Roseman deserves more time
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Roseman deserves more time
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Why Sean McDermott and not Howie Roseman?
It’s a fair question.
If McDermott was the scapegoat for last season’s first-round playoff exit then why can’t Roseman be the one held culpable for this season’s profoundly disappointing playoff absence?
I’m not suggesting that Roseman be fired. As a beat reporter, that’s not what I’m here for. But the comparison between the former Eagles defensive coordinator and the team’s current general manager -- both of whom rose through the ranks of the organization together – and how they were handled two years into their promotions warrants examination.
McDermott was fired last January, we were told then by Andy Reid, because the pressure of following the legendary Jim Johnson was too much for the then-36-year old. Reid suggested that his protégé would flourish in a different organization and with a fresh start. Other members of the Eagles front office told me then that McDermott would also benefit from toiling under a defensive-minded head coach.
So McDermott was “placed” in Carolina with Ron Rivera, a former Eagles defensive assistant that had just been named the Panthers head coach. The Eagles replaced McDermott with an offensive line coach. But I digress …
Perhaps McDermott deserved to go. His convoluted blitz schemes confused some of his players, his penchant for zone blitzing angered some of his defensive linemen (read: Trent Cole), and his overall intensity rubbed several others the wrong way. His unit finished 12th in total yards in both 2009 and 2010 and 19th and tied for 21st in points allowed. Not bad numbers. His red zone defense, though, was historically bad in his final season.
But McDermott was canned after just 18 months on the job. He was the interim coordinator during the spring of 2009 as Johnson battled cancer and wasn’t officially named the successor until Johnson died during training camp. Still, the Eagles finished 11-5 and reached the playoffs and then went 10-6 the following season and made the postseason again.
The Eagles’ explosive offense had more to do with those playoffs berths, but McDermott wasn’t necessarily handed the same talent as offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was on that side of the ball. (More on that later.)
Roseman was named general manager in January 2010, several years after moving from salary cap and contracts -- under the tutelage of team president Joe Banner -- to the player personnel end of front office dealings. Two full years in and the Eagles have regressed from a 10-6 playoff team to an 8-8 one that prompted owner Jeffrey Lurie to deliver a scorching assessment of his team on Tuesday.
And, yet, when Lurie was asked if Roseman was returning next season he genuinely seemed shocked by the question.
“Absolutely,” he said.
Later in the hallway after his press conference, Lurie told a few reporters that Roseman was “one of the youngest, bright” minds in the NFL. So the season is “unacceptable,” the “most disappointing” of all of Lurie’s years as owner, and only Reid is to blame for its failures? That was clearly Lurie’s message.
To be fair to Lurie, most of the questions centered on Reid. But when Lurie was asked about dubious recent drafts – especially on the defensive side of the ball -- he called Brandon Graham, Roseman’s first draft pick, a future “top-tier” defensive end when there has been little evidence to support this claim.
It’s no surprise Lurie keeps Reid around. He not only takes all the arrows for his players, but for the front office, as well. He not only sacrifices his protégés – McDermott, former general manager Tom Heckert – but he gladly accepts the front office’s.
If you’re looking for proof that Banner has more power than Reid this is it. If McDermott had to go to get out from under the protective umbrella of Reid shouldn’t Roseman – after the same time length and worse results – have to go to forge his own path elsewhere?
I’m not sure if the Eagles could find as soft a landing place for Roseman as they did for McDermott and Heckert (now in Cleveland), at least one where he could move laterally. Perhaps New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, a Roseman fan, would take him on, but certainly no higher than his position.
All that being said, Roseman deserves more time. If McDermott deserved another year, so, too must the 36-year-old Roseman -- especially this year.
This will be the first off-season in which the general manager won’t be restricted by labor unrest. In 2010, the talent pool was diluted when free agents with four and five-years of experience were no longer unrestricted. In 2011, the lockout scrambled the off-season and free agency was compressed into an unprecedented week of activity.
The Eagles, of course, were supposed to benefit from the shortened off-season, the new salary cap and the cluelessness of other front offices. They swooped through free agency, signing who they wanted and at what price. Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, Vince Young, Ronnie Brown, Steve Smith were the most notable additions.
When Lurie was asked about Roseman after his presser, he pointed to the acquisitions of Asomugha, Babin, Jenkins, the trade for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and the then-less heralded signing of Evan Mathis as examples of the effective job Roseman has done.
But, really, how much did Roseman have to do with those players? If Lurie is to be believed then it is Reid that deserves credit because he has final say on all personnel matters. Of course, I can’t see Reid accepting slaps on the back for Asomugha. The signing made no sense then, still doesn’t.
You’re going to spend $60 million on a cornerback that doesn’t fit the new scheme you've implemented, a day after you already traded for a starting corner and risk angering the Pro Bowl corner you already have on defense?
And tick off Asante Samuel the Eagles did. They should have just traded Samuel when they had the chance during training camp. Roseman, at one point, had a deal to send Samuel to the Lions for a second-round pick, two sources close to the situation said. Roseman even went so far as to have the Lions call Samuel. But he wanted a first round pick instead and called off the deal.
