What they're saying about the Eagles

As we continue to wait on the (potential) end to the lockout, here is a roundup of what they're saying about the Eagles:

According to Football Outsiders, the Eagles faced three receivers or more 47 percent of the time last season. In other words, the Eagles needed their nickel back (Joselio Hanson) on the field nearly half the time.

There are some other interesting numbers in that link also. The Eagles had the fourth-rated defense against two-receiver formations, but they were 22nd against three-receiver formations in 2010.

SI.com's John P. Lopez offers his take on what the Eagles should do in free agency:

Money is no object: The Eagles must go all-in for Nnamdi Asomugha in order to compete in this division and fortify the defense. And if Asomugha signs elsewhere, then Ike Taylor cannot slip through their fingers.

Smart shopper: It may be a move that ultimately blows up, but with Kevin Kolb on the way out, Vince Young will be released by the Titans and could be in the perfect spot behind Michael Vick and under the tutelage of Andy Reid.

Pro Football Focus is out with a look at the best and worst tacklers of the past three seasons. Three Eagles made the list - all in the worst category - Juqua Parker, Ernie Sims and Asante Samuel. The only surprise of that group is Parker. Sims, of course, only spent one season with the Birds.

Pro Football Weekly expects the Eagles to go after a veteran defensive end:

The Eagles, we hear, are planning to hit the free-agent market to look for a defensive end. With the news that DE Brandon Graham (right knee surgery) likely will not be available to start the season, expect the team to target a veteran pass rusher. Plus, the new salary cap — and floor — likely means the team will have the ability to pay for some talent.

Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports writes about Michael Vick reemerging as a pitchman:

A year ago at this time, Vick was still viewed harshly by the general public. His positive Q rating was only 10. His negative rating was a staggering 61. By comparison, Vick had a 21 positive rating and only a 17 negative rating in 2005, two years before his involvement in dogfighting was exposed.

Today, however, Vick has quickly headed in the right direction again. Schafer said Vick's positive number climbed back to 16 after last season and his negative rating dropped to 49.

Adam Rank of NFL.com expects the Eagles to be among the league's most active teams once free agency begins:

Daniel Snyder probably cannot wait to start throwing his money away on free agency, but the team that will make the biggest impact will be the Redskins' NFC East counterpart, the Eagles.

The Eagles need to upgrade at cornerback. Do they pull the trigger on a deal to send Kevin Kolb to Arizona for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie? Do they jump in on Nnamdi Asomugha? Perhaps Ike Taylor? What the Eagles do about their cornerback situation will impact the rest of the teams that need help at corner, like the Texans.

The Eagles have also been linked to Plaxico Burress, and there's a need for a pass rusher.

The bottom line is that the Eagles believe that they are close, so look for them to be very active once free agency begins.

CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco takes a four-pronged approach to put together power rankings. He looks at quarterback, pass rush, pass coverage and offensive tackles. According to Prisco, the Eagles are second to only the Packers when combining those four categories.

A panel of ESPN.com reporters weighed in on which NFL team will dominate in the future, specifically from 2014-2016. The Eagles got one vote, from the site's fantasy writer, Matthew Berry.

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