The Eagles' best offseason move
What was the Eagles' best and worst move of the 2010 offseason?
The Eagles' best offseason move
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
About to head out of town for the weekend for a family gathering, but wanted to get a quick post up first.
A publication recently asked me to answer a series of questions about the Eagles for their NFL preview magazine.
And there was one question that made me think a little longer than the others: What was the Eagles' best and worst offseason move?
For me, the worst was easy. If you're a frequent reader of MTC, you'll be able to guess it right away: trading Sheldon Brown to Cleveland.
Brown, when healthy, is an above-average corner. The options left now: starting Joselio Hanson, converting safeties Macho Harris or Marlin Jackson, starting rookie Trevard Lindley or hoping for a resurgence from Ellis Hobbs are far from sure things.
As for the best offseason move, I really struggled to find one. Who are the new players the team's added? Darryl Tapp, Ernie Smis, Jackson. Do any of those moves qualify? Nope.
What about the Donovan McNabb trade? While it seems like the majority of fans were on board with starting the Kevin Kolb era, I don't think that deal fits the mold either. It's not lik the Eagles received overwhelming compensation.
So I went with the selection of Brandon Graham and Nate Allen in the first two rounds of last month's draft. Is this choice contingent on those guys actually being able to play? Of course. But at least the Eagles addressed a couple areas of need - pass rush and safety.
I won't lie. It did feel like a bit of a stretch. But it was more a process of elimination than anything else.
So I ask you: What was the Eagles' best and worst move of the 2010 offseason?
Become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
Obviously, Reid & FO don't think the team is as far "off" as many fans. I'd have preferred a signing of Julius Peppers and trading McNabb to the Raiders for a quality DB--as Brown went to Cleveland. Bobby April and Dick Jauron might be the best off season moves....— Smashmouth
I'll get back to you after the 1st 4 games are played. We should have some idea of what is and what is not working by then. "InterceptionMachine" made me laugh, though. Best flame post in a while.— verve- "Show" You're a F'n LOSER... Get The F off this website and get a life or just kill yourself... PATHETIC...— IRISHHAG
- Best move was having the guts to get rid of McNabb, knowing the move would be controversial, but realizing it was the most logical move considering his age, contract situation, injury history, and the fact that you had to see if Kolb is an every down NFL QB. The worst move was getting rid of Sheldon. Would have liked to see him moved to free safety, instead of relying on Demps and Harris.— watsonmr
- The best definitely was the draft. The worst was the loss of Donovan McNabb. I will miss him.— Horlet
- I think McNabb was a great QB for the Eagles, but their best move was to let him go and start the Kolb era. He was never going to win a super bowl in Philly, so it didn't make sense for either side to keep the status quo. Even if we take a step backwards (Not so sure that will happen) with Kolb, it's a needed step to move forward.— ericyshel
Comment removed.- The ernie sims move will turn out to be the best, of course all their moves are wait and see moves so time will have to tell with that one too, but in my opinion he becomes the most talented player on out defense.— jc2178
- The ernie sims move will turn out to be the best, of course all their moves are wait and see moves so time will have to tell with that one too, but in my opinion he becomes the most talented player on out defense.— jc2178
- Dick Jsuron has Mcdermitt looking over his shoulder and wondering( How much longer can I hold this guy off....what if I tried changing my game plan every now and then...hmmm)— tsump
- this season was much 8 or 9 of the last off seasons with Reid just enough to make us contenders for a wildcard spot for a playoff game maybe 2 if were lucky. the only problem now unlike the previous 10 years or so Dallas is building a championship team. My opinion no significant moves to improve were still years away from a superbowl. THE GOLD "PLATED" STANDARD.
- The best move of the off season was the cleaning out of the dead wood. That included Sheldon Brown and hate to say it but McNabb too. The combination of Brown and Sheppard at the corners was never very good and that is the truth. McNabb was on the way out the door soon anyway, so why not now. The Eagles will have a bunch of new, young guys in camp this summer and we will see what happens. Andy's first team didn't get it done, now we will see what his second team can to. No, it won't be this year, but the base package looks pretty good. The focus MUST be defense.— craig123
- Its too early to really judge, however I'd go with. Best - Sims. This guy is a sure tackler and a pretty good LB lost on a pretty bad defense and team. To get him for a 5th rd pick was shrewd. Worst - Brown. Again, they let a guy walk without having a backup plan in place. Close second was taking Daniel Te o nesheim where they did.— ctowm
- Sheldon Brown was past his prime and made so many poor plays at the end of the season getting beat numerous times. McNabb lacks the winning edge, usually as happy to lose as win and he can go play air guitar somewhere else. The O-Line could be a problem, but it ould also be outstanding. If McCoy, gets hurt , that could be a problem. The corner is the weakness. Linebackers were improved, dee-line was improved dramatically, wide receivers, te's, looking real good. Might not be a great season as young players adjust and learn but will definitely be a winning season with great promise for years to come. Way to go AR.— Ben Dawkins
- Man some of you guys are crazy. The Eagles will surprise a lot of people this year and win some games. I'm saying we'll definitely make the playoffs because this team does need to leqarn to play together first, but I won't be surprised if we did. Contrary to your beliefs the following players are good pick ups Starting with Mike Bell; Ernie Sims; Marlin Jackson; Trevard Lindley; Darryl Tapp; Nate Allen; Brandon Graham. Not to mention coach Dick Jaron. Once this team and all of its components gets situated they will be tough to beat.— PhiNChi
Follow
Sheil on Twitter. And become
a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds
coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Download it here.
