brown who's considered one of the best recieving RB in the game.....And the Eagles just added a Pro-Bowl WR who in 25 games over the last 2 years, had 1700+ yards and 10 TD's.

Here's my interpretation.....

Eagles got Steve Smith because they don't believe Maclin will be healthy for some time.  It only makes sense.  This signing honestly scares me enough to believe that Jermey Maclin will NOT be playing at all this year....or at-least for a long time.  It's a reasonable concern.  Maclin still can not figure out why he's sick, and i've heard enough "career threatening" rumors to scare me.

Also,
Both Steve Smith and Desean Jackson will be free agents at the end of the year.  While Desean is a must-sign, it might throw a little bit of competition his way.  Having Jackson, Maclin, Smith, and Avant as your top 4 is almost too good considering some of the other holes in positions like the O-line and Linebackers. 

But, ultimately this is because of Maclin.  I honestly believe he will not play this year.  Despite how good Avant is, he isn't quite a #2 WR in my eyes.  Steve Smith is that guy.

Eagles Depth Chart - Offense

As we try to establish some sanity with the Christmas in July we received from both the Phillies and Eagles, I will take a look position by position at the depth chart and some thoughts.  This could be updated by the hour if the Eagles bring in another name or trade Asante, but as of now on 8/2/2011...Here's what to expect.

QB - Vick, Young, Kafka.
     It's pretty clear that this team will live or die on the shoulders of #7.  It is reassuring having Vince Young as your backup, someone who has experience under the spotlight.  Kafka may be groomed into a backup next year assuming Young moves on, or we could very well draft a QB next offseason.  Just so you know, here are the last couple QB's the Eagles have picked in the first three rounds;  Kevin Kolb ('07), Donovan McNabb ('99), Bobby Hoying ('96), Randall Cunningham ('85).  Not a bad history there.

RB - McCoy, Brown, Buckley.
     Another clear cut starter in Shady.  He had a breakout season last year, and lets hope that continues again.  The Eagles made what I believe will be a great backup in Ronnie Brown.  Versatile player who was the 2nd pick in a draft not too long ago.  The 3rd RB is up for grabs.  Buckley is the favorite, but there are a handful of other names in training camp who could earn that spot, including Dion Lewis who was taken in the 5th Rd this year from Pittsburgh.  .

FB - Schmitt
     Honestly, who doesn't love Owen Schmitt.  He can block a LB or DB blitzing, and rumble over people with the ball in his hands.  I assume his role will be limited having a backup as versatile as Ronnie Brown.  Leonard Weaver is still not healthy, and was a proper release by this team. 

WR - Jackson, Maclin, Avant, Cooper, Higgins, Hall
     A clear cut 1-2 at WR.  The #3 WR can turn into a very interesting battle.  Avant is by far the favorite, and still a quality choice.  However, Riley Cooper had a very impressive rookie season; and height.  His tall stature is great across the middle, and he has good hands.  I believe the Eagles brought in Johnny Lee Higgins for special teams purpose, but he can be spread out wide as well.  Kevin Curtis I mean Chad Hall may be up for debate if he will make the team as a starter, or will be assigned for the practice squad.  I generally believe he will not make the roster, with the addition of Higgins and his value on special teams.   Eagles are very deep at WR, also having Sinorice Moss in training camp...you may remember him from being a 2nd round pick for the Giants.  They also have Rod Harper who saw some time last year (#83). and there is a handful of rookies in camp this year. With the addition of Higgins needing a spot on this roster, I don't see those guys on your opening day roster.

TE - Celek, Lee, Harbor/Ingram?
    Another position loaded with talent for the Eagles.  Celek is your main guy, as you are all aware.  I believe Donald Lee will be the ONLY other man on the roster.  The super bowl champion snuck in under the signing of Nnamdi and Babin, but he was not only a target for Rodgers in Green Bay, but a dominate force who helped out the Packers offensive line as a great blocker.  Harbor saw some action last year, and Cornelius Ingram had loads of talent if he could stay healthy.  I dont see either of these guys making the roster, but they are great practice squad guys.

OG - Herremans, Watkins.
     The Eagles are relying on their first round draft pick Danny Watkins to step in as a starter this year.  I think he will be fine, along with Herremans in front of Vick.  Eagles brought in a 30 year old in Evan Mathias who has played in a whooping 12 games in his career, along with another rookie.  Dallas Reynolds is a name as well who may actually make the roster, or be the first man in if there is any injury. 