(UPDATE: I received further clarification on this proposed deal from another source close to the situation. The compensation for Samuel that was agreed upon was not just a second round pick, but two second day draft picks, and the deal fell apart for reasons other than draft compensation.)
So the Eagles ended up keeping Samuel, who had his pickoff-artist skills neutralized by the defenses’ less blitzing, Rodgers-Cromartie, who had never played in the slot before, and Asomugha, who had hardly played zone before.
And now they’ll be lucky if they get a third round pick for Samuel, who they’re likely to dangle on the market as they did during camp and right before the trade deadline. Samuel, upset over the October rumors, ripped management by saying they were playing fantasy league with the owner’s money, an obvious critique of the Asomugha signing.
The Babin acquisition had defensive line coach Jim Washburn’s fingerprints all over it. Signing Jenkins, a three-technique defensive end, and turning him into a 4-3 defensive tackle was a bold stroke, if Roseman’s. Reid and Mornhinweg wanted quarterback Vince Young as much as anyone, so I can’t fault Roseman there. Signing running back Ronnie Brown and wide receiver Steve Smith, two moves Roseman had significant input on, backfired on the Eagles, though.
Mathis was a great example of finding a diamond that failed elsewhere but was tailor made for a scheme here. It’s unlikely the Eagles would have signed Mathis, a journeyman guard, had Howard Mudd not been the offensive line coach. But if Mudd said to Roseman, “Get me an athletic left guard in case we have to move Todd Herremans to right tackle,” then the general manager did his job effectively.
I recall seeing a heated conversation between Mudd and Roseman during training camp. I can’t say “argument,” because, for one thing, Roseman later told me it wasn’t, and two, Mudd always looks like he’s arguing with someone. But I conjured up this thought in my head that Roseman was resisting Mudd’s demands for control over what kind of linemen he had to work with.
If Mathis is Roseman’s then it’s another example of the general manager spotting talent where others didn’t see much. Colt Anderson, Brandon Hughes and Phillip Hunt are other examples. Jason Kelce, Brian Rolle, Jamar Chaney and Kurt Coleman are late round gems, comparatively speaking, even if they aren’t likely to become Pro Bowlers.
But you don’t win championships with late draft diamonds or practice squad finds, you win with your top draft picks (see: Bay, Green). And that’s where Roseman’s record begins to slip. Both the general manager and those players warrant additional time before final judgments can be made, but the signs aren't bright.
Graham showed flashes during his rookie season, and that’s usually all you can ask for at his position. But he suffered a knee injury in the last month of the season and understandably could barely get on the field this season once he returned from rehab. He deserves another year to prove himself in light of the injury, but he may never escape the notoriety of being selected one spot ahead of Seahawks safety Earl Thomas and two spots ahead of Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Both Thomas and Pierre-Paul were selected to the Pro Bowl this year.
Nate Allen, selected in the second round of the 2010 draft, also suffered a knee injury last December. His wasn’t as serious and he was ready by the opener, but it obviously slowed the safety early in the season. There were moments when Allen looked good, moments when he looked really bad. Even at his best moments it’s hard to see that he will become a difference-maker.
Daniel Te’o-Nesheim was a surprise third round pick. No one forecasted the defensive end being selected anywhere higher than the fifth round and once he started playing you could see why. He was last seen in Tampa Bay.
The Eagles top pick in 2011, guard Danny Watkins was behind the curve because of the lockout and a camp holdout. He lost his starting spot before the season but regained it a month later. He improved as the season progressed, but he was the weak link on the line and at 27 may never have the opportunity to justify a first-round pick.
Jaiquawn Jarrett is this draft’s Te’o-Nesheim. A slow combine 40-yard dash dropped the safety’s stock, but that didn’t deter the Eagles from expending a second-round pick on the Temple product. He struggled to get on the field – in part because of the lockout – but mostly because, go figure, he’s a slight step too slow.
Curtis Marsh was saddled behind a number of Pro Bowl-caliber cornerbacks so it’s hard to knock or praise the third round pick.
I never understood the cheap shots directed at Roseman because he doesn’t come from a traditional football executive background or because he doesn’t look the part of the grizzled general manager. If he’s an ace evaluator of talent it shouldn’t matter what his pedigree is or whether he looks like an accountant or not.
But, ultimately, he should be judged by the players he drafts, the trades he spins, the free agents he acquires, even if the Eagles shroud his role by assigning all responsibility to Reid. I’m willing to give him more time. I just wonder why the Eagles didn’t grant McDermott as much grace.
"He deserves another year to prove himself in light of the injury, but he may never escape the notoriety of being selected one spot ahead of Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul." JPP was two picks after Graham. Earl Thomas, the 2011 Pro Bowl Safety was picked right before Graham.
— ESFjellin
Comment removed.- My friends and I were just saying that Roseman deserved more time . . . and then we laughed and laughed and laughed some more.
C'mon, he's a Reid "yes-man." The guy is an attorney with no football experience who was promoted after Reid forced out Tom Heckert. How else could he have gotten the job?
- Jeff, this article makes no sense.
On one hand, you suggest that Roseman chose to acquire the trio of cornerbacks when you said "I can’t see Reid accepting slaps on the back for Asomugha. The signing made no sense then, still doesn’t."
