Recliner GM

This is the first reader-generated guest post on the Philadelphia Eagles on ReclinerGM. If you want to submit a post about the Eagles, check out this post for instructions or email us at reclinergm@gmail.com with any questions.

Although the Eagles haven’t really made a huge splash in the news lately, plenty of things have gone on this offseason in the wake of two blowout losses to the Dallas Cowboys to end the year. I would call these things “subtle tweaks” in trying to close the gap between them and Dallas. No Julius Peppers or Aaron Kampman, no Chester Taylor or LaDainian Tomlinson, still it’s not all bad.

In the front office, they have a new GM in Howie Roseman, which isn’t really a huge deal because we all know that Andy Reid has final say in personnel decisions. Heck, that’s why Tom Heckert got out of here, but I don’t know that Mike Holmgren will let him have a whole lot of power with Cleveland either. It is interesting that the GM role will switch from more of a scouting type with a football background to more of a money or Joe Banner type.

As far as players go, the Eagles resigned valuable offensive pieces Leonard Weaver and Jason Avant. They also brought in free agent safety Marlin Jackson from the Colts in what they are selling as a “low risk/high reward” type move that their front office seems to be pretty good at making, especially if you ask them. Even Hank Baskett and Kendra are back. An era ended when they released hobbled franchise running back Brian Westbrook where a lot of people could see the writing on the wall. They also cut ties with Will Witherspoon and Reggie Brown, who many (including me) weren’t particularly attached too. They also hired a couple of coaches away from Buffalo, recently fired head coach Dick Jauron (who will work with the defensive backs) and special teams guru Bobby April.

In the end, a lot of these things do not really register very highly with Eagles fans because the big topic around town is the same as it has been the last few years, the quarterback situation. Although nothing has really happened in the offseason to give any clues into what the team is thinking for next year, Eagles fans digest every rumor for even a slight hint.

The Eagles, simply put, have a surplus at the position with three guys and three different skill sets. Even more intriguing, they are all at different points in their careers but have justifiable reasons to want to play. Quickly, let’s take a look at where each guy stands as far as his place in the Eagles’ offense and future plans.

1. Donovan McNabb- McNabb is in the final year of his contract after getting a raise when it was restructured for the last two years last summer. Everyone knows about all the records McNabb holds and his place in team history, but there could be something said for moving on. There is a growing sense of frustration amongst the fans that seems to trickle down to the team when things go wrong, and McNabb is guilty of getting very frustrated at times. McNabb can still play at a very high-level, and his ability to throw the ball downfield blends very well with the speedy, young receiving corps. As always though, his accuracy wavers, as evidenced by him missing a few big intermediate throws in the Dallas games. The big question is, “Are the Eagles a true Super Bowl contender heading into the season?” If the answer is yes, number five’s experience should give the team the best chance to win.
2. Kevin Kolb- [...]

   Click to continue →

   { 7 comments }

   March 17, 2010

   Sport betting doesn’t have to involve a trip to the bookies — next time, why not place your bets at 888.com with their professional online sports betting services.

The Eagles made 2 moves to improve their depth today – signing running back Mike Bell (the Saints can match, but I doubt they will), and trading Chris Clemons and a 4th round pick to Seattle for DE Darryl Tapp. Neither are impactful moves, but let’s take a look at them quickly.

Mike Bell –

The 26-year old back only has 348 career carries in his 4-year career (4.0 average per carry), so we don’t have to worry about him running out of steam. He is a big back (6′, 220lbs) so he could be useful near the goal line. However, Bell isn’t much more than an average running back. I don’t think he’ll provide much of an upgrade over someone like Eldra Buckley.

Darryl Tapp –

Tapp is a 25-year old DE who the Eagles feel is on the rise (much like they did about Chris Clemons, who they traded in this deal). Tapp had a promising first 3 years of his career (15.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles) but wasn’t as productive last year with only 2.5 sacks and no forced fumbles. Andy Reid described him as “a very intense football player.” Adding  ”He plays very hard every snap. He’s smart, he’s a good person and he’ll fit very well into our defensive scheme.” Frankly – I don’t see how he’s any better than the guy we traded away, Clemons, and we had to through in a 4th round pick. Obviously they see something here, but they don’t exactly have a good track record of acquiring DE’s.

So that’s it – nothing huge. Potential new starting DE in Tapp, but he’ll probably just be the first in on the rotation. Hopefully they finally guess right on a DE. As for Bell, I personally don’t see why you don’t spend a little extra for Thomas Jones (who signed for 2 years, $5 million after 1,400 yards last year) or LT (2 years, $5.1 million). Again, uncapped year. Spend a little more and get a much bigger upgrade. [...]

Click to continue →

{ 10 comments }

March 16, 2010

If you play video poker games then visit Video Poker Royalty for information on game types, secure casinos and new player bonuses.