An In Depth Look At the Eagles Offseason- The Offense

With 2007 now behind us and the free agency and the draft looming (the think of the offseason). The Philadelphia Eagles are in a position that can be perceived and the cusp of a great run in 2008 and run that can only be made possible with the addition of just a few more parts. This article is a look at the what needs to be done to get them over the hump; moves that could or should be made to return the franchise to the position of dominance that fans have grown used to over the past seven or so seasons.

In the team's 75th anniversary season, the Eagles could not overcome a 1-3 start as they finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the just the 2nd time this decade. A year that can be perceived as an anomaly, the Eagles posted top 10 offensive numbers that produced less than stellar point production.

In 2007 the Eagles welcomed back starting quarterback Donovan McNabb, who underwent a grueling rehabilitation after suffering a season-ending knee injury in November, 2006. He completed 61.5% of his passes (2nd best percentage of his career) for 3,324 yards and an 89.9 QB rating. Although he missed two games due to ankle and thumb injuries, McNabb regained his mobility and confidence as the season progressed.

As McNabb recaptured his touch, his multi-talented backfield mate, RB Brian Westbrook, set two single-season team records for total yards from scrimmage (2,104) and receptions (90). He became the first Eagle to lead the league in total yards from scrimmage since 1996.Westbrook also logged career highs in rushing yards (1,333), receiving yards (771), touches (368), and offensive touchdowns (12).

At wideout Kevin Curtis took the position in the right direction posting career highs in catches (77), yards (1,110), and total touchdowns (8) in his first season in Philadelphia and lived up to his billing after signing a lucrative free agent contract.

For the first time in franchise history, the Eagles featured three players (Westbrook, Curtis, WR Reggie Brown) with over 60 catches and 700 yards each but with all these numbers the Eagles failed to score 21 points in 10 of their games, including five of their first six. This was especially disappointing coming off a 2006 campaign that showcased one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The Eagles have been accustomed to big plays but unfortunately, they were few and far between in 2007 causing Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Jon Runyan and more to call out for help in the form of adding additional playmakers presumably offensive at the wide receiver position.

This offseason, the availability of a playmaking wide receiver is as deep as it has been in a while. Free agency and trades are very much a possibility.

Here is a look at some receivers that are realistically available for the Philadelphia Eagles

Chad Johnson- The latest superstar WR malcontent has put up the numbers in Cincy that would normally warrant any franchise to accommodate him in anyway possible, it's this reality that makes the Chad Johnson/ Cincy saga even more interesting. In 2007, Johnson once again enjoyed a stellar season recording 1,440 yards, which set a new Bengals franchise record, breaking his own record of 1,432 in 2005. It was the third time that Johnson finished a season with a new Bengals record for receiving yards. Regardless, of his (and teammate T.J. Housmanzadah's) numbers the Bengals were stagnant finishing 7-9 sparking the discontent and frustration that now surrounds the franchise that might end in the divorce from Chad Johnson.

Johnson's impact as an Eagle? One could only believe it would be positive. He would provide the Eagles with a serious number 1 receiver and would allow Curtis and Brown to shine in ways TJ Housmanzadah has been able to enjoy in Cincy. The only knock on this move is the amount it may cost the Eagles to get Johnson. Surely Cincy is not going to make a Raider size mistake and give him up for next to nothing.

Javon Walker- Walker could have been an Eagle already if the Packers were unwilling to deal within conference. The rumbling out of Denver is he will be cut soon, ending what start out to be a very promising new start for him. After forcing his way out of Green Bay, Walker had a very productive during the 2006 season, where he caught sixty-nine passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. But with the emergence of Brandon Marshall as the go to guy to go along with his less than impressive 2007 season and his bloated upcoming salary, Walker will no doubt be hitting the open market.

Walker still has the ability to play and is accustomed to the west coast offense that catapulted him in to a rising star. He works out with Donovan McNabb in Arizona so the two are familiar with each other. McNabb will provide Walker with something he had in Green Bay that made him so effective; a QB with the ability to get the ball down field.

If cut, Walker will come at a bargain because there aren't many teams out there that are willing to take a chance on him. The Eagles could sign him to a incentive laced one year deal, a deal he would be eager to take, to prove himself as still being a capable receiver, after which a long term deal could be discussed.