Then, you say "The Babin acquisition had defensive line coach Jim Washburn’s fingerprints all over it."
Further, you say "[I]f Mudd said to Roseman, “Get me an athletic left guard in case we have to move Todd Herremans to right tackle,” then the general manager did his job effectively."
In essence, you're suggesting that EVERYONE, except Reid, could tell Roseman what players to acquire, and that makes no sense.
- Jeff - You say the signings of the cornerbacks made no sense. Therefore, Reid must not have been responsible for it.
Let me ask, did the promotion of Castillo make sense? Who do you think is responsible for that? - I've heard that this is a deep LBer draft. True? If so, Reid will not use a 1st on a LBer. Not with his philosophy in a LBer rich draft. Maybe adress LBer w ith a 2nd rounder and a FA? If the Eagles bring in a FA to compete at safety were do we go in round one? How about the best defender or OL, period. Just get a Player!
In round two a 'backer; and?— Warhound - Are you sure? Seems to me that when the trade up was made I remember Mike Mayock yelling that the Eagles moved up to get the safety...then we got the bad news. So Thomas was available if I remember correctly...but I may be trying to block it out emotionally...— tpizza
- How can you not understand the criticism of Roseman because of his backround?
Do you hire the janitor who worked in the Dentist's office to fix your teeth?
How is Roseman's NON FOOTBALL backround not important as a NFL team's GM??????— Manny Trillo - I'm with you. I don't get it either. But then, as long as Lurie is the owner and Reid is the Head Coach, the Eagles will NEVER, EVER win a Super Bowl trophy. — essell
- Comment removed.
- Let's see what happens after the debacle that will be the 2012 season is in mid-flower. We may very well BE better next year, and still be 9-7....or LESS. I refer you to the 2012 schedule....loaded with the likes of the Steelers, Ravens, and Saints. Eight games against 2011 playoff teams. And one against somebody named Cam Newton , whoever the hell HE is...Andy's in his lab now practicing his "non-comittal" face and collection of coughs.— TBear
- This is what totally p!$$e$$ me off about the whole deal. It's always, "Let's give him one more year" with these guys and many fans. When will it end? Why is Reid conferred Coach For Life when he's proven he's not up to the task at hand? THIRTEEN YEARS and the Eagles are STILL the ONLY team in the NFC East without a title. The Saints, THE SAINTS are perhaps on their way to a SECOND title. There are only a handful of teams left with no Super Bowl appearances or victories: Lions, Browns, Jaguars, Texans. The Jaguars and Texans are expansion teams and can be given somewhat of a pass. there are several teams with Super Bowl appearances but NO VICTORIES: Cardinals, Titans, Chargers, Bills, and EAGLES. The list is ever shrinking. The Lions may vacate this list. Leaving only eight. The Eagles may NEVER vacate the list and, indeed, may be the last man standing in the game of musical chairs. — essell
- I forgot to include the Bengals and the Vikings in that list of Super Bowl appearances but NO CIGAR. — essell
- Jeff: how much of this did Dave Spadaro write? You make Howard Eskin look objective with this garbage. Roseman is a failure by any reaonable measuring metric.— jimmymack
- PeeWee's Big Adventure has been a huge failure. Put him in the same pick-up truck with the thugs Kelce and the redneck from Alabama for a ride out of town.— Astro Jones
- Kurt Coleman is not a "late round gem." He's not even a good backup. Too slow, can't tackle, can't read what's in front of him and is a dangerous player.— DA Baracus
- You have two clowns picking the talent of the draft. Howie baby and fat Andy. Neither one of them know real talent. It's been proven and many posters have hit the highlights of failed picks. I like most of the trade and FA aquisitions that we made. Excepy VY and "HERE LET ME PASS THE BALL" Ronnie Brown But, we had a DC that didn't play them where they should have been played or the wrong scheme. No Stud LB's = wide nine failure. Zone coverage made our Press Corners look stupid. Playing DRC in the slot made him look stupid. Howie needs to go. Fat Andy needs to give up VP dutites and just coach. We then need a DC that can scheme to our strenghts. Bring in Jaws to evaluate talent. Goodness knows he studies enough film and knows our organization.— usedtobefromphilly
- Why does Roseman deserve another year? So we can have another ugly draft? Since Roseman has come into the picture, drafting has gotten progressively worse and worse; enough is enough!— JBinPA
- You should be embarassed by writing this. Spadaro is more objective. I can see why bloggers exist. They are not scoring points with team management.— franka
- I agree, Roseman needs more time...in San Quentin for these criminal drafts he has executed [straight line anyone?]. There are some viable candidates available. You can make a case for anyone else staying or going but NOT Howie "can draft so poorly is beyond me" Roseman. C'mon Jeff! Go into the light!— tpizza
