Washington Redskins 2007 Season Preview

Again, I'm writing Season Previews of NFL teams to increase my NFL knowledge and this is my fourth in the series.

I'm not a Redskins fan and won't pretend to be, so if there are mistakes please tell me and I'll edit my post

enjoy!




Washington Redskins

2006 Statistical Rankings:

Total Offense: 13th
Rushing: 4th
Passing: 21st
Scoring: 20th

Total Defense: 31st
Rushing: 27th
Passing: 23rd
Scoring: 27th

Third Down Offense: 16th
Third Down Defense: 26th
Turnovers: 20th
Sacks: 32nd

Key Additions:
OT Jason Fabini (DAL)
OG Ross Tucker (NE)
MLB London Fletcher (BUF)
CB Fred Smoot (MIN)
CB David Macklin (ARI)
S Omar Stoutmire (NO)

Key Losses:
RB TJ Duckett (DET)
WR David Patten (NO)
OT Jim Molinaro (DAL)
OG Derrick Dockery (BUF)
OLB Warrick Holdman (DEN)
CB Kenny Wright (CLE)
S Adam Archuleta (trade-CHI)

Draft:

1. S LaRon Landry
5. OLB Dallas Sartz
6. MLB HB Blades
6. QB Jordan Palmer
7. TE Tyler Ecker

Quarterbacks: oo
Running Backs: ooooo
Receivers: ooo
Offensive Line: oooo
Defensive Line: o
Linebackers: ooo
Defensive Backs: ooo
Special Teams: oooo
Coaching: oooo


Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd and Adam Archuleta: three players the Redskins invested heavily in to acquire last off-season, but did not play nearly as well as hoped. Coming off a playoff season with a potent offense and a solid defense, the Washington Redskins� season did not go at all as hoped. A nightmare 3-7 start resulted in veteran QB Mark Brunell being benched in favor of former first rounder Jason Campbell. Redskins� defense fell off enormously, especially against the pass, as the Redskins finished with an abysmal 5-11 record.

Archuleta played poorly in only seven games and was benched in favor of aging veteran Troy Vincent and then Vernon Fox. He was promptly traded to Chicago for a sixth round pick after only one year in Washington. Kenny Wright also left town after a poor year in which he was often asked to start for the banged up Shawn Springs. Starting WLB Warrick Holdman also signed with Denver after an unimpressive 2006 season. On offense David Patten signed with New Orleans after two terrible seasons with the Redskins and T.J. Duckett left for Detroit. The Redskins invested a third round pick in Duckett who did little to nothing in his only year in Joe Gibbs� system. Finally, OG Derrick Dockery signed a 7-year 49 million dollar contract with Buffalo, making him the third highest paid Guard in Football.

For Snyder�s standards the off-season was quiet. For every other NFL owner the off-season was relatively busy. London Fletcher-Baker, a 32 year old veteran Linebacker who has put up seven straight 100-tackle seasons was the biggest acquisition. His addition bumps Lemar Marshall out of the MLB spot. Fred Smoot was also brought back from Minnesota after not being nearly the player he was in Washington. In further moves to deepen the depth deprived secondary, David Macklin and Omar Stoutmire were picked up, while Ross Tucker and Jason Fabini provide depth and competition on an offensive line that will need to find Dockery�s replacement.

Jason Campbell�s Week 11 debut at Tampa Bay meant the end of the short-lived Brunell era in Washington. Brunell remains the backup after having a pretty decent season. Considering that Campbell was basically a rookie he played quite solidly. Campbell had some very strong games (at Tampa, versus New York) and even his weaker efforts (versus Atlanta, Philadelphia) were far from catastrophic. Campbell actually threw for a touchdown in every game he started and has the tools to be a very good QB in the NFL. Further backups are sixth round rookie Jordan Palmer and Todd Collins.

Many would have thought that Pro Bowl tailback Clinton Portis� Week 10 hand injury against Philadelphia would have spelled the end to Washington�s success on the ground. Instead, backup Ladell Betts stepped up immensely and came within a yard from finishing with 1,600 total yards. Betts is a much better receiver out of the backfield than Portis and having both healthy in the backfield should cause plenty of matchup problems for opposing defenses. Derrick Blaylock was signed after the draft and was once a promising back in Kansas City. Rock Cartwright is a speedy Return Specialist who adds additional depth in the backfield. Mike Sellers is solid at Full Back, but is not a focal point in Gibbs� system.

Santana Moss is a top wideout, but had a disappointing 2006 campaign. Moss is one of the fastest players in the league but might not benefit as much from Campbell throwing to him, who struggles going deep. Opposite Moss is Brandon Lloyd, a talented athlete and a spectacular player, but not a consistent WR. In the slot is versatile Antwaan Randle-El who provided just as little as Lloyd his first year in Washington. James Thrash is the #4 wideout but is almost purely a return option at this point in his career. Chris Cooley has emerged as a top tier TE playing H-Back since Joe Gibbs� arrival. Cooley is an elite blocker at the TE position and is a good, versatile option in the passing game as well. Rookie seventh rounder Tyler Ecker and Zach Hilton are backups.

The offensive line was a strength last season and has been for several years but will now need to fill the hole left by Dockery�s departure. Todd Wade started in Miami and Houston before a sprained MCL during the 2005 season sidelined him until September of last year. Wade is a natural OT, but will compete with Taylor Whitley for the LG spot. Also in the mix is Mike Pucillo and recently acquired journeyman Ross Tucker, both of which spot started in Buffalo. Chris Samuels is a 4-time Pro Bowler and has started every season at LT for Washington since being drafted #3 overall in 2000. Opposite Samuels is reliable RT Jon Jansen. At Center Casey Rabach has been solid in his two seasons in Washington since coming over from nearby Baltimore. Ed Block Courage Award winner Randy Thomas returns at RG after coming back impressively from a broken leg injury last year. Jason Fabini, acquired from Dallas, adds additional depth at OT.

Defensively Greg Williams� unit dropped from one of the league�s best in 2004 to solid in 2005 to just plain awful in 2006. A lot of it was due to injuries, but finishing dead last in the NFL in sacks didn�t help either. Andre Carter was the only defensive lineman who played even close to well. He returns opposite Phillip Daniels who disappointed heavily after notching 8 sacks in 2005. Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evans are depth guys. Inside the problems get worse. Cornelius Griffin can be a solid DT when healthy, but was relatively injury free last year and failed to produce nonetheless. Next to him Joe Salave�a, whose play tailed off in 2006, and last year�s surprise sixth round rookie Kedric Golston will battle for the starting spot. Anthony Montgomery was drafted in the fifth round of last year�s draft and could push for playing time. Many fans and analysts were screaming the name of Amobi Okoye on draft day to help the defensive line, which entering the season appears to be clearly Washington�s biggest weakness.