Bernard Berrian had 71 catches for 951 yards and five touchdowns last season. Not bad considering the crap Chicago had at the quarterback position. Berrian's an explosive receiver, but sometimes criticized for dropping too many balls. Berrian is a legitimate downfield threat and will free up Curtis and Brown to be even more effective. The addition of Berrian to the Eagles would improve the offense, but not vastly. What he would do for the Eagles offense is add the scoring threat that was lacking last year. Although the Eagles put up respectable offensive numbers the inability to reach the endzone stagnated the teams potential. It's likely the Bears will not franchise Berrian, and when available, he will attract some free agency interest but unless a team swoops in and offers him a bank busting contract he should be fair game if the Eagles choose to go in that direction. But is he much of an upgrade? Well, that remains to be seen.

Donte Stallworth- In Philly Stallworth started out looking like the player the Eagles were looking for since before and after the number 81 debacle.Stallworth and McNabb were and instant hit. In Stallworth's first game with the Eagles, less than two weeks after the trade, he caught six passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. In the first 2 games McNabb and Stallworth combined for 11 reception 220 yard and 2 TD's. Unfortunately due to a nagging hamstring injury, Stallworth missed three games early in the regular season and after McNabb when down for the season Jeff Garcia and Stallworth seldom found themselves on the same page, but finished the year with 725 yards and five touchdowns. Stallworth is a physical receiver that is great at creating yards after the catch (YAC) and has the speed to deliver a big play on any given down, not to mention he has the size to be a excellent redzone option.

Jerry Porter- A fresh start is what may be needed to re-ignite this once highly touted receiver. Years of discontent in the graveyard that is the Raiders offense has tarnished Porters potential. Though not exactly the prototypical number one receiver of Chad Johnson, Terrell Owens or Randy Moss; Jerry Porter is very capable. At 6'2 220lbs, he has the size that, along with his speed, makes him a weapon to be reckoned with. Porter finished 2007 with a respectable 16 yd per catch average and 6 TD's giving the QB situation in Oakland.

After dealing with coaching and QB instability in Oakland, the Eagles with McNabb at the helm may be the fire Porter needs to ignite him into fulfilling the promise that he seemed destined for with the retirement of Jerry Rice.

Moving Max Jean Giles to starting guard opposite of Andrews?

You don't have to look too long to recognize this endearing quality about Max Jean-Giles. Never mind the simple facts that he's 6-3 ½, 355 pounds Jean-Giles is quick-footed and athletic. His true talents lie in the run game but he is developing into a very good pass blocker as well, which is good enough when you have the Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews on the other side. With Jean-Giles the Eagles gain a physical presence that cannot be discounted. The addition of a huge guard has benefits that are evident in the league, proved with the impact Hutchinson in Minnesota and Leonard in Dallas.

Along with the veterans OT Runyan and Thomas; Andrews and Jean-Giles will provide stability and protection to and offensive line that gave up 47 sacks last year.

LJ Smith/ Brent Celek combo?

It's unknown how long L.J Smith will be an Eagle, but what is known is his presence does nothing but help and offense that struggled to find the endzone and keep drives alive by converting first downs. The TE position is premium in this league, especially in the west coast offense the Eagles employ. For McNabb, Smith is a great check down option, for Celek, Smith is a great mentor to continue to develop under. Celek put together some pretty good games toward to end of the season with his best game coming against Dallas where he recorded only 3 rec for 50 yds but his 29 yard drive saving reception gave many Eagles faithful hopes of great things to come. Some are even calling him the second coming of Chad Lewis who had a great career with the Eagles.

Celek and Smith provide McNabb with a rare 1-2 punch at TE. Look for this combo to cause match-up nightmares for linebackers on Sundays next season.

Running back/ full back situation?