- Agree with Manny. I understand both sides of Fire / Keep Reid, but at least Reid played D1 Football and coached for a few years before coming Head Coach . . . so he was qualified. But Howie? You are kidding, right? The guy was a LAWYER! Had nothing to do with Football at all before he became GM. Just crazy that he's in charge of picking players. Just crazy that he even has a say in picking players. He should definitely go back to what he does best and let a person that has a football background deal with player selection.— Matt321
- Howie DESERVES more time? Seriously? Eagles are brutal, they kick you when your down. I hate the management, the organization, the coach and the owner. Yes the owner, who is a huge Red Sox fan. Reid treats the public like stray dogs and WE'RE the ones who fork over thousands and thousands of dollars for seats, tickets, mechandise, food, drinks etc and he can't give us answers to simple questions? There's a line between being pompous and protective....Andy BY FAR is the most pompous coach I've seen in any sport in 20 years. Thanks Andy. Howie, keep playing Madden and ESPN College football for XBOX, that will help your drafting. Terrible...terrible. At least the Flyers/Sixers and Phillies have leadership that speak to the people who pay their salaries. PEOPLE OF PHILADELPHIA, STOP GOING TO EAGLES GAMES! The only way they will listen is if you shrink the bank— westchesterhky
- The Tonner's been saying for what seems like forever that the accounting firm of Banner, Roseman and Reid would ruin this franchise and the proof is in the results. You can only blow so many early draft picks and free agent signings before it catches up with you. After the Eagles draft another fastball defensive lineman in the first round with the intention of making him a linebacker, the fate will be sealed. One more year, that's what the Tonner keeps telling himself but after hearing the delusional owner the other day, the Tonner's not so sure now. Whether you like it or whether you don't like it, learn to love it because it's the truth according to the Tonner and it's the best thing going today.— hunglikeaton
- Stop selling crazy, we are all stocked up...25 plus picks in the last 2 drafts and virtually zero benefit. Take away free agent signings and the Eagles have the "least" talented club in the league.
— Lerze777 - Howie has already screwed up 2 drafts. I guess Howie is buying his football draft magazines.— zeke128
- If Reid has pictures of Lurie with farm animals, Roseman must have pictures of Lurie with jungle animals. I am sure Eagles fans are comforted knowing Pee Wee Roseman and Joe Nickels will still be allowed to make decisions. In order to fill up my Sundays next season I think I will take up apple picking and scarecrow making...both are a better use of my time than watching another excuse filled Eagles season. Times yours.— kelprod2
- i agree roseman deserves more time. its hard to be in the mail room, sort the mail, get coffee for everyone and then make deliveries to all the vip offices before 10 am. at least give him till noon.— bloodymess
- Roseman is just a lackey for Banner and Reid...he had ZERO experience when they hired him directly out of school, do you really think they would give this inexperienced kid any power?— frank105
- Comment removed.
- laphroaig - I think you have finally figured out the copy and paste on your pc. — coloradoeagle
- Where did you write this article, at dinner with Banner, the guy from the Daily was right, the Eagles have you in there back pocket, Bowen should have knocked you out.
— MITCH81057 - The man knows NOTHING about talent evaluation, dealing with personalities, or putting together a team of players with complementary skills. He's wasted three 2nd round picks plus others on safeties and none of the Eagles safeties would start for a single playoff team. He wasted a 1st round pick on an undersized D end while Thomas, a legit safety, and Pierre Paul, a uber athlete, were still on the table.. He' failed to draft a single linebacker that would start for almost any other team in the NFL, other than the Eagles. In fact, most of the LBs he drafted would not make or would would be at best on special teams for a playoff team. The Eagles gaping holes at the safety and LB positions doomed their defense and the fault for those holes lies squarely on the small shoulders of Howie Rosenman. I don't know whether he is married to, or dating one of Lurie's family or friends or his wife's friend's daughter. That is the only explanation I have on why Rosenman is the Eagles GM. What he knows about playing football and evaluating talent could get paited on the head of a sewing needle. HE NEEDS TO GO NOW BEFORE THE EAGLES BLOW ANOTHER YEAR OF DRAFT PICKS. If Howie was a good GM he would've signed Rolle after he left Dawk go. Then he would at least of covered up his inabiltiy to evaluate talent in the draft. In stead he wasted three 2nd round picks and more and still the Eagle safety corp STINKS! He also would've realize that the Eagles had no competant experienced LBs who could play behing the wide nine and would've signed FAs especially in a year when the Eagles were allegedly "all in." Rosenman is the bain of the Eagles existence. He will likele be the cause of Reid and Castillo being dismissed. Only God could've constructed an effective defense with the slop at LB and safety that Rosenman provided the Eagles coaching staff.— Commonesnes
- Humble(?) Howie Roseman "deserves" another chance.
Why do these unqualified preppy types ALWAYS deserve another chance.