Washington�s Linebacking corps struggled last season, largely due to an abundance of injuries to SLB Marcus Washington. Washington sprained his PCL and underwent elbow surgery and arthroscopic surgery on his hip in the off-season. A healthy Washington should benefit the Redskins� defense heavily. The Redskins� biggest off-season acquisition was that of London Fletcher-Baker from Buffalo. Fletcher-Baker has never missed a game in his solid 9-year career and has been a playmaker in both St. Louis and Buffalo. The 32-year old Fletcher-Baker�s biggest concern is his age. At WLB the Redskins let Warrick Holdman walk in order for last year�s second round pick, Rocky McIntosh, to step in. He will be challenged by Lemar Marshall who returns to WLB, where he excelled in 2004 and 2005. Marshall is also versatile enough to play all three LB spots. Veteran Khary Campbell is a good Special Teamer who provides depth at SLB. H.B. Blades was also drafted in the fifth round out of Pittsburgh and could be one of the steals of the draft.

The Redskins� secondary last season was a mess. Injuries to Shawn Springs forced Nickel Back Kenny Wright into the starting lineup where the latter struggled mightily. Wright left for Cleveland and was replaced by veteran Fred Smoot who returns for his second stint as a Redskin. Smoot was a very solid Corner in Washington before leaving for Minnesota and will hope to return to his old form again. Springs is healthy but appears slightly disgruntled after off-season rumors circulated around him being traded to Denver in exchange for Dre� Bly. Carlos Rogers was decent in his first full year as a starter but frustrated fans by dropping several key interceptions. David Macklin was a starter in Arizona and Indianapolis and was added for further depth in the defensive backfield.

Archuleta�s struggles last season were a big reason for Washington�s struggles defending the pass, and neither Vernon Fox nor Troy Vincent was much better. LaRon Landry was drafted with the #5 overall pick in the draft and was a productive Safety at LSU before wowing scouts with impressive workouts, including a 3.37 40-time. Landry should start immediately next to Pro Bowl FS Sean Taylor who was forced to do everything last season. Taylor is supremely talented but was a bit inconsistent in 2006. Omar Stoutmire was signed from New Orleans to provide depth at SS while veteran Pierson Prioleau backs up Taylor. The Redskins� secondary is talented, but is injury prone and could have problems if the line fails to create pressure.

John Hall was hurt for the third straight year in 2006 and was released after Shaun Suisham provided a solid effort in his absence. Derrick Front is the Punter, while the return game will be manned by Rock Cartwright who had a great year returning kicks and Antwaan Randle-El. Ladell Betts, James Thrash and Santana Moss are further players who can return kicks for Washington.

The Washington Redskins should be a better team in 2007 if the defense is healthy. The backfield appears lethal with two great backs in Portis and Betts. Jason Campbell will enter his second season as a starter and should improve upon a relatively solid freshman campaign. Thus, the offense should be okay. The back seven was heavily addressed in the off-season but absolutely nothing was done to fix the porous Defensive Line or to increase pressure on opposing QBs. The Linebackers, if healthy, should be better and the secondary is deep and talented. Unfortunately, the Defensive Line could be so bad that QBs could have sufficient time to beat any coverage that Greg Williams shows. This team won�t be a contender in 2007, but a weak NFC could allow the Redskins to slip into the playoffs if Campbell has a breakout season and the many cooks in the kitchen that is the Redskins� coaching staff don�t spoil the soup.


Depth Chart: (<>=elite, X=solid, o+adequate, -=below average)

QB
J. Campbell o
M. Brunell
J. Palmer
T. Collins
RB
C. Portis X
L. Betts X
R. Cartwright
D. Blaylock
FB
M. Sellers o
N. Broughton
WR
S. Moss X
WR
B. Lloyd o
WR
A. Randle-El o
J. Thrash
TE
C. Cooley X
T. Ecker
Z. Hilton
LT
C. Samuels <>
T. Wade o
LG
T. Whitley o
R. Tucker
C
C. Rabach X
M. Pucillo
RG
R. Thomas X
W. Whittiker
RT
J. Jansen X
J. Fabini


LE
A. Carter X
R. Wynn
LDT
C. Griffin o
A. Montgomery
RDT
J. Salave�a �
K. Golston �
R. Boschetti
RE
P. Daniels o
D. Evans
SLB
M. Washington X
K. Campbell
H. Blades
MLB
L. Fletcher-Baker X
WLB
R. McIntosh o
L. Marshall o
D. Sartz
A. Trucks
CB
S. Springs X
CB
C. Rogers o
NCB
F. Smoot o
D. Macklin o
A. Jimoh
FS
S. Taylor <>
R. Doughty
P. Prioleau
SS
L. Landry o
O. Stoutmire
V. Fox


K
S. Suisham o
P
D. Frost X
RS
R. Cartwright X
A. Randle-El X
L. Betts
J. Thrash
S. Moss





Notable Individual Stats:

Offense:
Jason Campbell � 53.1% - 10 TDs � 6 INTs � 76.5
Ladell Betts � 1154 � 4 TDs � 53 � 445 � 1 TD
Clinton Portis � 523 � 7 TDs
Santana Moss � 55 � 790 � 6 TDs
Chris Cooley � 57 � 734 � 6 TDs

Defense:
Sean Taylor � 114 Tackles
Lemar Marshall � 104 Tackles
London Fletcher � 146 Tackles � 5 TFLs � 4 INTs
Andre Carter � 6 Sacks � 5.5 TFLs
Carlos Rogers � 17 PDs

New York GIants 2007 Season Preview

This is the third in my Season Preview Series
again, I'm not a Giants fan, so I won't pretend to be an absolute expert so if there are mistakes, please tell me and I will edit my post
enjoy!


New York Giants

2006 Statistical Rankings:

Total Offense: 14th
Rushing: 7th
Passing: 19th
Scoring: 11th

Total Defense: 25th
Rushing: 14th
Passing: 28th
Scoring: 24th

Third Down Offense: 16th
Third Down Defense: 24th
Turnovers: 18th
Sacks: 23rd

Key Additions:
QB Anthony Wright (CIN)
RB Reuben Droughns (trade-CLE)
DT Marcus Bell (DET)
OLB Kawika Mitchell (KC)
S Mike Stone (HOU)

Key Losses:
RB Tiki Barber (retired)
WR Tim Carter (trade-CLE)
TE Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN)
OT Luke Petitgout (TB)
CB Frank Walker (GB)
K Jay Feeley (MIA)

Draft:

1. S Aaron Ross
2. WR Steve Smith
3. DT Jay Alford
4. OLB Zak Deossie
5. TE Kevin Boss
6. OT Adam Koets
7. S Michael Johnson
7. RB Ahmad Bradshaw


Quarterbacks: oo
Running Backs: oo
Receivers: oooo
Offensive Line: ooo
Defensive Line: oooo
Linebackers: ooo
Defensive Backs: oo
Special Teams: oo
Coaching: ooo

The New York Giants� 2006 season was a story of two teams really. The first team, highly regarded in preseason with the addition of LaVar Arrington, surged out to a 6-2 start beating all three NFC East foes in the process. The second team, immensely struck with injuries, would run the first team�s 6-2 record into the ground, losing six of the final eight games. New York just barely snuck into the playoffs before being beaten by Philadelphia on a last second Field Goal by David Akers. Raining complaints from players about Head Coach Tom Coughlin surprisingly did not result in Coughlin�s resignation or firing as he will be back at the helm of this team in 2007.

