Current Status
In 2013, Eagles fans saw what a top level punter can do to help change starting field position. Fans also held their breath and looked away during several field goal attempts. There was also little to be excited about with our return game.Special teams will win or lose games in this league, and the Eagles front office must analyze and assess this part of the team.
Punter
Donnie Jones was a fantastic off-season edition. He was consistent and really impacted the game. He is a free agent and is on record with his interest to re-sign in Philadelphia.
Kicker
Alex Henery- A former fourth round selection who gives fans and many on the coaching staff little faith of converting field goals of more than forty yards. Additionally, it was hard to watch some of his weak kick-offs.
Kickoff/Punt Return
Is Damaris Johnson the best this team can do? Would a full season of Brad Smith being healthy serve as an upgrade? The Eagles return game was nothing that other teams feared or that fans had confidence with.
The Eagles were in the bottom third in both return categories. Desean was limited with the chances given to return punts. It’s been an open tryout for his replacement in addition to the kick-off game for too long.
Moving Forward
Punter– The Eagles would be foolish to not extend Donnie Jones to a multi-year contract. Between Rocca and the other Henry we had punting, too many bad memories of terrible punters causing us field position.
Kicker– I don’t envision the Eagles “cutting” Alex Henery, but they need to sign another kicker to battle for the starting position in training camp/pre-season. There is a chance of some modifications to the “extra point” and adding any additional yards does not favor the average kicking leg of Henery. A dome stadium would be the perfect new home for Henery.
Return Specialist– There are some available return specialist the Eagles may take a look at. McCluster, Hester and Ginn would all upgrade the return game for the Eagles. McCluster will get overpaid for his services as he offers teams flexibility at the running back/wide receiver position as well. Hester does not have what he use to have, but could still take a few “to the house” with his vision on the football field. Ginn is a WR 5 who can return kicks, but the former first round pick has always thought more of his talent and financial worth then what he really has.
I would sign a veteran like a Hester or another low cost veteran, and allow him to battle it out with Brad Smith and a player or two that we draft.
Dome pooch punting scardy cats —
Cordarrelle Patterson blinked and Chip Kelly wet his pants.
Special teams should improve as first teamers improve. Jones should be back. Henry will face a battle and probably lose.
I hate Henery.
just read darren sproles is going to be released, although he is going to be 31 this year, anyone think he could be a 3rd down back for us and returner? not sure how much he woould cost or how long of a contract he would be looking for. i think its worth a look
31 year old player is the wrong direction for this team. Draft a returner. Do you really want Shady off the field on any given down?
fair points, i agree but just wanted to hear opinions on him
For the life of me I can’t figure out why Cary Williams,Chung and benn are still on this team if they were to let them go that would save them 6million.
Must sign players
1. Michael Johnson
2.Malcolm Jenkins
3.Donnie jones
#ihatecarywilliams&patchung
Chung has to go no doubt Gloomy
I think CB C Williams is serviceable for another Season
Is he overpaid, yes he is as most Free-Agents are when acquired
You can’t blame for getting a good deal after coming off Super Bowl run with the Ravens..
Watch the 5-6 Free-Agents from the Seahawks get big deals offers too
This Year in Free-Agency
Mike Bennett, Red Bryant,Golden Tate, Walter Thurmond,
DL MacDonald, etc,etc
All Free-Agents are overpaid.. It’s how the System works
Oh I know Paulman he is way overpaid he talks like a 6x pro bowler but plays like a 4th cb at best
I know this is a lot of money to spend but if they went out and got
1. Michael Johnson
2. Malcolm Jenkins and Nate Allen
3. Walter Thurmond or Sam shields
4. Donnie jones
Fact the eagles always said the position of the most importance is dl,ol and cb they have never put value into safety in fact I don’t believe you need superstars back there just solid players that’s not gonna kill you so get Byrd out of your heads he’s not coming unless he drops his asking price.
Just Sing Starters. We need competent football players on this defense. Then we can draft some play makers.
Only exception is Byrd- I am convinced that once in a while a player is just that good that maybe you just have to pull the trigger. But you cant have Byrd and Ward and Johnson and Houston and …