Dick Jauron Hired as Secondary Coach

Several sources are reporting that the Eagles have hired Dick Jauron as secondary coach. He would be replacing Brian Stewart, who left the team last month for a defensive coordinator job at the University of Houston. Jauron started his fourth year as Bills head coach last year before getting fired after a 3-6 start.

Before his Buffalo stint, Jauron spent five years as the head coach for the Chicago Bears, where he won the AP’s coach of the year in 2001. Way back in 1985 Jauron began coaching in the NFL as a defensive backs coach for the Bills. He held that same position with the Packers from ‘92-’94, where he was joined by offensive line coach Andy Reid.

There is no question that Jauron had limited success as a head coach, but that does not mean he can’t contribute here. The guy has lived and breathed football his entire life and even played safety in the NFL from ‘73-’80. For almost the entire past decade, organizations trusted his football knowledge enough to let him run a team. To have a guy with that type of experience coach our secondary is a blessing.

Reid got lucky that Jauron even became available. Not many coaches of his caliber agree to be position-coaches, but Big Red pulled it off. Our secondary did not live up to its expectations in ‘09, despite a good amount of talent. You can bet that Jauron will put his stamp on that unit in no time. I also imagine that the 59-year old will be given an “assistant head coach” title to go along with his role with the defensive backfield.

I really like this move in that it will give Sean McDermott a veteran set of eyes to help him run the defense. While McDermott did a fine job in his first year running the show, he could be helped in a big way with a guy like Jauron on his side. I expect the two to work very closely throughout the season in constructing the weekly gameplan.

I’m looking forward to what Reid has to say about Jauron’s exact role with the team when the signing is officially announced, probably sometime Tuesday.

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DeSean Lights up the Pro Bowl; Extension Coming?

Nine Eagles took part in Sunday’s Pro Bowl where the AFC prevailed 41-34. The only one to stand out was DeSean Jackson, who led the NFC with 101 receiving yards on six catches, two going for touchdowns. One of those came on a 58-yard bubble screen from teammate Donovan McNabb that showcased D-Jax’s phenomenal speed. If the NFC proved victorious, there could have been a MVP trophy coming back to Philadelphia, but Houston’s Matt Schaub took the honors with 189 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Throughout the game Ron Jaworski touted the incredible talent that Jackson possesses. Sure, Jaws can be a bit of a homer, but nobody could question his evaluation of the second-year Cal product. Also brought up about Jackson was his contract situation. When a young player breaks onto the scene like Jackson did all the way through the Pro Bowl, there is no surprise when “the contract” comes into question. Especially when your talking about a wide receiver.

…More after the jump

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Roseman Officially Tagged GM

Since the departure of Tom Heckert to Cleveland, speculation has surrounded the vacant GM spot and the person most likely to fill the position, Howie Roseman. The 34-year old joined the organization back in 2000 as a salary cap/staff counsel, where he began a steady rise through the organization. His most recent gig as V.P. of player personnel had him working as Heckert’s right hand man.

Roseman has earned the respect of Andy Reid and other members of the organization despite not coming from a football background. He is a relative unknown around the league, but has proved to be a shrewd and creative negotiator, according to some agents. PE.com’s Dave Spadaro wrote that Roseman has become “an expert in the salary cap, in player personnel matters, in dealing and forging productive relationships with agents”.

At his introduction Friday, the new GM seemed confident and grateful for his promotion:

“When I got here 10 years ago, I was fortunate enough to have people who took me under their wing, allowed me to watch film, analyze some of my reports,” Roseman said at his introduction on Friday. “That started really right away. I grew in my role. I watched more pro tape. I watched more college tape. I’ve really been doing it since day one.”

….More after the jump

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Tags: Andy Reid, Howie Roseman, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Tom Heckert

An Early Look at the Mock Draft Universe

It’s never too early to look forward to April’s NFL Draft, and many of the so-called experts have already released their early mock drafts. Let’s take a look at their choices and explanations for the Eagles with the 24th overall pick. At the end, I’ll summarize the findings and evaluate how the Eagles could proceed with their first round selection just a few months away.

WalterFootball: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

“Andy Reid loves drafting linemen on both sides of the ball, and the Eagles will be looking for an upgrade over mediocre left end Victor Abiamiri this offseason.

Carlos Dunlap lacks consistent effort and was charged with DUI recently, so there’s a chance he could fall out of the first round. However, Andy Reid seems to be on a mission to redeem every single football player in America, and given his new (unwarranted) contract extension, Big Red can afford to take a chance on a high-upside, low-effort guy like Dunlap.”

Mel Kiper; ESPN.com: Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State

“The Eagles need an athletic OLB, and they get a lot of value by landing Bowman here. Bowman lacks size, but any parsing on measurables can’t overcome his great play on film. Could end up as the best at his position in this class.”