What kept the Giants afloat through the turmoil was Running Back Tiki Barber. Barber had announced he would retire following the season and stayed true to his promise following a career performance against Washington (258 yards, 3 TDs) and a solid effort against the Eagles in his last ever playoff game. Barber almost single-handedly carried the Giants through the season and his 2127 total yards in 2006 will be dearly missed. Blocking TE Visanthe Shiancoe signed with Minnesota to compete for a starting job while longtime starting LT Luke Petitgout, whose Week 10 injury was largely blamed for the team�s struggles down the stretch, will now be playing for Tampa Bay. Kicker Jay Feeley struggled in 2005 but bounced back nicely in 2006. He was picked up by Miami, leaving New York virtually Kicker-less. Finally, underachieving WR Tim Carter was traded away to Cleveland.

In return for Carter, the Giants received RB Reuben Droughns who, after two consecutive 1,200 yard seasons, disappointed heavily in 2006 and was made expendable when the Browns acquired Jamal Lewis from Baltimore. Linebacker Kawika Mitchell was also acquired from Kansas City and should look to compete for a starting job. Journeyman Anthony Wright was also signed from Cincinnati. Wright had previously played decently in spot starts in Baltimore and will now backup Manning. DT Marcus Bell was picked up from Detroit to compete at DT for the Giants.

The Giants invested heavily in Eli Manning when they traded away Phillip Rivers and multiple draft picks to San Diego to get him in 2004. Ironically, up to now Rivers has been the better QB. Eli has shown flashes of greatness (Week 2 versus Philadelphia: 371 yards, 3 TDs), but has also been horrible at times (Week 10 versus Chicago: 28.3 Rating). In all Eli Manning has been mediocre. Yet the Giants Front Office is not giving up on Manning quite yet. He is now entering his fourth year in New York and by now it should become clear whether or not Eli Manning will ever live up to his lofty expectations. Manning�s backups are unimpressive, thus the Giants trust him. Anthony Wright could hold up if Manning were to get injured, but will not challenge Manning in any way for the starting job. 275-pound Jared Lorenzen and Tim Hasselbeck, also a younger brother of an established NFL QB, are further unimpressive backups.

The retirement of Tiki Barber leaves Manning without a big time offensive weapon out of the backfield. Enormous 6�4 264-pound power back Brandon Jacobs, who assumed primarily short yardage situations last year, will be looked upon to carry a lot bigger load in the upcoming season. Jacobs scored 9 TDs in 2006 and the Giants are very high on him but it is questionable whether the former fourth round pick out of Southern Illinois is an every down back. Reuben Droughns was acquired in case Jacobs doesn�t pan out. Droughns had a poor 2006 after two consecutive 1,200 yard season in Denver and Cleveland. He is a converted Full Back and should battle Jacobs in preseason. Cedric Humes and seventh round rookie Ahmad Bradshaw provide depth. Helping the running game is Jim Finn, whose excellent lead blocking was a major reason for Barber�s improved play over his last four NFL seasons.

Playmaker Plaxido Burress and his huge 6�5 232-pound frame return as Manning�s primary wideout. Burress has been very solid in two seasons since coming over from Pittsburgh. 33-year old Amani Toomer will start his 12th season in New York. Toomer has been a very good player throughout his career and was on his way to putting up another solid year in 2006 before a Week 9 ACL injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The Giants have been planning the post-Toomer era in New York, drafting WRs in the second rounds of each of the last two drafts. Sinorice Moss contributed little in his rookie season, but has elite speed and could emerge as a deep threat in his second season in New York. Steve Smith out of USC is a solid route runner who was very productive in college and should at worst wind up a decent slot receiver in the NFL. David Tyree is an excellent Special Teams player and is a high character guy. Darius Watts and Mike Jennings will have to impress to make the roster. At Tight End, New York�s Jeremy Shockey is one of the toughest players in the league and is an elite Tight End in the NFL. The departure of Shiancoe leaves the Giants without an excellent blocking TE whose role is now left to fifth round rookie Kevin Boss out of Oregon.

Another question mark on offense is Left Tackle, where Luke Petitgout�s departure leaves a big hole in the Offensive Line. Rich Seubert is a fan favorite who has been used creatively as an extra lineman and receiver, but is now expected to step in at LG where he played after Petitgout went down in Week 10. Versatile David Diehl will now be forced to man the all important LT position, but is a definite downgrade from the reliable Petitgout. Shaun O�Hara is solid at Center while Chris Snee, a Pro Bowl alternate in 2005, could emerge as one of the NFL�s elite at RG in the upcoming season. Run blocking specialist Kareem McKenize is the RT. There is little depth outside of last year�s fourth round pick Guy Whimper.

New York�s defense was its real problem, where injuries in particular to Michael Strahan and LaVar Arrington severely crippled the Giants down the stretch. Strahan returns and should improve the pass rush which was very mediocre last season. Osi Umenyiora had a breakout season in 2005, but was neither healthy nor spectacular in 2006. The health of Strahan and Umenyiora could make or break this team. Inside Fred Robbins quietly actually had arguably the best season of any Giant of defense. Joining him at DT is Barry Cofield, who had a decent rookie season, but is hardly a lock to start. He will be challenged by disappointing former first round pick William Joseph, Marcus Bell, recently acquired from Detroit, and rookie third rounder Jay Alford out of Penn State, although the latter should be used primarily on third down. Justin Tuck provides depth at DE.

