Not even the most cynical fan could find just cause to call the 2008-09 Philadelphia Eagles season a failure. The Birds made it to their fifth conference championship game under coach Andy Reid and showed signs that there is more young talent on this roster, particularly on defense, than many had thought.
However, when a team wins just nine regular season games and looks as pathetic as the Eagles did at times, it's not hard to find places for improvement. In fact, any time a team fails to reach the Super Bowl, it becomes obvious that things need to change.
The following is my list of the top five needs the Philadelphia Eagles have entering this offseason, in ascending order of importance:
5. Acquire a Big, Run-Stuffing, Defensive Tackle
The Eagles' defense was among the league's best all season and has several talented young players to lead it into the future. Even with Brian Dawkins aging, the secondary is one of the NFL's elite, the young linebacking corps is developing into a very good one, and there is great depth and talent in the defensive line rotation.
However, the one thing the defense sorely lacks is a wide-bodied lane-clogger in the mold of a Jamal Williams or Marcus Stroud. Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson form a very solid DT duo, but they would certainly benefit from a guy like this being part of their rotation.
Many of the defensive linemen are smaller in stature than a lot of players at their position, and having a giant in the middle would help them out a lot. Also, a tackle who commands constant double teams frees up his partner to pursue the QB and also keeps blockers busy, so that Stewart Bradley has a chance to roam free.
4. Improve the Tight End Position
While Brent Celek used the last half of the season, and particularly the playoffs, to establish himself as a more desirable alternative to the struggling LJ Smith, he has not shown that he can be a regular starter in the NFL. In my eyes, Celek would do better as a very solid No. 2 TE behind a better all-around player.
Celek has shown a knack for making big plays in the receiving game, but hasn't displayed the blocking abilities necessary for an every-down TE. It's no knock against Celek that the Eagles need to add another player at his position, as even Jason Witten and Antonio Gates have very capable back-ups.
In today's NFL, it is important to have versatility at the tight end position. You need guys to block and also to provide easy outlets for the QB. Celek has shown himself to be a good target for McNabb.
However, it isn't hard to imagine the positive impact Tony Gonzalez, one of the league's true elite tight ends, would have had on this offense had the Eagles acquired him at the trade deadline. Not only would he have made lots of first downs in the passing game, but his blocking would do a lot to help Brian Westbrook get to the edges and run for big gains against opposing defenses.
3. Draft or Sign a Lead-Blocking Fullback
For years now, Andy Reid has neglected the importance of the fullback position, and this year it had painful consequences. The Eagles were among the NFL's poorest performers in short yardage situations, couldn't score on the goal line, and in the playoffs struggled to run the ball at all.
Most people usually clamor for a big back to complement Westbrook in the backfield, imagining a player in the Brandon Jacobs mold to snag some goal line carries. I believe, though, that Westbrook and Buckhalter form a duo that is more than good enough in this league, but they need someone to pave the way.
The Giants and Ravens had two of the league's best run games, not only because of talented halfbacks, but because they had some of the NFL's best lead blockers.
LaDainian Tomlinson struggled this year for two main reasons: first was his turf toe, but also, and perhaps even more importantly, was the loss of Lorenzo Neal, one of the best lead blockers ever.
2. Get the Offensive Line Younger and Healthier
It's no secret among Eagles fans that one of the major reasons for the struggling ground game this year was Shawn Andrews' absence from the lineup for, basically, the entire season. They simply must have Andrews back healthy and ready to go next year, or else the line will continue to struggle. He is among the true elite offensive linemen in the NFL.
The other major weakness on the line this year was Tra Thomas, who is beginning to show his age. Due to years of wear and a bad back, Thomas no longer has the lateral quickness necessary to be a consistent pass blocker. He may still have a few years left in him, but the Eagles need to start thinking about moving on.
Everyone remembers Winston Justice's mortifying performance against Osi Umenyiora in last year's Eagles-Giants game, but he was a very good college player who the Eagles took in the second round of the draft. He may be the answer, but if they have decided that he is not, they should think about using a draft pick this year on a new LT.
1. Sign or Trade for a Top Wideout
Everyone could see this one coming. The Eagles have a number of talented receivers, led by speedy Kevin Curtis and breakout rookie DeSean Jackson. However, they do not have the No. 1 guy they need to make big plays in key situations.
Never was this more evident than in the NFC Championship game against the Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald, an elite pass-catcher, torched the Eagles for three touchdowns. Meanwhile, McNabb did a good job using all his available options, but when it came down to it, they didn't have enough to get the job done.
On the play that ended the Eagles' final drive of the game/season, Kevin Curtis was tripped up by what appeared to be an uncalled pass interference. However, with an elite wide receiver, it never results to that.
A bigger, stronger guy like a Fitzgerald or an Anquan Boldin would not have fallen down from that minor trip. But, even more importantly, they would have caught the ball anyway. Even with the trip, the ball still hit Curtis right in the hands, and he just dropped it.
Now, imagine an Eagles wide receiving corps with Anquan Boldin (or Chad Johnson, Plaxico Burress, etc.), DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, and Jason Avant. Maybe even add in Tony Gonzalez at tight end. That would only be two changes, but what a world of difference it would make.
The Eagles still have the foundation in place to compete for championships, but they need to make these changes to realize that goal.