..Way More After the Jump

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Free Agent Decisions (Part 2: Defense/Special Teams)

The Eagles have 14 players eligible for free agency when this season comes to an end. Of those 14, nine are on the defense or special teams. In Part 1 we broke down the pending free agents on the offensive side of the ball. In this Part 2, we will look at those players facing free agency on the D/ST, their 2009 campaigns, and the chances the Eagles re-sign them for 2010 and beyond.

A big issue with free agency this year is the uncertainty surrounding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that expires before next season. If a deal fails to get completed there will be no salary cap, and players with less than six years of NFL experience under their belt would become restricted free agents (RFA) rather that unrestricted free agents (UFA).

Jason Babin (DE)- In the five years Babin has been in the NFL, he has been shuffled between outside linebacker and defensive end. He caught on with the Eagles as a pass-rushing end, where he impressed the coaching staff enough in the preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Since Sean McDermott loves to shuffle his defensive lineman, Babin received a good amount of playing time throughout the season, totaling 16 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Mediocre production for sure. The Eagles desperately need to add a few more pass rushing lineman to the mix in 2010, and if they do, Babin will be shown the door.

Ellis Hobbs (CB)- The Eagles traded for Hobbs prior to the ‘09 season, hoping he would step in as a 4th corner and as a kick returner. In the first eight games, he performed those roles up to par, but then sustained a serious neck injury which sidelined him for the rest of the season. His status going forward is still very much in the air, as the neck injury Hobbs sustained was considered potentially career-threatening. If he is cleared to play, I would like to see the Eagles retain his services. You can never have too many experienced, starting caliber cornerbacks on your roster.

…More after the jump

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Tags: Akeem Jordan, Bobby April, Chris Gocong, Ellis Hobbs, Jeremiah Trotter, NFL, Omar Gaither, Philadelphia Eagles, Sav Rocca, Sean Jones, Tracy White

End of the Road for Westbrook?

Last night, Sports Final’s own Howard Eskin reported that Brian Westbrook will likely be forced to retire because of recurring knee injuries. In the next week or so, the injury-plagued running back will visit specialists to determine if there is any chance left that he can continue his football career.

We all were witness to the extremely tough year by Westy this season. He battled through two concussions and balky knees to play in just eight regular seasons games and one playoff game. In the playoff loss to Dallas, he touched the ball just once, which goes to show that coach Reid did not like the way he looked in practice during the week. Already having returned from multiple concussions, it sure smells like Reid thought Westbrook’s left knee in particular failed to let him play up to his potential.

Due $7.25 million next season, the last on his current contract, it is getting more and more doubtful that we see our beloved No. 36 wear Eagles green again. Before the Eagles decide to release Westbrook, they will give him the chance to retire. If doctors tell him he could play, he might let the Eagles cut him and give another team a chance, but Eskin commented that Westbrook would likely fail any physical that another team performs.

This is certainly tough news to swallow, as so many of us have watched the Villanova product flourish since being drafted in the third round back in 2002. Such is the reality in the life of an NFL running back. Of all positions, they have the least average time spent in the league, due to years of constant pounding by defenses. With Westbrook on the wrong side of 30 and having logged eight years in the NFL, there should be no real surprise in the decline in health and production.

When a decision on Westbrook’s career is made final, look for a career flashback on one of the best Eagles player in franchise history.

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Tags: Andy Reid, Brian Westbrook, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles

Would St. Louis Be a Good Fit for Michael Vick?

While eight teams are still fighting for a chance to become Super Bowl Champions, the cities of Philadelphia and St. Louis are more focused on the 2010 season. The Rams are fresh off a 1-15 campaign, the first under ex-Eagles defensive coach Steve Spagnuolo, and are clearly in rebuilding mode. High on their priority list is a franchise quarterback, somebody to replace the aging and injury-prone Marc Bulger, whose glory years of 2002-06 are long behind him.

Would the Rams use a No. 1 pick on a QB, with the best options being Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen? Or do they go with the mammoth DT out of Nebraska, Ndamukong Suh, clearly the most dominating player in this year’s class?

The reason I have to ask is there is little secret that the Eagles are hoarding three starting quality quarterbacks on their roster. With many teams itching for a new signal caller, like the Rams, conversations between Eagles management and inquiring organizations about the availability of these guys are likely to take place in the coming months.

Fanball’s Rams correspondent Will Horton approached me about my thoughts on Michael Vick in particular and how he performed in his first year back from the can. You can find these thoughts here, on Will’s award-winning RamsHerd blog. In response, I questioned Will about his thoughts on No. 7 and what he would be willing to part with in order to acquire the dual-threat QB.

EaglesHaveLanded: You say everyone in St. Louis is talking about Michael Vick, what are your (and the general Rams population) thoughts about the man as a quarterback?