In order to make up for the departure of Arrington, whose destination is still unknown, Matthias Kiwanuka was moved to Strongside Linebacker. Kiwanuka had a good rookie season, but the transition to SLB will be new territory for the grandson of Benedicto Kiwanuka, the first Prime Minister of Uganda. Reggie Torbor is the backup in case the Kiwanuka experiment fails. Torbor has been a good depth guy, but has been less than impressive in 13 career starts. Antonio Pierce is the Middle Linebacker and had yet another strong season in 2006. Pierce is no longer under the radar like he was his last season in Washington and has produced very well since being in New York, going to his first Pro Bowl in 2006. Kawika Mitchell was brought in to start at WLB or alternatively to provide depth at all three LB spots. The 6�1 253-pound Mitchell put two very solid seasons together after being drafted in the second round of the 2003 draft by Kansas City. Another option at Linebacker is last year�s third round pick Gerris Wilkinson, on whom the coaching staff is very high. Zak DeOssie was also drafted in the fourth round out of Brown to provide depth at multiple spots.

The secondary was the biggest problem, allowing 228 yards per game through the air, good for 28th in the league. Thus Aaron Ross was drafted out of Texas in the first round. Ross will initially offer depth at both Corner and Safety, before eventually taking over for 33-year old Sam Madison. Once one of the best in the NFL, the veteran Madison was acquired last off-season to try to replace Will Allen but wasn�t the answer New York had in mind. Neither was former second round pick Corey Webster, who after two years in the league has yet to impress. R.W. McQuarters was also signed last season from Detroit and is a good option at Nickel Corner. Unfortunately, McQuarters was too often forced to start in place of banged up starters Madison and Webster. Kevin Dockery, who had a 96-yard interception return versus Dallas in Week 9, and journeyman Jason Bell provide additional depth.

Gibril Wilson has been a playmaker since his rookie season in New York and is far and away the best member of the Giants� secondary. Will Demps, acquired from Baltimore last off-season, is the Free Safety. Demps is more suited at Strong Safety and weaknesses in coverage showed last year. Interestingly, both Safeties finished the year with over 100 tackles. Seventh round rookie Michael Johnson and Michael Stone, who played in only two games last season, are the depth guys. James Butler enters his third season as backup Free Safety in New York. The Giants are also relying on Bell and Ross to play some Safety if needed to.

The departure of Kicker Jay Feeley left a gaping whole at Kicker that the Giants� have decided to fill in the form of one of two undrafted rookies, Josh Huston and Mark Hickok, who will battle for the job. The veteran Jeff Feagles returns for his twentieth season in the NFL and tied a career high for net punt average last year. McQuarters will take over Return duty unless Sinorice Moss steals his job away.

New York will need to find a way to replace their engine on which the team had run since 2000: Tiki Barber. Jacobs and Droughns are big question marks, so the 2007 Giants will have to be Manning�s team if they want to win. Manning has weapons and a pretty decent Offensive Line so if he should ever break out, now�s the time. Defensively the team should profit from additional pass rush from healthy ends Strahan and Umenyiora, while the Kiwanuka experiment could turn out great as well. The Giants seem to be relying a lot on the added pass rush to fix the dreadful pass defense, as the secondary will see the same starters it saw last year. Additionally, there is no Kicker in the Giants clubhouse with any NFL credentials so close games could be an issue. In all, Eli Manning needs to realize now that he needs to be the leader of this team and play like it too. The Giants don�t look as good on paper as last year, and the only thing that can really offset that is a breakout year from Eli Manning.

Depth Chart: (<>=elite, X=solid, o=adequate, -=below average)

QB
E. Manning o
A. Wright
J. Lorenzen
T. Hasselbeck
RB
B. Jacobs �
R. Droughns o
C. Humes
A. Bradshaw
FB
J. Finn X
WR
P. Burress X
WR
A. Toomer o
WR
S. Moss o
S. Smith o
D. Tyree
D. Watts
TE
J. Shockey <>
K. Boss
LT
D. Diehl o
G. Whimper
LG
R. Seubert o
C
S. O�Hara X
G. Ruegamer
RG
C. Snee X
RT
K. McKenzie X
A. Koets



LDE
M. Strahan X
J. Tuck
LDT
F. Robbins X
W. Joseph �
M. Bell
RDT
B. Cofield o
J. Alford �
RDE
O. Umenyiora X
A. Awasom
SLB
M. Kiwanuka o
R. Torbor o
T. Smith
MLB
A. Pierce <>
C. Blackburn
Z. DeOssie
ROLB
K. Mitchell X
G. Wilkinson o
J. Davis
CB
S. Madison o
CB
C. Webster o
NCB
A. Ross o
R. McQuarters o
FS
W. Demps o
J. Butler
M. Johnson
SS
G. Wilson X
J. Bell
M. Stone



K
J. Huston -
M. Hickok -
P
J. Feagles <>
RS
R. McQuarters X
S. Moss
M. Jenkins

Notable Individual Stats:

Offense:
Eli Manning � 57.7% - 24 TDs � 18 INTs � 77.0
Brandon Jacobs � 426 � 9 TDs
Reuben Droughns � 758 � 4 TDs
Plaxido Burress � 63 � 988 � 10 TDs
Jeremy Shockey � 66 � 625 � 7 TDs

Defense:
Antonio Pierce � 140 Tackles � 7 TFLs
Gibril Wilson � 103 Tackles
Will Demps � 100 Tackles
Kawika Mitchell � 104 Tackles
Fred Robbins � 5.5 Sacks � 6.5 TFLs
Osi Umenyiora � 6 Sacks

Dallas Cowboys 2007 Season Preview

I am writing my own 2007 Season Preview magazine (ala Streets and Smiths, Sporting News...) to further increase my knowledge of the NFL

I have now finished the Dallas Cowboys

But it is not at all set in stone and since I'm not a Cowboys fan, I may have may some mistakes so please tell me if I did

I just wanted people to tell me what they think




Dallas Cowboys

Statistical Rankings:

Total Offense: 5th
Rushing: 13th
Passing: 5th
Scoring: 4th

Total Defense:

Total Defense: 13th
Rushing: 10th
Passing: 24th
Scoring: 20th

Third Down Offense: 2nd
Third Down Defense: 28th
Turnovers: 13th
Sacks: 19th

Key Additions:
QB Brad Johnson (MIN)
OT Jim Molinaro (WAS)
OG Leonard Davis (ARI)
S Ken Hamlin (SEA)

Key Losses:
QB Drew Bledsoe (retired)
OT Jason Fabini (WAS)
C Al Johnson (ARI)
DE Kenyon Coleman (NYJ)
MLB Ryan Fowler (TEN)

Draft:

1. DE Anthony Spencer
3. OT James Marten
4. QB Isaiah Stanback
4. OT Doug Free
6. K Nick Folk
6. FB Deon Anderson
7. CB Courtney Brown
7. CB Alan Ball


Quarterbacks:____ooo
Running Backs:___oooo
Receivers:_______ooooo
Offensive Line:___ooo
Defensive Line:___ooo
Linebackers:_____oooo
Defensive Backs:_ooo
Special Teams:___oooo
Coaching:_______ooo

One word to describe the Dallas Cowboys 2006 season: Heartbreak. Heartbreaking losses to Jacksonville and Philadelphia early in the season prompted Bill Parcells to break the heart of his long time starting QB Drew Bledsoe and find a new star in Tony Romo. Romo had been with the Cowboys for three years and coaches had been high on him, but it had always seemed improbable to bench a potential Hall of Fame QB in favor of a former undrafted Quarterback out of Eastern Illinois. What emerged from the controversial change was one of the greatest feel good stories of the year, as Romo won over the hearts of all of Cowboys nation, Pro Bowl voters and even country music beauty Carrie Underwood. Yet in "Any Given Sunday�? like fashion, Romo�s Cowboys faded strongly down the stretch, capped off by losing the Division to Philly on a Week 17 heartbreaking loss to Detroit. When finally down late to Seattle in the Wild Card round in position for a chip shot win, Romo was victim of the NFL blunder of the year, unable to hold onto the snap.