Of course on the other hand, head coaches have a game of musical franchises, moving from one to the next as they fail. Let HHR move the the next franchise's GM position— BEMiller 
Roseman being in charge of picking players is like me putting my wife in charge of picking out the TV. Neither of them are qualified to do either and both come home saying "look at the great deal I got!" when I'm unboxing a Zenith with knobs on it.- I do not care how old or experienced Rosenman is or isn't ? The Eagles can not risk having him as the GM for another years, especially a year where critical draft picks and free agents signings are imperative. IF he screws up again, the talent gap that has developed between the Eagles and the top teams in the NFL will become too big to close. Moreover, Reid, Morhnigweg, Castillo et al will be fired because of Rosenman's undeniable and obvious incompetence! ROSENMAN MUST GO NOW!— Commonesnes
- Is it too much to ask that we get a guy with a football pedigree and not a guy from the same fraternity as banner and lurie? He is a lawyer! NOT a football guy!— jtcigar
- Fans over 50 years of age should give them how much more time???— JKJSMCD
- Fans over 50 years of age should give them how much more time???— JKJSMCD
- Enough of these children running the GM duties. Epstein, Roseman, who's next? Andy's Kids? God help us! Typical fantasy football, fantasy baseball mentality. Want to win...spend money. Nuff said. Put a diaper on him.— defiore14
- McDermott - Christmas tree.
Roseman - Dradle.
Need any more help figuring out who gets cut the extra slack?— MichaelB - Just so you all understand... Roseman was never a lawyer. He graduated from Law school and started with the Eagles at the age of 24... That's 12 years he has been in football. 10 years before becoming a GM. So those who have stated he had no experience before becoming a GM are wrong. I'm not defending him... just pointing out that most of your statements are fact-less. Go read something.— Cr0we
- Roseman was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as a salary cap/staff counsel in 2000. He was promoted to director of football administration in 2003. He was promoted to vice president of football administration in 2006. He was promoted to vice president of player personnel on May 30, 2008. He was promoted to general manager on January 29, 2010 after Tom Heckert was hired by the Cleveland Browns in the same role.— Cr0we
- Thanks for clarifying, Mrs. Roseman. Your son is still not qualified to be an NFL GM. — coloradoeagle
- Jeff,
Its nice of you to be willing to grant Howie Pee Wee Rosenman more time BUT its not your job on the line if Pee Wee screws up once again. Its Reid's, and his staffs' jobs that are on the line. I am sure they don't want to there jobs to depend on Pee Wee's abilities. His track record is abysmal. Unlike Pee Wee, they won't have another chance if Pee Wee screws up once again.— Commonesnes - Cr0we - while I readily acknowledge that he's been showing up to a job that happens to include occupying an office inside a football team's facilities, it doesn't mean that he's got player evaluation abilities.
He's a numbers guy and has shown that he's lacking the knowledge as well as the background that it takes to make the proper decisions when it comes to evaluating players. Just because I run around the house in a**-less chaps and a cowboy hat doesn't make me a cowboy. - Lurie just dug his own Failure Grave two days ago. Really sad. I now have much less hope that a Jeffrey Lurie owned team ever win a SB. not just Andy. But the entire organization is messed up, and if Lurie thinks Roseman is a "bright young mind"...well...thats all I need to know. I dont think Lurie will ever have a SB winning team with Banner acting as the De-facto GM. So Right now its about a 98% chance that Lurie never wins a SB. almost none. Chicago and Indy just fired both thier long time GM's, both guys who had like 20 YEARS of experience scouting or managing before getting the GM job, both won SB's with thier teams, and BOTH WERE JUST FIRED. Jerry Angelo worked as a scout for like two DECADES with the buccaneers and helped them build the Bucs dominant 02 defense that won a SB...THEN he got a GM job in Chicago. Polian worked for like 20 years before he got his GM spot in INDy...and obviously won a SB. BOTH WORKED 20 YEARS BEFORE BECOMING THE FREAKING GENERAL MANAGER. and then Lurie lets Roseman get hried after three measly years playing with the cap, not even as a scout, as a cap guy ? really ? the truth is JOE BANNER IS THE GM. JOE BANNER KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL. THATS YOUR EAGLES GM. THAT WILL NEVER WIN A SB. NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER— CharlieGarner25
- First of all, Jeff, the idea that "most of the questions centered on Reid" was created by Lurie himself. The only members of the organization he mentioned were Reid and Castillo. When asked about Roseman, Lurie said Roseman was returing, but Lurie then said he wasn't taking more questions about other members of the front office. Also Jeff, if you think Roseman deserves more time, why did you drop this little nuggett on us: "Roseman, at one point, had a deal to send Samuel to the Lions for a second-round pick, two sources close to the situation said. Roseman even went so far as to have the Lions call Samuel. But he wanted a first round pick instead and called off the deal" A good GM DOES NOT call off an agreed upon deal like that. The Eagles have been used to fleecing other teams; this time it didn't work and Roseman fooled himself. Think Bill Polian or Ted Thompson would have done that?— 76erfn
- Tonner is 100% correct. We are now witnessing what happens to an supposed NFL franchise when the person who makes the calls on drafting and FA know nothing about NFL talent. If the Eagles give the lawyer/capologist/accountant one more draft this franchise will be set back at least a decade. There have been NO (ZERO) impact players drafted on the defensive side of the ball since the Lawyer became GM. I can barely stomach another Super Bowl-less year of the AR coaching regime but Howie has to be removed from any and all personnel decisions immediately.— coloradoeagle
