Eagles 2011: Rob the Raiders!!!!!

Last year I wrote a post on what the Eagles should do during the off-season.  As usual, they didn't listen to me. Now with all the hype surrounding Michael Vick and the fact that many of the faithful were just thankful he was better than the disastrous first half of game 1 with Kolb would have indicated, people may be inclined to believe that all we need are a few tweaks.

WRONG!

Let me go back to my central thesis going into the 2010 season:

Until the Eagles RADICALLY improve the offensive line, they are going NOWHERE.

Michael Vick's unique (and time-limited) athleticism has masked the dreadful state of the Eagles' offensive line. Just imagine what would have happened to Kolb behind that line. Look, just because Vick had it in him to survive and even occasionally thrive in 2010 doesn't mean it's a recipe for success. Already, sportscasters are pointing out that teams seem to have "figured him out" in the second half of the season, and witness the drastically increased number of interceptions and sacks in the last 8 games, and that shiver going down your spine should turn ice cold:  Into a bone-chilling shiver.  Vick was literally beat-up in the Packers game, and it's a model all of the 2011 opponents are going to follow.  This just can't continue.

Second, the Eagles still need a true north-south runner, or at the very least, someone comfortable between the tackles.  That means Michael Bush or Deangelo Williams.  Please!!!!  Again, Michael Vick's heroic antics drastically improved conditions for LeSean McCoy, who's greatest value was still as a receiver.  But it bears repeating: you will not see this performance again in 2011. At best McCoy is Westbrook 2.0, but that presumes a QB who is upright to deliver the ball.  During the loss to the packers the pernicious affects of that porous line and inability to run were in full evidence. If you cannot establish a real running game, defenses can go one-dimensional and shut you down.  You're basically making their jobs easier.  So once again I provide my prescription:

Free Agents:

1.   Nnamdi Asomugha -- I know, I haven't said anything about him until now. Look, just take a peek at the Jets to see what a guy like this can do for your defense overall, but especially for your options in defensive play-calling.  There is no way I can place an RB or OL this high because frankly, Nnamdi is SO good at his position that you HAVE to go for him before ANYTHING else.  Besides, we can stock up on linemen in the draft.
 
2.  Michael Bush -- Another Raider, another future pro-bowler.  If the Eagles do nothing but grab these two guys, they're a lock to repeat as division champions. Now if they also grab 2 O-linemen in the first 3 rounds, look out! They'll be playing in February baby!

2) Any really good, HEALTHY offensive lineman.  But again, only really good ones and they definitely have to be healthy.  Not like the Redkins and the guy they grabbed from the Saints.  What a fiasco.  If no one fits both these criteria, the Eagles should be prepared to use 3 of the top 4 picks on O-linemen.

3) DeAngelo Williams -- But only if Bush is truly beyond reach.

Draft Plan. This draft plan assumes the Eagles were smart enough to grab Nnamdi and Bush.  Otherwise, please make me offers for my season tickets.

Round 1. Offensive Lineman
Round 2. Offensive Lineman
Round 3. Offensive Lineman
Round 4. DB (More help for Nnamdi -- Jets model)
Round 5. Defensive Lineman
Round 6. Linebacker
Round 7. DE