Bill Parcells retired subsequently and ushered in the Wade Phillips era in Dallas. Phillips has had prior marginal success as a Head Coach but San Diego�s stifling run defense in 2006 was largely the reason for his hiring. Phillips is considered one of the NFL�s best defensive minds and inherits a team which wasn�t a bad defensive team on first or second down, but was unable to stop anybody on third down. Furthermore, Dallas saw Bledsoe follow Parcells to be reunited in retirement and have several starters on defense (Greg Ellis most notably) not far away from retirement. Backup Offensive Linemen Al Johnson and Jason Fabini also left for greener pastures leaving the Line thin and old.

In response to this, the Cowboys broke the bank big time, inking former #2 overall pick Leonard Davis to a lucrative 7 year, 49.6 million dollar deal. Leonard has yet to live up to expectations, but is still widely considered a solid Tackle. Jim Molinaro was also acquired from the Redskins to fill departed Al Johnson�s shoes. To replace Bledsoe, Dallas signed Super Bowl winner Brad Johnson who provides strong insurance in case the last season Tony Romo is the real Tony Romo. Finally, after years of neglecting the Free Safety position, Dallas signed solid Seattle FS Ken Hamlin.

Which Tony Romo will show up in 2007? Will it be the Tony Romo who torched the Cardinals, Buccaneers and Falcons for a combined 892 yards and 9 TDs or the Tony Romo who struggled heavily against the Giants, Saints and Eagles? Critics claim he was figured out by the end of the year, while others blame lack of experience. Whatever the case, Dallas made sure to be in a position to still contend if Romo doesn�t pan out. Brad Johnson had done a fine job taking over for the injured Dante Culpepper in 2005, but struggled a bit in 2006. Still, Johnson has been a winner throughout his career and is able to lead a good team to success. In case Romo should prove not to be the QB of the future that the Cowboys had hoped he would be, Washington QB project Isaiah Stanback was drafted in the fourth round and will be groomed to possibly be the answer down the road. Stanback is a very raw passer but has strong intangibles.

At Running Back Dallas will continue the strong one-two punch of scatback Julius Jones and TD machine Marion Barber III. Barber is a very strong goal line threat, illustrated by his 14 TDs last season, while Jones has had a run for over 50 yards every season of his career so far. Tyson Thompson is a speedy runner who can return kicks if needed to. At Fullback, the Cowboys are going with Lousaka Polite, Oliver Hoyte and rookie Deon Anderson. Anthony Fasano was drafted last year to play a lot of two-TE sets, so none of the FBs on the roster will make much contribution offensively.

Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn form a duo of loud receivers who are both still very valuable both as deep threats and intermediate targets. Owens had his share of drops throughout the season but was a top notch red zone target and might have been a Pro Bowl Snuff. Glenn had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2006. The only problem with Owens and Glenn is their age: Glenn will be 33 and Owens will be 34 when the season starts. Patrick Crayton came out of nowhere to put up a strong numbers and was a big reason why Dallas more 3-WR sets than almost every team in the league. Sam Hurd, Jamaica Rector and Jerheme Urban are all young options at wide out will most likely be fighting for one job, while Miles Austin is a solid return man. Jason Whitten is a perennial Pro Bowler and is the most talented player on offense for Dallas. Anthony Fasano was slightly disappointing last year and figures to be a bigger factor this season.

The Cowboys’ Offensive Line featured two Pro Bowlers in OT Flozell Adams and C Andre Gurode, who survived a kick in his helmet-less head from Titans DT Albert Haynesworth to actually put up a strong season. The Offensive Line however, was also a big reason for the Cowboys demise late in the season. During Romo’s first 7 games, he was sacked just 9 times. However, during the final 4 games, Romo was thrown down a total of 12 times. This was a main reason why the Cowboys broke the bank for Leonard Davis. James Marten was drafted out of Boston College to hopefully develop into 32-year old Flozell Adams’ future replacement. Doug Free was also drafted in the fourth round and is versatile enough to play either inside or outside. Marco Rivera may very well retire from football before the 2007 season but would be a solid option at G should he change his mind.

The defensive line is still anchored by massive NT Jason Ferguson. He is backed up by Jay Ratliff who emerged last year to provide a nice boost with four sacks and three recovered fumbles. The former 7th round pick Ratliff projects both inside and inside. The Defensive Ends are former first rounder Marcus Spears and former 4th rounder Chris Canty. Both have been unspectacular but decent. Jason Hatcher is a decent role player off the bench and rookie Anthony Spencer could see some time at DE as well on passing downs.

The Cowboys� Linebackers are the deepest part of the team, thanks in part to four day one picks, including three first rounders that were invested in the group. DeMarcus Ware was the first of these. Originally drafted to be a cornerstone in Parcells� new 3-4 defense, Ware has emerged as one of the NFL�s premiere pass rushers and is a true playmaker despite minor weaknesses in coverage. Opposite Ware is veteran Greg Ellis. Ellis was unsure about his role in the 3-4 defense, but made the transition nicely to OLB where he registered 4.5 sacks in just 9 games before going down for the year. The Cowboys traded up with the Eagles to nab Anthony Spencer, a player they were extremely high on. Spencer figures to be 32-year old Ellis� future replacement and will see time this year on passing downs as a pass rusher. Inside, the Cowboys will rely on the dependable Akin Ayodele who had a strong season, especially versus the run. Last year�s #1 pick Bobby Carpenter will challenge Bradie James for the starting spot. Alternatively Carpenter could also challenge Ellis outside. Kevin Burnett is a versatile backup.

The Cowboys� Defensive Backfield had its share of struggles last year, thanks largely in part to poor play in coverage. Speedster Terrance Newman is a good player who played very average last season. Anthony Henry played fairly well, but along with Nickel Corner Aaron Glenn is not getting any younger. For this reason Dallas drafted Cornerback projects Courtney Brown, who had insane individual workouts, and Alan Ball. Nate Jones and Jacques Reeves are decent depth guys.