With the emergence of Brian Westbrook as a superstar in this league, the Eagles have a legitimate run game that they are not entirely accustomed to in the Reid era, but nevertheless will equally enjoy. The Eagles have always been a pass first offense due to the lack of a run game and teams knew this, now with this added dynamic to the offense, it is destined to be extremely potent. Though there is no flaws in the running back position, Westbrook and Buckhalter is an very good 1-2 combo, the fullback position is one that needs to be addressed. With Tapeh scheduled to be a free agent, the Eagles need to look to sowing up that position in order to continue to enjoy having to run game as a dimension to their offense. The fullback position is not what is used to be, gone the Moose Johnson's, Tom Rathman's and Mike Alstott's of the world are an extinct breed replaced by the hybrid H-back type player who can lead block and has the athletic ability catch out of the backfield. There is not premium crop of players that fit this mold, but a few players I believe could be on the Eagles radar is free agent Greg Jones of the Jacksonville Jaguars and draft prospect Owen Schmitt for West Virginia University.

Greg Jones isn't much of a ball-carrier, but he's one of the better blocking fullbacks in the NFL. He is an excellent lead blocker which can pave the way for another big year for Westbrook (and Buckhalter for that fact) and he is also a very effective pass blocker and

is accustomed to blocking for a mobile QB after playing with David Garrard last year.

Owen Schmitt from WVU is known for blocking and is excellent at it. He helped lead the way for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for both Pat White and Steve Slaton. Schmitt is a nasty, physical player. In his college career, the 6'2 250lbs bruiser has broken 10 facemasks. He also has good hands and moves well for his size; and given his great blocking ability, he could be used both in the backfield and along the line of scrimmage. He could be available in the later rounds for the Eagles who should move aggressively towards him if he is in their sights.

Rookie Prospects- Offensive draft prospect is figure will be high on the Eagles pre-combine draft board:

Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (WR): Exploded onto the national scene with 122 receptions and 1,606 yards. At 6'2 220+ lbs he is a big target. He has gained comparisons to Anthony Gonzalez from the Indianapolis Colts for his reliable hands and crisp route running. Figure him to be groomed as a much needed possession receiver key to keeping drives alive.

Desean Jackson Cal (WR): Anticipate the Eagles targeting a big name veteran wideout to add to the offense, Jackson's services would be much better served on special teams. Jackson is at his best with the ball in space, makes tacklers miss with his shifty moves, and then shows the ability to separate with his elite top-end speed. He could provide Eagles with a much-needed return man. The Eagles have not had a kick nor punt return threat since Brian Mitchell.

James Hardy Indiana (WR): this 6'7 former basketball player could be a worthy experiment for the Eagles. He has the potential to become a bigger, more athletic Plaxico Burress type weapon for the franchise. Hardy has a 42 inch vertical leap, to go along with his size and reported 4.45 speed, measurables that will make any scout drool. He would be a great complimentary piece from the start and could eventually turn into a star in the league.

Owen Schmitt West Virginia (FB) as mentioned previously, Schmitt could be a great addition to the Eagles offense. He gives the Eagles a great backfield blocking presence to go along with his short yardage/ goal line potential. He is also able to catch the ball out of the backfield and turn it into a big play.

Jeff Otah Pitt (OT): Runyan and William Thomas are not getting any younger. Andy Reid has shown his forward thinking ability to sow up positions to ensure that there is no future need. Winston Justice could make a solid right tackle before long and Otah has the ability to be a very good starting left tackle someday. The former basketball player has good hands and good feet and with proper grooming could become an anchor O-lineman.

Kellen Davis/TE/Michigan State: Once again the forward thinking Reid could make a move in anticipation of not getting a long term deal done with L.J Smith, there is still an outside possibility that they will remove the tag from Smith and look to replace him in the draft. If that is the plan, this year is the year to do it and Kellen Davis may be the player to do it with. Davis is a physical specimen! The 6'6", 246 lbs tight end with a body builders body finished with only 32 catches for 513 yards and 6 TDs this season. He has racked up a 13.2 yard per catch average for his career, displaying his ability to get down the field and make plays. Davis shows good blocking ability; having the size, speed, and strength to take on defensive ends and blitzing linebackers. He is a tremendous athlete and a good leaper, both good tools in the red zone.

Eddie Royal Virginia Tech (WR): After having a stellar Senior Bowl, his availability may be questions at this point, nonetheless, he is still on the Eagles radar. He is one of the fastest players in coming out in this years draft and at the Senior Bowl practices, he showed this by being virtually uncoverable. Look for him to have an immediate impact in the return game. Frank Beamer at Va Tech has given him plenty of experience at it.

Coming soon, a look at the defense and what may be needed to catapult it up a notch next season.