OT - Peters, Howard/Dunlap/Harris
    Jason Peters will once again be the anchor on this offensive line.  The newest Eagle Ryan Harris is likely your second starter on the other side.  You could see King Dunlap or Austin Howard play a lot as well, both saw time on the field last year.  Fenuki Tupou is another name we may see out there on a sunday if injuries occur.  The Eagles are fairly deep at OT, but the skill behind Peters is questionable....as with a lot of the offensive line.

C - Jackson, McGlynn
     Another guy who the Eagles are looking to step up is Jamal Jackson.  He was a great player last year, but the injury set him back a step.  Still a position that has a question mark, but realistically the offensive line isn't as important with a guy like Vick behind center as compared to a "traditional" pocket QB.  McGlynn is an adequate backup, and two younger centers are in camp as well.

The Eagles could still use Offensive Line help, and Asante Samuel may be trade bait for a good man in front of Vick.  I can not argue against this being the deadliest offense in Eagles history.  It's going to be fun.

No Words Necessary

Football is back.

Brett Favre, Plaxico Burress, and Albert Haynesworth

No, it's not just any list of some free agents here.  And no, it's not just a list of the most controversial free agents.

These are three controversial players who could very well be in Eagles green next year. 

But how much can you as a fan take??

Allen Iverson's lackluster return, the Michael Vick press conference, Jamior Jagr or Max Tailbot in Orange and Black?  How would you feel seeing Brett Favre's grey beard sitting next to Andy and Lurie.  All Eagles fans were laughing hysterically at self-made jokes about Plaxico shooting himself.  What about the man who is in a debate with Jamarcus Russel for the laziest person in the NFL.

First off is the player I think would be the best option for Philadelphia.  Plaxico Burress.  Lets face it, it was a foolish crime, and he was jailed for too long.  I dont understand Ray Lewis being involved in the death of two people not spending a day in jail, while Plaxico went for two years for shooting himself.  When you justify Donte Stallworth, driving 10MPH+ over the speed limit and blowing a .012; going to jail for 30 days for driving drunk and killing someone  But with all of that aside, he isn't a horrible person, and a lot easier to accept as compared to a guy like Vick or Stallworth.

Plaxico's biggest asset to this team is his 6'5" 232lb frame.  That's 5-7" and 30-50 lbs on our top two receivers.  The Eagles redzone flat out sucks, and that's partially due to having your top two WR being so short.  You love their speed and the explosive 60 yard touchdowns when they run past everyone, but when your 10 yards away from the endzone on 3rd and 10; they aren't going to jump over a 6'3" corner or safety playing zone coverage.  Watch some film, the only redzone scores either Jackson or Maclin had were due to Vick's scramble or they made a move or two on coverage and got open.  The Eagles miss and need to have the ability to throw that jump ball to the back of the endzone, that jump ball they cherished with Terrell Owens. 

Plaxico could slide in as a 3 or 4 WR on this team.  I think Riley Cooper is a possible long-term solution, but he didn't do anything to make me rely on him to make a play with the game on the line.

As long as he is in shape and healthy, he would be an asset.  We have 3-4 quality receivers now, but God-forbid one of those go down, we are in trouble.  Plaxico would be a great name to add to the offense, ultimately, if the price is right.  The list of WR free agents is a massive one (Sidney Rice, Santonio Holmes, Steve Smith, Malcom Floyd, TO, Ochocinco, Randy Moss, etc) and a guy like Plaxico won't be a top target.

And now we move onto Albert Haynesworth, my least favorite of the three.  The talent is there, the skill is there, but I have no way to believe he will mature.  I've heard the argument that the Eagles can "mature" players and make them play to the top of their level; but I must ask these people how they forget about the Andrews twins and the circus that followed them, or when TO was doing sit-ups in his driveway. 

Haynesworth is a great player.  The Eagles are apparently switching to a Cover-2, which requires a lot better pass rushers than we have beyond Graham and Cole.  If I am in charge, Haynesworth is a gamble I am not willing to make.  I'd rather get a guy with a little less talent who will put their heart into the team.

Brett Favre.  You pissed at me for bringing up the last person you ever wanted to hear??

While he used the loose word "retired" after last year, you must consider that maybe he isn't retiring (again).
And what if him not retiring meant he was wearing Green and White next year??

Despite your instant displeasure and disapproval of the thought of a Green #4 Favre jersey, you must look at the full picture. 


It isn't official, but it's basically accepted as fact that Kevin Kolb will be traded.  Kolb is a NFL-ready QB, no questions asked, but you can question if he is a Pro-Bowl QB like Vick. 

Kolb may be a QB of the future, but we don't even know if Desean Jackson will be on the birds after this year.  Eagles are in it to win now, and that's why I believe Favre would be A GREAT FIT in Philadelphia.

