Spagnuolo's future, Eagles' draft position
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Spagnuolo's future, Eagles' draft position
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
One of the first decisions the Eagles will have to make following Sunday's regular-season finale against the Redskins is what to do at defensive coordinator.
And more specifically, will Juan Castillo be back? Will they sell the idea that Castillo has improved as the season's gone on? That he's earned a full offseason to work with his players and show what he can do?
Or will they decide that some of their most talented defensive players - Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, Nnamdi Asomugha - are on the wrong side of the 30, and a proven defensive coordinator is necessary to make a Super Bowl run in 2012?
That decision brings us to a report out of San Diego. Per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chargers plan on cutting ties with head coach Norv Turner once the season's over. But maybe more importantly, the team could part ways with general manager A.J. Smith.
How would that affect the Eagles? Per Acee, it would create a domino effect that would result in Steve Spagnuolo becoming the Birds' new defensive coordinator.
The story goes like this: Smith would be hired in St. Louis to become the Rams' new general manager, and he would bring with him Jon Gruden as head coach. According to the report, Gruden has decided to return to coaching in 2012, and ESPN is already preparing for him to leave.
Here's the key part from Acee that affects the Eagles:
League sources also said this week that it is all but certain that Spagnuolo will join Andy Reid’s staff in Philadelphia as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator.
Spagnuolo, of course, spent eight seasons as a defensive assistant here from 1999-2006. The Rams are currently 2-13. They were 7-9 last year and 1-15 in Spagnulo's first season in St. Louis.
What would need to happen for the aforementioned scenario to play out? The Rams would have to cut ties with Spagnuolo, which seems likely, based on several reports out of St. Louis and around the country. The Eagles would have to cut ties with Castillo. And Spagnuolo would have to want to join the Eagles. He will likely have other options: becoming a defensive coordinator elsewhere, taking a year off, etc.
The Eagles would also have to decide on their defensive philosophy if they brought in Spagnuolo. In St. Louis, and before that with the Giants, Spagnuolo relied on a blitz/zone-blitz scheme. While the Eagles have blitzed more in recent weeks, for much of the season, they've relied on pressure from the front four and Jim Washburn's wide-nine. Through 15 weeks, the Eagles lead the NFL with 49 sacks, and 45 of them have come from defensive linemen.
There's one more game to go, and then it will be decision time once again for the Eagles, as they look ahead to 2012.
DRAFT POSITION
If the season ended today, the Eagles would have the 13th pick in the first round. They currently have the same record (7-8) as the Cardinals, Seahawks, Chargers and Bears. The tiebreak is strength of schedule. In other words, the team with the weakest strength of schedule gets the higher pick.
There are currently 11 teams with a worse record than the Eagles. The Birds' pick can be no higher than No. 9, depending on what happens next week. There are currently six 8-7 teams, so the Eagles could drop several spots with a win against the Redskins.
The Eagles would also have picks 44 and 48 (in the second round) if the season ended today. They have their own pick, along with the Cardinals' selection from the Kevin Kolb deal.
If you missed it from Monday, I posted Man Up on the defense.
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If castillo stays ill lose my mind.marty needs to go too.— Illeagle- A report from a West Coast newspaper......this Eagles ownership reminds me of what the Nixon White House used to be.....contrast to Rueben Amaro or a representative on 1210 am every Saturday prior to game time to take calls and talk Phils in season. I can live with AR as coach for the next 2 years provided the Faux GM is replaced this year with a real NFL GM. It would be a football disaster if Mr Roseman is allowed the keys to the draft this year and in future years.— DelawareRiverRat
- Spags just isn't a fit here in my opinion, I know every one can't stand castillo but he has gotten better as the year has gone on. Spags has had success in the past but the Rams are one of the worst defenses in the NFL, maybe they lack for talent but I don't see him being a big improvement. Give Juan another year, have some continuity and improve the LB's the team will be good next year.— mdb20
- Your opinion is exactly what I fear the Eagles front office has. I know Juan has improved but he has done so against J.P. Losman, Mark Sanchez & Stephen McGee. The five blown 4th quarter leads must not be forgotten.
- He has NOT gotten better, they have simply played weaker teams. Miami, Jets, a crumbling Cowboys team...all very weak teams! Unfortunately, the ownership is probably as blinded by the last few weeks as you are! — gdibig
- Juan isn't the answer. The defense was inconsistent, and the one thing he talked about (fundamentals) was an issue all year. Tackling, blown coverages, idiotic scheme's, pressing to much with Nnamdi etc etc. I guess the question is, in this type of league, what has Juan done to show that he can be a top tier coach? Just like players, why keep some one around just because they show potential or work hard? The NFL is about talent and that extends to coaches and front office, Juan doesn't match up, not now at least. Whats wrong with saying you can be the guy at some time, just not now? If he was going to leave to be a DC, he would have left a long time ago since he supersedes Reid as far as tenure here in Philly. — xlGmanlx
- Another off season and 2012 of AR would be really hard to stomach.— PortCity
- Howie cannot be allowed to make those picks next year. He's been an utter failure the past two drafts. One more failed draft and this team will sink to the bottom of the division. No question. If Spags does come back, I can live with Andy. I cannot live with Roseman. Worst GM ever.— beegal99
- spags will be the 2012 version of the fitzgerald/boldin rumor. Thanks Sheil, but it seems that Juan will be hanging around another year.— sore richard
- It'd be a nice band-aid...but what really needs to happen is the whole coaching staff needs to be overhauled. Otherwise year 14 of Andy Reid will be just like year 13 was...wasted potential
- Eagles should hire GRUDEN as head coach...and he hires Spagunola as his defensive coordinator..— frank105
- beegal, you are blaming Howie for drafts? He has as much say as you do. Look at the drafts since Modrack left, especially on the defensive side. Name a decent draft pick besides Cole in the last 7 years, good luck with that. Not crazy about Andy as a coach but its his drafts that have killed this team. Interestingly enough is how this town kills Joe Banner but without his cap skills which gives you cap flexabilty to bring in players this team would really, reaaly suck— mikeyboy
- I'm assuming you meant decent *defensive* draft pick in 7 years...offensively they've been solid in the draft. There's a few really solid LBs in this year's draft that will be around when they pick. If they ignore that glaring need [once again], this offseason is going to be frustrating. This is like the WR situation all over again...and look how that turned out when we finally got one. — IanG
- Why do people think that Andy is out scouting guys and evaluating draft picks somehow while coaching? Does he have input on the positions or types of players he wants? Absolutely. Does he know anything about these kids until Howie and his scouts identify who they want and give him their evaluation? You can't be that delusional. You think Andy was the one wheeling and dealing to load up on 4th rounders last year?? Maybe he delivers christmas presents, too. The last two drafts absolutely were Howie Roseman's doing, and they have been an abomination, as was his decision to ignore other positions of need and sign Nnamdi for all that coin. This is what happens when people with no football experience are put in position to make football decisions.
- I am sticking with Reid and Juan. We actually look like a good team, just a little too late, but continued growth, gives us a shot next year.— dmanphilly
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