Roy Williams is an elite run stopper at the SS position; probably the best in the NFL. However, his coverage skills are very, very average. This isn�t usually s terrible flaw for a SS, but it is a concern when there is no FS to help. Pat Watkins and Keith Davis were rotated in at FS throughout the year and struggled heavily. Dallas even signed Tony Parrish late in the season hoping for a miracle to solve the FS problem. Ken Hamlin was signed from Seattle in one of the more underrated moves of the off-season and should aid a unit which finished 24th against the pass.

Miles Austin is back as the Kick Returner and is solid. Bullets Crayton and Newman will assume Punt Return duty. Matt McBriar enjoyed a breakout season in his third year after coming over from the Australian Football League. Martin Grammatica was surprisingly solid last year as the Kicker, but Nick Folk was drafted to compete with him. Folk has an amazing leg but has problems controlling it.

Last year�s Dallas Cowboys had one of the NFL�s premiere offenses and should this year as well if the good Tony Romo shows up. All his targets are returning this year and he has a new bodyguard in Leonard Davis. The defense should remain stout against the run and receives a big boost in Ken Hamlin. Unfortunately, despite Dallas� attempts to get younger at multiple positions, there are still many positions, such as WR and NT, which are aging dangerously to the point that Dallas may need Romo to emerge as the QB of the future to keep the window open. Dallas is clearly the second best team in the NFC East and should contend this year, but the new coaching staff will have to be better than Parcells was these last few years to be a serious contender.

Depth Chart: (<> = elite, X = solid, o = adequate, - = below average)

WR
T. OwensP <>
S. Hurd
M. Austin
J. Rector
TE
J. Witten <>
A. Fasano o
A. Thorn
LOT
F. Adams X
P. McQuistan
J. Marten
LOG
K. Kosier o
C. Procter
C
A. Gurode X
T. Darilek
ROG
L. Davis X
M. Rivera X
J. Berger
J. Molinaro
ROT
M. Colombo o
D. Free
WR
T. Glenn X
P. Crayton X
J. Urban
QB
T. Romo X
B. Johnson
M. Baker
I. Stanback
FB
O. Hoyte �
L. Polite �
D. Anderson -
RB
J. Jones X
M. Barber III X
T. Thompson


LDE
M. Spears o
S. Bowen
NT
J. Ferguson X
J. Ratliff o
M. Stanley
RDE
C. Canty o
J. Hatcher
LOLB
G. Ellis X
J. Glymph
A. Spencer o
LILB
B. James o
RILB
A. Ayodele X
B. Carpenter o
ROLB
D. Ware <>
K. Burnett o
LCB
T. Newman X
A. Glenn o
N. Jones
J. Thomas
SS
R. Williams X
A. Elam
D. Bilbo
FS
K. Hamlin X
P. Watkins �
K. Davis
A. Ball
RCB
A. Henry X
J. Reeves
Q. Butler
C. Brown


K
M. Gramatica o
D. Anderson
P
M. McBriar <>
KR
M. Austin X
T. Newman X
T. Thompson o
P. Crayton o

Notable Individual Stats:

Offense:
Tony Romo � 65.3% - 19 TDs � 13 INTs � 95.1
Julius Jones � 1084 � 4 TDs
Marion Barber III � 654 � 14 TDs
Terrell Owens � 85 � 1180 � 13 TDs
Terry Glenn � 70 � 1047 � 6TDs
Patrick Crayton � 36 � 516 � 4 TDs
Jason Whitten � 64 � 754 � 1 TD

Defense:
Bradie James � 103 Tackles
DeMarcus Ware � 11.5 Sacks � 5 FFs
Akin Ayodele � 6 TFLs
Roy Williams � 5 INTs
Anthony Henry � 21 PDs

Philadelphia Eagles 2007 Season Preview

In order to increase my knowledge of the NFL, I've started an individual project to create a "Streets and Smiths"- like Season Preview of every team in the NFL.

I've started and finished the Philadelphia Eagles. Tell me what you think!


Philadelphia Eagles

2006 Statistical Rankings:

Total Offense: 2nd
Rushing: 11th
Passing: 3rd
Scoring: 6th

Total Defense: 15th
Rushing: 26th
Passing: 9th
Scoring: 15th

Third Down Offense: 8th
Third Down Defense: 25th
Turnovers: 9th
Sacks: 8th

Key Additions:
QB Kelly Holcomb (trade-BUF)
WR Kevin Curtis (STL)
RS Bethel Johnson (MIN)
DT Ian Scott (CHI)
DT Montae Reagor (IND)
OLB Takeo Spikes (trade-BUF)

Key Losses:
QB Jeff Garcia (TB)
WR Donte Stallworth (NE)
DT Darwin Walker (trade-BUF)
OLB Shawn Barber (HOU)
CB Rod Hood (ARI)
S Michael Lewis (SF)

Draft:

2. QB Kevin Kolb
2. DE Victor Abiamiri
3. OLB Stewart Bradley
3. RB Tony Hunt
5. S CJ Gaddis
5. TE Brent Celek
6. CB Rashad Barksdale
7. FB Nate Ilaoa

Quarterbacks:____ooooo
Running Backs:___oooo
Receivers:_______ooo
Offensive Line:___ooooo
Defensive Line:___ooo
Linebackers:_____oo
Defensive Backs:_oooo
Special Teams:___ooo
Coaching:_______oooo

The Philadelphia Eagles� roller coaster season was characterized by unpredictability. After cruising to a 4-1 start, in which the loss of Jevon Kearse in Week 2 appeared to have no impact on the team, the team fell hard through the middle part of the season, dropping to 5-6, allowing 168 yards per game on the ground during that span and losing Quarterback Donovan McNabb for the season with a torn ACL. Then during what appeared to be the most brutal part of the season, the distraught team rallied around former Pro Bowl QB Jeff Garcia and a new found commitment to the running game to win the NFC East and drive to the NFC Divisional Playoff round where Sean Payton�s surging Saints simply outplayed the Eagles.

Thus Philadelphia went into the off-season merely with a phony QB controversy, a Swiss cheese run defense and an undersized backfield. Five months later, Jeff Garcia is gone, as is speedy deep threat Donte� Stallworth. Former Pro Bowler Safety Michael Lewis moved out of the Eagles doghouse to San Francisco while Nickel Corner Rod Hood and DT Darwin Walker will compete for jobs in Arizona and Buffalo, respectively.