Without Kolb, the Eagles have Michael Vick and Mike Kafka.  That's a backup who is not ready and a starter who's style of play is susceptible to injury.  It's common sense that the Eagles need a backup QB.

So what are the options?  Brett Favre, Alex Smith, Vince Young, Matt Leinheart, Marc Bulger, Matt Hasslebeck, Drew Stanton, Chad Pennington, Brady Quinn, Tavaras Jackson, Billy Volek, and some other 3rd stringers.  Favre may not be the best QB in this list, but the list of teams that don't have a QB with the season starting in 50some days is huge.  Arizona, Jacksonville, San Fran, Carolina, just to name a few.  And another handful of teams like Washington who have a QB, but they could be complete busts.

Regardless, my biggest push for Favre goes back to both the knowledge he has of the Eagles offense, and his relationship with Andy Reid. 

Andy Reid was hired as an assistant coach in Green Bay for the 1992 season, which happened to be Brett Favre's first season in Green Bay.  When Brett won a Super Bowl in 1997, Andy Reid was his QB coach.  Simply, they go back. Packers were historically a passing offense, exactly as the Eagles are now.  Favre could fit in pretty easily.


The back up QB situation is a very serious one for the Eagles.  I understand everyone's reservations about trading Kolb, but if you can bring in a name who can help out the weak Eagles defense like Rogers-Cromartie, you have to pull the trigger.  When it comes down to who you want to come into the NFC Championship game when Vick has to sit out a drive due to injury; do you want Vince Young, Brady Quinn, Matt Leinheart, etc...or Brett Favre.

I'll take Brett.

Plaxico???

As Michael Vick tweets about Plaxico, and Plaxico is rocking another Phillies hat, we start to ponder just the option of seeing Mr. I-forgot-to-turn-the-safety-on-my-gun in green and white next year.

Would Plaixco want to play in Philly?  Absolutely.  Try and make a case for why anyone wouldn't want to play with the most explosive offense in the league.  As long as he kept himself in shape, it isn't too difficult for someone with talents like him earn a spot as our #3 WR. 

Is Plaxico a good fit in Philly?  Absolutely.  The biggest flaw with our offense (minus the o-line) is the fact that the top two WR's are shorter than 80% of secondary players in the NFL.  While the size pays off in speed, you aren't burning anyone when there's less than 30 yards between the ball and the back of the endzone.  If you watched the Eagles successful and unsuccessful red zone trips last year.  A lot of those successful trips involved Vick scrambling, McCoy running it, or a WR getting open using a cut or post route.  I almost forgot that TD pass to O-Liner Herremans in Dallas too.  A lot of failed trips included Vick dropping back into the pocket and looking for the open receiver.  Jackson and Maclin are too short to dominate a zone defense in the red-zone.

Plaxico was always a great red-zone WR, and with his size, gives the Eagles that jump ball slash throw it to the back of the endzone where only our tall WR can catch it type of play.  I dont remember one successful jump ball for the Eagles offense last year, or a toe touch grab over a corner by a WR.  This is something Plaxico feeds off of, and rightfully so with his size.  Only type of play I remember, was that faithful throw against the Packers in the playoffs to Riley Cooper, that was slightly underthrown and picked off.

Riley Cooper is the Eagles future tall WR, but despite flashing some brilliance last year, he certainly isn't ready to be a go to guy game after game.  Not saying he never will be, but not today.

The Eagles time to win is now.  Vick won't get any younger, and despite the youngsters of our offense, who knows if we can keep them all together in the long run.  If you can get Plaxico for a deal similar to Vick, one year guaranteed, and a 2nd year club option worth a lot more, absolutely do it. 

As for Plaxico's jail sentence, what a joke.  Donte Stallworth drives drunk and kills a man, and that warrants a week behind bars.  Ray Lewis was involved in a fight where 2 guys ended up stabbed to death, pleded guilty for obstruction of justice, settled out of court and gave a ton of money to the families two people who were stabbed, and he's a saint in the NFL.  Plaxico shoots himself with his own gun? 2 years no questions asked.  I'm all for second chances, but all things considered, 2 years was pretty ridiculious.

Maybe next time we go to the Linc, next to those dumbass Vick protestors who PAID THE EAGLES AND VICK MONEY to buy his jersey; in return to spraypaint X's over it, we will see gun control guys next to them.  Hey I dunno if I can get more laughs then I already do out of the crowd in JFK park and tailgating before Eagles games, but just maybe some gun control protestors would.

Cheers!