- wow, correction: if Crowes comment is correct then Rosemans was working the team for like ten years AND STILL KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL ?? his 8 years working with the cap was not spent watching film so that apparently didnt teach him anything. Most teams hire former scouts, coaches, or players to be General Manager. This guy went to Law School. its a joke. and to appoint him to that position only three years after working on the personnel side is pathetic. This organization I am now convinved will NEVER win a SB. The Green Bay packers had Mike Sherman with a .594 win/loss record who went 4-12, thier first losing season since 1991, and they FIRED THE GUY. .594 is almost IDENTICAL TO ANDY REIDS .599 RECORD. and they FIRED THAT GUY....and wait....they WON THE FREAKING SUPERBOWL WITH THE NEXT COACH. SHOCKER. they had a good team, and a guy that was good, decent, but couldnt get them there. IT MEANS MAKE A CHANGE IF YOU TRULY WANT TO WIN A SB. you want $ from idiots, and never want to win a championship, you do what lurie does. I want a SB. Lurie is not going to bring it to Philly. Probably never. SELL THE TEAM JEFF, SALES ARE GOING DOWN. YOUR GARBAGE IS STARTING TO STINK UP THE CITY.— CharlieGarner25
- I need to start working for Jeff Lurie. I have never and I mean never heard of a boss with more patience than him. Loyal to a fault while toting an 0-18 record on a quest for the Lombardi is a very poor leadership. If you were sitting on 4 Lombardi Trophies like say Pittsburgh, then I can see it. The leader at times has to make something happen, not sit around and wait for something to happen. It's why I had a vote of no-confidence in this organization since 2001. Ten years later and I have not been proven wrong and will not be proven wrong. Have fun, I'll peek in once in awhile looking for change I can beleive in.— Voytas
- Should ofs, would ofs, could ofs, Giants got JPP and you losers didn't in that draft. Too bad he is a Pro Bowler in only his second year! Maybe you losers, should turn to the team up the turnpike as your favorite team! Its called the NY Football Giants and they play a lot better than a bunch of Birds Who Crashed!— MRD
- Roseman is everything that is wrong with the hierarchy of the Eagles, and that is what needs to change whether Reid stays or goes in the future. Roseman is about as qualified to be a GM as I am, as we both play Fantasy Football, and it should end with that. I think Lurie needs to hire a REAL GM, and that way he can hold Reid accountable for bad decisions like hiring Castillo. The good GM's in the NFL don't neglect positions like the Eagles do (The Eagles refuse to draft or put any priority in having good LB's) and it is a huge weakness on our defense every year. Banner should be the Captologist (which he is very good at), and should not be in on any player personel decisions. The hiearchy should be: Lurie owns the teams and signs the checks, the GM should be in charge of the draft, player personel and hiring/firing Head Coach, Joe Banner should be managing the Cap, and Reid should coaching on the Field on Sunday's. The Eagles hierarchy current model is a total mess.— Jacket85
- I am confused - I thought FatRed had the final say,isn't that we have been led to believe? This makes it sound like Howie has a role, but the power after FatRed's leave of absence is in the Nickels. All I need to know about his drafting skills are 2 wasted 2nd rounders on safeties, 1 DE (Great guy) who is miscast and cost a No 1 and 2 No 3s, and 2 wasted 3rd rounders (a DE and a CB). Blow up this Dept. too!— lgm4885
- Why do the Eagles even have a GM? Reid calls all the shots— pflynn20
- howie may be one of the bright young minds in football but he can also play a doctor and a cabana boy on daytime TV.— jmb53
- Roseman is a joke. Bring Bill Polian over here but under the caveat that he makes all decisions, not his son. Bill can pick the next coach. I would hire him before the draft. This offseason is very important. You can't put it in the hands of a grocery clerk who should be working at ACME.— Drew777
- One thing is for sure if the city of Philadelphia made the call, the whole staff would be gone as they should be. But JL is the man so fine keep Reid, Castillo, Roseman and the whole bunch. Please though just change the name from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Lurie Eagles.— BCRock
- Just drafting these players alone is reason for firing as McLane has spelled out, Graham, Allen, Te'o-Nesheim, Watkins, Jarrett, Marsh. Have any of those players made an impact. We are talking about 1st,2nd and third round picks. If just one or two them were Pro-Bowl players the Eagles would still be playing. The Eagles continue to think they are smartest guys in the room. Hell, even Tom Benson in NO figured it out. Watkins might turn out to be an ok OL but did he warrant a first round pick. If they took him in third round I would't have a problem with him. He can't be good being drafted high in the first round. He has to be great.— Drew777
- Rosenman should've been fired when the season started. It was already apparent by then that he failed to address the Eagles needs at safety and linebacker thru either the free agency or the draft. In fact, he wasted at least 3 second round, 1 first round and several 3 round picks without successfully filling that need. He left the Eagles with a talent gap that is widening relative to the other teams at the top of the NFL. AND LURIE IS DUMB ENOUGH TO LET HIM WASTE THIS YEAR"S DRAFT AS WELL, After another Howie led draft the Eagles will be so far behind the top teams in the NFL that they might as well cleaan house and build from scratch. Of course, Howie couldn't do that either. FIRE HOWIE YESTERDAY. BEFORE ITS TOO LATE TO RECOVER FROM HIS MISTAKES!— Commonesnes
- You can't compare a GM to a coordinator. You "wonder why the Eagles didn’t grant McDermott as much grace"? Really? Do you wonder that? Because a few paragraphs above this wondering you state perfectly reasonable arguments for why the Eagles did not grant McDermott more time.