RamsHerd: I don’t think he’s a franchise quarterback any more, and I have doubts about his accuracy and patience in an offense. But then again, I have little respect for the Jim Mora/ Greg Knapp coaching tree he was working under. The big question for the Rams is not just “can he play,” but “can you build a team around him.” That brings all sorts of chemistry issues — with the coaches, with Steven, and the other players in the Rams’ slowly developing core.

Given how little he’s showed in a “conventional offense” since his indictment and imprisonment, he’s obviously an enormous risk. But the Rams need something unconventional, or at least potent, on offense in a bad way. And the vocal Rams fans have really latched onto him as a difference maker. In a poll I put up last week — http://ramsherd.com/2010/01/05/kyle-turley-michael-vick-head-injuries-and-the-rams/ — he’s getting better than 2:1 support.

Personally, though, I’d be more inclined to acquire Kolb than Vick off your roster, and build around a younger and more accurate QB.

…More After the Jump

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Tags: Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick, Ndamukong Suh, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams

Free Agent Decisions (Part 1: Offense)

The Eagles have 14 players eligible for free agency when this season comes to an end. Of those 14, five are on the offensive side of the ball. In Part 1 we will look at those players, their 2009 campaigns, and the chances the Eagles re-sign them for 2010 and beyond.

A big issue with free agency this year is the uncertainty surrounding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that expires before next season. If a deal fails to get completed there will be no salary cap, and players with less than six years of NFL experience under their belt would become restricted free agents (RFA) rather that unrestricted free agents (UFA).

All of the pending free agents on the offensive side of the ball would be restricted free agents should no CBA be reached in the next couple months. Needless to say, if a deal is reached, each would be granted UFA status.

Nick Cole (G/C)- The 25-year old, previously-undrafted free agent Cole played in 16 of the Eagles 17 games this year, mostly at right guard. While only 6′0, Cole is a beastly 350 lbs. who is hard to move off the line of scrimmage. He was thrown into the fire at center in the final two games of ‘09, performing with mixed results. It seems he is best suited as a backup guard/emergency center. Either way, Andy Reid loves his lineman and Cole is one of the most experienced interior lineman on the Eagles. I doubt he would get a big-money deal elsewhere, so expect Cole to return to Philly in a backup capacity.

Jason Avant (WR)- To me, this is the easiest decision for the Eagles management to make. Avant is a sure-handed slot option with a knack for the big catch on third downs. I’m actually surprised he didn’t get utilized more toward the end of the season. The guy catches everything and plays his heart out every game. Since joining the team in 2006 after a fine collegiate career at Michigan, Avant has increased his receptions, yardage totals, yards per catch, and touchdowns in each season. Reid loves to hold on to certain receivers for extended periods of time (see Lewis, Greg), so I imagine that Avant gets signed to a long-term deal within the next few months.

….More after the jump

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Tags: Alex Smith, Jason Avant, Leonard Weaver, Max Jean-Gilles, Nick Cole, Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Get Destroyed to End Season

We all thought that “no way, the Eagles can’t lay another egg like they did last week”. This team is too good to lose three times to the hated Cowboys, especially with the recent playoff history of the two franchises. And look how fired up McNabb was prior to the game, surely he was going to have a big game, right?

Well, it all came crashing down in the the impressive new Cowboys stadium, as the Eagles were kicked all around the field in the 34-14 defeat. It is the first time under Andy Reid that the Eagles lost a playoff opener. Just embarrassing all the way around.

…Way more after the jump

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Three Key Matchups to Watch on Saturday

1) DeMarcus Ware/Anthony Spencer on Jason Peters/Winston Justice

The two outside linebackers for the Cowboys have emerged late in the season as a dynamic pass-rushing duo. Everybody knows the skills possessed by Ware, but the emergence of Spencer really has catapulted the Dallas defense toward the top of the league. In the Week 17 matchup Spencer got to McNabb twice, forcing a key fumble on one. Ware failed to record a sack but many times got in the face of McNabb. The pocket seemed to collapse in a hurry with the relentless outside pressure put on by these two outside ‘backers.

Peters played well for the majority of the game, but had a couple mental miscues which proved costly. On the right side, Justice struggled to pick up the speed of Spencer. Both tackles have had outstanding years and are extremely capable of giving McNabb a comfortable pocket. I have to think one big reason that they are scuffling a bit is the 3-4 scheme employed by the Cowboys. Either way, the matchup between the outside linebackers of the Cowboys and the offensive tackles of the Eagles is huge in this game.

More after the jump…
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Tags: Andy Reid, Anthony Spencer, Dallas Cowboys, Demarcus Ware, DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb, Felix Jones, Jason Peters, Jeremy Maclin, Marion Barber, NFL Playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles, Winston Justice