The Eagles sacrificed Walker�s pass rush skills to acquire Takeo Spikes; at one time possibly the best OLB in football. He is set to solidify a Linebacker group that lacked playmakers last season. Montae Reagor was added from Indianapolis to provide pass rush on Third Down, while the Eagles signed Ian Scott to further solidify the run defense, should last year�s #1 pick Brodrick Bunkley disappoint for a second straight season. Additionally, Kevin Curtis was acquired from St. Louis to assume Stallworth�s role as the split end in Andy Reid�s big play offense.

McNabb�s health is perhaps the biggest determining factor whether the Eagles will be Super Bowl contenders. Should he go down, the familiar face of AJ Feeley should step in unless Kelly Holcomb, acquired with Spikes, should beat Feeley out in Training Camp. Kolb will most likely not see the field this or next year, but the Eagles were clearly over the moon with him to invest their first pick in him.

At Running Back, Brian Westbrook comes off a career year in which he proved critics claiming he wasn�t a pure runner wrong by rushing for 1217 yards. In total Westbrook finished with 1916 yards and 11 TDs. Hunt was drafted to provide the power running game which had been missing since the days of Dorsey Levens in 2004. "Nasti�? Nate Ilaoa is a "human bowling ball�?-type runner who will be tried out at both FB and RB. Explosive yet disappointing Ryan Moats and experienced Correll Buckhalter compete for a spot to replace Westbrook should he go down again. Thomas Tapeh is the FB and will most likely hold off any threat from Jason Davis and Nate Ilaoa.

At Wide Receiver Reggie Brown is set for a breakout season. Putting up solid numbers in his first two seasons in Philadelphia, he is now ready to be the #1 option at wide out. Across from him Kevin Curtis will look to replicate his 2005 season when, filling in for injured Isaac Bruce, Curtis started 9 games hauled in 60 catches for 801 yards and 6 TDs. He will compete with Hank Baskett who put up solid numbers in his rookie season, despite not being drafted. Further competing for roster spots are Jason Avant and Greg Lewis, along with Return Specialists Jeremy Bloom and Bethel Johnson. LJ Smith, entering a contract year, has had his production limited with injuries to McNabb the past two years and should emerge as a top flight TE with 16 games of healthy McNabb. Matt Schobel and rookie Brent Celek provide depth.

The Eagles Offensive Line was arguably the best and most healthy group in the NFL in 2006 and can be largely credited to the Eagles� late season success. Former Pro Bowl bookends Jon Runyan and William Thomas return for their eight season together as starting OTs. Shawn Andrews emerged as arguably the best Guard in football last year and returns along with Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson to form one of the NFLs most formidable groups. Second year prospects Winston Justice and Max Jean-Gilles are waiting in the wings.

Like seemingly every year, no area will see as many new faces as the Defensive Line. Jevon Kearse got off to a red hot start before going down for the year in Week 2. Darren Howard disappointed in his first season in Philly and will look to bounce back with a healthy Kearse opposite him. Trent Cole led the team in sacks, but was very inconsistent. Still, Cole should challenge Howard in preseason and appears to have the inside track as of now. The team also resigned pass rusher Juqua Thomas and drafted Notre Dame standout Victor Abiamiri.

At DT, the team is relying heavily on Brodrick Bunkley, who was drafted higher than an any Eagle since Corey Simon, but disappointed heavily after holding out for most of the preseason. He is opposite solid former first rounder Mike Patterson. Replacing departed Darwin Walker�s pass rush ability is Montae Reagor, while Ian Scott was acquired as insurance for Bunkley. LaJuan Ramsey provides further depth.

The Linebacking corps, consistently neglected by the Eagles Front Office finally received its renovation in the form of Takeo Spikes. Once arguably the best OLB in football, Spikes in now two years removed from an Achilles injury and is looking to return to old form. The Eagles will also hope that run stuffer Jeremiah Trotter�s surgically repaired knees can last another year. He will be challenged by last year�s surprise rookie Omar Gaither. On the Strong Side, project Chris Gocong will look to compete with rookie Stewart Bradley. Alternatively should neither impress, Spikes is available to play SAM allowing Matt McCoy, a former second round pick whose solid play declined severely after a midseason shoulder injury, to compete with Gaither for the WILL spot. In all, there is an entirely open competition at LB in Philadelphia and every job is up for grabs.

The Defensive Backfield has always been the strength of Jim Johnson�s defense. This year�s group returns less deep than in years past, but equally talented with returning Pro Bowlers Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins, who both stepped up late in the season when their teammates needed them to. Opposite Sheppard is Sheldon Brown. Brown is solid against the run but struggled slightly last year in coverage. Injury ridden William (Peterson) James is looking to challenge Brown for the starting spot. Joselio Hanson is the fourth Corner and came out of nowhere to be solid in limited playing time last season. Expect the Eagles to have an undrafted rookie on the roster at CB as well, considering their commitment to Rod Hood, Al Harris and Hanson in years past.

Brian Dawkins is the Free Safety and, although very experienced, is savvy enough to hide any lost speed with excellent instincts and recognition skills. Dawkins might have more years left in him than Jeremiah Trotter or Jevon Kearse. Fellow Clemson standout CJ Gaddis is a raw talent who figures to one day either replace Dawkins or be the team�s Strong Safety. Currently at SS is Sean Considine who unspectacular but solid. Special Teams expert Quentin Mikell provides further depth.

The return game will likely see more explosiveness this year than the team got from Reno Mahe in the last two years. Media favorite Jeremy Bloom will compete with burner Bethel Johnson to man both Return jobs, while Westbrook could even be an option should the team find itself desperately in need of a big play. David Akers returns once again as the Kicker and is still among the league�s elite while Punter Dirk Johnson will compete with former Australian Football star Saverio Rocca.

In all, the Eagles will look to contend for the Super Bowl once more after a year and a half Super Bowl hangover. McNabb�s health is a question mark as always, as are the knees of Jeremiah Trotter and the progression of Brodrick Bunkley. Still, the Eagles appear to be the class of the NFC East once more and a healthy McNabb could lead them back to the promised land.