— bc3030 - Terrible article. You list all of his bad moves and then say he should be retained and given more time. This kid was working with Banner on the salary cap, how is he even qualified to be a general manager? Might as well give the peanut vendor at the Linc a job as the talent evaluator. He obviously doesn't understand the personnel aspect of the business. He goes out and gets different style corners (cover and press) that don't fit in the same schemes, overpays for Vick who turns the ball over 3x a game, leaves the Desean contract situation hanging out there and distracting him and the team, doesn't get good LB's and safeties for a scheme that requires good LB's and safeties, wastes money on Ronnie Brown and Steve Smith (could have been used to keep Desean happy and in the game), not to mention 2 drafts in a row that were absolutely horrid. So what about this makes you think he deserves more time? I understand the fire Andy Reid chants but at least he has won in this league, it's obvious Roseman is way in over his head. He should be the first to go...before Andy, before Juan. Because even if Andy and Juan aren't the answer beyond next year, 3 years of bad drafts in a row can be crippling to a franchise.— jimbo jones
- Not only should Howie Roseman be fired, but Jeff McLane should also be fired because apparently he doesn't have a clue about football either.— jimbo jones
- Panthers defense (Sean McDermott) was horrible this year. Offense good enough to make the playoffs. Defense---not so much.
— mish798798 - Here is how I look at drafts and who's in charge. Rounds 1 to 3, the head coach and all top minds are pretty set on what their going after, and its their choices. Rounds 4 to 7, they are pretty much relying on the scouts. I doubt if Andy Reid knew who Todd Herremans from Saginaw State was on draft day. What I'm getting at, is the scouts are doing a much better job at finding talent for them to draft in the later rounds, than those, supposedly in the know, are doing in the early rounds, especially on defense.— watsonmr
- It's really hard being an Eagles fan right now!— Geno D
- We shall see what they draft...however throughout the history of the NFL, all good 4-3 defenses had a good middle linebacker who was physical and quarterbacked the defense,,,,,like their philosophy of passing 68% of the time even when you are not good at it, they seem intent on defying history....— Cxgtr
- I said it all year Howie Roseman is one of the best young GM in the league...Hell forget the YOUNG he's good. Howie doesn't settle for good enough...How many thought Nnamdi was a possibility in coming to Philly? The terrible state of our CB's the last few years. I was satisfied with one pro-bowler Rodgers-Cromatie. Throw in a second round pick,and more leverage to move up in the draft... Rodgers-Cromatie to pair up with Asante..." WOW." IGettting Nnamdi that was brilliant especially with everyone's eyeing the Cowgals and Jets as the new home of one of the top2 CB in the league... Howie made that happen. Even after his first full year as an Eagle Nnamdi is still one of the top CB in the game.The Steve Smith acquisition characterized as a failure... REEALLLY Hmmm. How many of y'all didn't embrace that if there was a possibility for Steve Smith to return to form. To when he was a League Leading Pro-bowl receiver with the Giants would n't have made a play for Smith... Now at seasons end we have seen Smith's actual performance and Howie is characterized as a failure. Fire Howie chants hahahahahah Pleeaase... Howie's the man.— trinieagle
- Seriously? This guy has never even put a football uniform on, put his hand in the dirt, or hit some. Yet he is evaluating talent? He has done quite a bang up job in his first two drafts. This isn't baseball were ubber smart nerds like Theo Epstein, Brian Cashman, and Billy Beane can use sabre metrics and other statistical formulas to predict player performance. Football is and always will be a game where talent is evaluated by seasoned coaches and scouts who have played the game and understand the game. Imagine a dream team of Howie Roseman and the slick hot new coordinator du jour; and everyone thinks Andy Reid is bad.— downthemiddle
- The Eagles only need to look across the parking lot. The Phils finally fired an inept GM and put a real GM in place. They went to the playoffs the next year and won it all the year after that. Strange how the fans know long before the owners that a GM can't do the job.— PHS Member
- Lurie, Reid and Banner are all smarter than us. Haven't you caught on by now? — TheRomanMeatHelmet
- trinieagle,
If he could draft he wouldn't need al the free agents. The positions where he couldn't correct the draft mistakes with FAs were some of the worst in the League. HE STINKS!— Commonesnes - Trinieagle,
