With the deadline quickly approaching, will the Eagles make a move? Now that the offense seems to be in rhythm and putting up gobs of points, the thing that has been suspect is the defense. The scheme is sometihng similar to JJ's but with the loss of Stewart Bradley it seems as though the Eagles are blitzing 24-7 in order to get any pressure on the quarterback. Problem seems to be with 2 areas of concern:
1. Pass rushing DE to play opposite Cole.
2. Linebacker who is an "every down" player
I don't think the Eagles have an "every down" type DE who can play against the run and provide good pass rush as well. The proof is in Sean McDermott sending more zero coverage blitzes than I have ever seen with the Eagles. So what to do? Abiramiri looks to be a good run stopping DE but not quick enough against the pass. Juqua is good but only in spurts. Clemons isn't strong enough at the point of attack to stop the run consistently and is more of a "specialist". Jason Babin really hasn't gotten the opportunity to play so that really isn't an option. So who might be available for trade?
Shawn Merriman: He would be a fantastic addition if he were back to his "old form". Problem is..he's looked a little slow from his surgery recovery and the loss of DT Williams has also hurt Merrimans production to be "lights out". He would be a good addition for the right price since he can be an every down DE and also play LB. Trouble is, I doubt the birds would pull the trigger to get him in green given the Chargers will probably want too much in a trade.
Glen Dorsey: Reid LOVES DT'S. Again, in case you missed it...HE LOVES DT'S. I think he would be a force on a 4-3 team who has some talent. He would flourish in the Eagles system and would probably live up to his first round billing/high expectations. Trouble is..The Eagles are happy with both Bunk and Patterson. They also spent a high draft pick on Trevor Laws and Antonio Dixon looks to be a 2 gap penetrator who will only get better. So what to do? Dorsey would be an immediate impact and would probably take Pattersons job if given the opportunity. But will his addition make our pass rush better? Our overall team better? Not sure. The Eagles like to add extra pass rushers on 3rd down, and I don't see Dorsey playing a role in that situation. Reid would like him. I would like him. But I don't think they are ready to give up on Laws (or the addition of Dorsey really making THAT much of an impact). Esp since he would only be a 2 down player (first/second) in the Eagles scheme.
Derrick Johnson: He is in the dog house in KC. He is a 4-3 linebacker playing (or not playing I should say..) in a 3-4. I personally think he would make the best choice if the Eagles were to trade for a player. But who would he displace as a starter? Akeem Jordan has been pretty good thus far and Gocong is good against the run. He would add more versatility to our LB's but not sure exactly how he would fit in. He would probably come at a "discount" price since he is "off the radar" so to speak, but if he were in green I wouldn't be complaining.
Julius Peppers: When motivated and playing on a good team, he is an All-Pro who DOMINATES the line of scrimmage. Trouble is..he's been inconsistent and the Panthers are hoping to salvage their season (let alone John Fox's job). He is better suited at Cole's DE spot and less effective on the other isde of the field (pass rush anyway). He is an elite player, but I don't think he is moved. Too much money, not enough production. And he's tied to the hip of John Fox's job. Not happening. Not to mention the HEFTY PRICE TAG of draft picks/new contract. No thanks.
My thoughts...
Outside of Derrick Johnson, I don't think the Birds will do anything (unless the Chargers are willing to GIVE 56 away ha). Dorsey would be a nice fit and I think Reid would be happy if the price were right. But I like what I'm seeing from Antonio Dixon and would hate to limit his growth as a player. I think he could be special. So what do we do? I think the Eagles won't do anything given their track record of trading for players during the season. I really can't think of any in recent memory. The player I would really want the Eagles to grab would be someone not on the block. No, nobody who is probably on your mind..or even available. But if Packers DE Aaron Kampman (yes DE not an forced LB like the Pakers have made him out to be) is even close to being considered "on the block" I would persue him. He's up there in age but is very productive and an every down DE who would shore up the run defense and add the extra pass rush we need. Trouble is, we are pretty thin at LB and I think the Packers would want an immediate impact player at the LB position if they were to swing the deal. Akeem Jordan would be gone, and I'm not sure he's a player I'd be willing to deal (unless Tracy White is ready to play full time or Moises Fokou is ready to step up his production). With that being said, I doubt the Eagles do anything and we will stay on board with what we already have. But if not, I'll be happy with any/all new additions that would improve our team.
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