Depth Chart: (<> = elite, X = solid, o = adequate, - = below average)

WR
K. Curtis o
H. Baskett o
B. Johnson
J. Bloom
TE
L. Smith X
M. Schobel
B. Celek
LOT
W. Thomas X
W. Justice
LOG
T. Herremans X
M. Jean-Gilles
C
J. Jackson X
N. Cole
ROG
S. Andrews <>
S. Young
ROT
J. Runyan X
P. McCoy
WR
R. Brown X
G. Lewis
J. Avant
QB
D. McNabbQ <>
A. Feeley
K. Kolb
FB
T. Tapeh o
N. Ilaoa
RB
B. Westbrook <>
C. Buckhalter o
R. Moats
T. Hunt


LDE
J. Kearse X
T. Cole X
V. Abiamiri
LDT
M. Patterson X
I. Scott o
L. Ramsey
RDT
B. Bunkley o
M. Reagor o
RDE
D. Howard o
J. Thomas o
J. McDougle
LOLB
C. Gocong �
S. Bradley �
D. Roper
MLB
J. Trotter o
ROLB
T. Spikes X
O. Gaither o
M. McCoy o
T. Daniels
LCB
S. Brown X
J. Hanson
R. Barksdale
SS
S. Considine o
FS
B. Dawkins <>
Q. Mikell
RCB
L. Sheppard <>
W. James o
C. Gaddis


K
D. Akers <>
E. Cochrane
P
D. Johnson o
S. Rocca -
RS
J. Bloom o
B. Johnson o
B. Westbrook

Notable Individual Stats:

Offense:
Donovan McNabb � 57% - 18 TDs � 6 INTs � 95.5
Brian Westbrook � 1217 � 7 TDs � 77 � 699 � 4 TDs
Reggie Brown � 46 � 816 � 8 TDs
Kevin Curtis � 40 � 417 � 4 TDs
Hank Baskett � 22 � 464 � 2 TDs
LJ Smith � 50 � 611 � 5 TDs

Defense:
Jeremiah Trotter � 113 Tackles
Trent Cole � 8 Sacks � 7 TFLs
Juqua Thomas � 6 Sacks
Darren Howard � 5 Sacks
Brian Dawkins � 5 TFLs � 4 INTs � 5 FF
Lito Sheppard � 6 INTs � 19 PDs

Subliminal Messages of the Eagles' 2007 Draft

(note, these are opinions, not facts)

1. Donovan McNabb is older than 30 years old

Ok, I'll start with the obvious TATEr topic. Donovan is 30 years old and will be 31 in November. That is not old for a QB. If you remember, Trent Green didn't really get his career started until he was 31, while guys like Elway and Marino both played 8 years after turning 31. And I don't think anyone thinks that those guys are exceptions in longevity like Favre or Peyton Manning will likely be. McNabb had his successor drafted when he was 30 years old. (Mind you, so did Elway so I could be wrong here) But with the injuries that McNabb has had, paired with the beatings he's taken by using his large frame on the field, I think it's safe to say that our 30 year old QB is closer to 33 or 34 years old. Remember the beating Aikman took over his career? The man lasted until he was only 34, and this could potentially be the fate of McNabb as well, which is why Kolb may turn out to be such a great pick. (There still hasn't been a worthy successor to Aikman since)

2. The Coaching Staff believes in Max Jean-Gilles

MJG was a tremendously popular pick when we got him as a steal in the 4th round last year. It was immediately heralded that he would eventually start at Guard, moving Herremans/Andrews outside to replace Runyan. Then the voice of reason came down hard and said: "Hold up there Tiger!". MJG slipped for a reason, and his weight is a genuine problem. You don't draft a starter in the 4th round, no matter how early he was originally projected. Although many fans saw him as a no brainer to start down the road (ala Winston Justics), reality is that there is a good chance that he isn't that guy. I said before this draft that if the Coaching Staff doesn't believe in MJG, that an O-Lineman such as Joe Staley or Ben Grubbs could be an outside (and very unpopular) possibility. Staley and Grubbs were BOTH available at #26. Yet, the OL LOVING Andy Reid still traded out of the round and didn't take any OL later in the draft. This must mean that the Front Office believes this guy can still be the answer. If you're thinking: well it's only been one year... I'll stop you by saying that Runyan is most likely in his last year as an Eagle (or pro), as is William Thomas. In other words, we will have TWO new starters on our O-Line next year. For Andy Reid not to draft an OL, it must mean that they really believe MJG can step in and start in 2008.

3. LJ Smith will have his contract resolved

No matter what you think, Brent Celek will not be a starter in the NFL. He could be a very good depth guy, but neither Celek nor Schobel will ever challenge LJ's spot or has the ability to start if LJ should leave next year. If you remember how long LJ played alongside Chad Lewis when he was first drafted, you can deduct that the Front Office would draft a TE to groom if they felt they were going to lose their Tight End. Ben Olsen was another guy on the list that could have helped. Plus, with the many 2-TE sets that we like to run I don't think LJ Smith would feel threatened by us drafting a TE early. Thus, since no future replacement was drafted, and I doubt Andy Reid would want a rookie TE starting, even further backed up by the lack of interest we showed in Jerramy Stevens, I think the FO believes that they will be able to work out a contract with LJ Smith.
Another angle of course, is the notion that perhaps drafting a TE early would show a lack of commitment towards LJ and take touches away, thus promting him to explore the market. This would invalidate my theory, but again, it's just a theory.

4. The Eagles are looking for an UDFA to fill out the Defensive Backfield

Al Harris, Rod Hood, Joselio Hanson - all random Training Camp guys that have come in and done solid jobs. Harris and Rood have even gone on to compete for starting jobs. Despite a plea to draft a CB to be our Nickle - or Dime Back, we waited until the 6th round to draft a guy who won't be ready for 2007. Meanwhile, Chris Houston was on the board at both #26 and #36. (The Eagles didn't like him since he doesn't fit the profile they look for, but it's still interesting to pass him up considering the need) The Eagles now have 3 Safeties and 4 Corners on the roster. They generally like to have 4 Safeties and 5 Corners. CJ Gaddis will probably take one spot. Outside chance he would assume both roles, since I think he's raw enough for one NFL responsiblity. That means that there's a big chance there will be an UDFA on the final 53-man roster. The Eagles were reportedly high on Considine's Iowa teammate Marcus Paschal, so he could have the inside track. Barksdale I highly doubt will compete this year, so that leaves a spot open for UDFA competition.
oh, and by the way, Quintin Mikell was an UDFA as well.

5. The Eagles don't believe in one of their young Linebackers

After signing Takeo Spikes, we assumed 6 guys in our LB rotation: 3 veterans and 3 prospects. Takeo, Trotter and, obviously Dhani, are not long term solutions. That means the future belonged to Chris Gocong, Matt McCoy and Omar Gaither; all recent draft picks. Then, the Eagles drafted Stewart Bradley; a SAM who also plays MIKE. That means, however, that there are now 4 guys competing for 3 future spots. Gaither is what he is: very solid, low ceiling but high floor. McCoy and Gocong are question marks however. Gocong hasn't played SAM yet, and McCoy wore down badly last year. Don't get me wrong, I'm a McCoy fan, but the signing of Takeo Spikes may be a sign that the Eagles believe him to be better suited as a Nickle LB. Apparently, Bradley was drafted to be a SAM, so there's also a good chance that Gocong isn't developing as they would have hoped.



so that's my shtick. Remember, only opinions, not facts