Going into the off season last year the Eagles biggest need was a Right Tackle. In a short camp and pre season environment when the team was supposed to be all in the right move was to sign a FA right tackle. What do the Eagles do? Draft an inexperienced 27 y.o. guard who can't play right tackle. Result: the Eagles had to break up the Herremans Peters tandem that was successful and it took half the season to get the Oline to function effectively as a unit. Get a FA at right tackle and the 1st round pick can be used on a high caliber safety or LB. Likewise, after Dawk left the Eagles had a veteran team and given the weak LB corp and poor tackling corners, the Eagles needs a proven safety who can tackle and cover. Anton Rolle was available. He signed with the Giants. Instead the Eagles have wasted three 2nd round picks on safeties and still don't have a single safety who would start on anothter playoff bound team. Those three picks could've been used to bring in higher caliber LBs, instead of the 6th round or undrafted linebackers they started this year. The Eagles LBs would be at best special teams players on any playoff bound team in the NFL. Result: a wasted season and a widening talent gap between the Eagles and the top teams in the NFL. The Eagles are not in the top tier in either the NFC or AFC. After Pee Wee Rosenman screws up this offseason's draft the talent gap will be even wider. That gap may soon be impossible to close. FIRE ROSENMAN YESTERDAY!— Commonesnes - I honestly believe that Mr.Lurie believes what he said in his press conference....and that scares me!!— larryv
- Larry - I had exactly the same thought. Lurie is either blinded by loyalty to the man who made him a billionaire or he is completely delusional. Or both. — coloradoeagle
- First off how can any body blame anybody in the front office? Does anybody(fans) know what goes on at the NOVA CENTER! I mean really who is responsible for what? The secrecy that goes on in this organization is unbelievable!! What does howie do? I always thought that Reid did whatever the hell he wanted to and I could just see him sneering when he was listening to Laure's press conf. I have only animosity for andy reid....sorry!— larryv
- larryv,
No. Reid was hired bc he doesn't rock the boat in the front office. Other established stronger willed coaches wouldn't accept those terms. Take Gruden for example. Heckert, Reid's guy, was forced out and replaced by Rosenman, Banner's protege, who has no talent scouting, coaching or playing experience. He a capologist like Banner.— Commonesnes - trinieagle, sorry dude Nnamdi stinks. Worst signing in Philly sports history, worse than Chris Webber.— chocolatethunder
- Here is a stupid idea:
GM: “Jaws” Jaworski
HC: Jeff Fisher
DC: Spags
Asst DC: Brian Dawkins (this is his last year)
Need to restore Eagles culture(it’s Barnum & Bailey circus now). Jeff Fisher’s HC resume is not fantastic, but he’s had a lot of success as a defensive coach. He would thrive as a hard nosed Eagles HC. This leadership team can immediately end the insanity.
Draft consultant: Computer program; Mel Kiper + Todd McShay/2 (take average of their big board and take best available, since Howie, our fantasy football GM is going nowhere)
— chocolatethunder - Rosenman must've agreed to marry the ugly neice of Banner, Lurie or Lurie's wife. Otherwise, he must have the goods on one of them. There is no other rational explanation as to why he became and is still the Eagles GM.— Commonesnes
- THIS OWNER IS THE JOKE OF THE NFL. HE HAS ALLOWED FAT ANDREW TO BULLY HIM. LURIE, ACTS LIKE A FAIRY WITH NO BALLS. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HIS FOOT IN HIS MOUTH NEXT YEAR— Pete60
- I don't care how long Roseman is here as long as we "DON"T DRAFT ANOTHER PLAYER FROM MICHIGAN" or another undersized DE.— delcodanno
- How in the hell can this writer give credit to Roseman for Babin and Mathis? All it took was hiring away their position coaches to get these guys here. This "article" shows such partisanship towards Roseman that if he were reading it, he'd well up with tears of friendship. Shame on a beat writer for writing a piece like this.— beegal99
- I've come to the conclusion the only way out of this mess is new ownership.
Zowie Howie is Banner's boy. Unless ownership changes, get use to it.— Lil Ratman - Next year will be Reid's last year in philly and he was the one shooting himself by sticking to and supporting two below average quarterbacks who he defended til death and it comes next year.
— mario1239 - Comment removed.
- The Eagles are a JOKE. Nuff said.— SJDevilBoy
- Roseman has done enough damage. Not ONE decent starter from the last two drafts, (Coleman, really?). Blowing the Graham, Allen and Watkins picks is truly reason enough to fire him. Salary cap lawyer does not equal talent evaluator.— snakeplissken
- Amazing! According to this article, Roseman deserves more time......Another article, Castillo needs more time.........13 years as head coach and Reid asks for more time.......EVERYONE needs more time. This week has been very revealing on many fronts, the biggest being the Eagles ownership and front office are the true architects of the state of this team. Mr Lurie. When he calls this inept lawyer posing as an NFL GM the best and brightest, well, end of story. This team, to paraphase an infamous poster here, will never, never, never, never win a superbowl. Never.— DelawareRiverRat
- Graham 13 th, Thomas 14th , JPP 15th. Ooh that's gonna leave a mark.— Eddie Spaghetti
- C'mon everyone; you know that Lurie is not gonna shake things up, until the Linc is EMPTY every Sunday next season, and people are NOT buying the gear! And when EVERYBODY turns in their season tickets. He won't change a thing, as long as the money rolls in; he has a license to print his own currency with this franchise.
- Let's be fair. Howie Brownoseman looks really cool in his camouflage hat and sunglasses. I say give him a contract for life just like Reid. All in Dream Team!— Scope33
- Jason Pierre-Paul, Sean Lee, and Navarro Bowman. These are three guys the Eagles could have drafted in 2010. Instead they got Brandon Graham, Nate Allen, and Teo'Nesheim. Case closed!— TXEaglesFan
