Eight Key Questions That Will Define the Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Season

Part 5 of 9

5. Will winning leaders emerge?

With the offseason make-over, the Eagles became one of the youngest teams in the NFL. They also jettisoned three more leaders from the most prosperous era in team history with the departures of McNabb, Westbrook, and Sheldon Brown.

In the recent past, the club also lost other key leaders such as Dawkins, Jon Runyan, and Tra Thomas. That pretty much makes a clean sweep of the veteran leadership during that period.

Now, discussions center on Kolb, Brent Celek, Stewart Bradley, and DeSean Jackson stepping into leadership roles. It remains to be seen whether they can pull that off— and if they will model and elicit behavior that fosters a winning culture.

Kolb had been quiet and nondescript publicly in his clipboard toting days, but current players have praised his presence on the field.

Celek and Bradley seem to have the make-up and talent to gain followership.

Although Reid has given him a vote of confidence, Jackson appears more likely to become a T.O.-like diva than the next Brian Dawkins. Recent comments and actions seem to suggest that Jackson's current priorities might be finances, stats, and winning— in that order.

Leadership is critical for success in the tough and competitive NFL world. Only time will tell how this evolves with the current roster.

Are the Philadelphia Eagles About to Become the New Lions?

The winds of change continue to gust throughout Lincoln Financial Field. With the team now handing franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins and the ongoing purge of accomplished veterans, the Philadelphia Eagles are clearly transitioning away from the most successful period in team history.

Figuratively, it is like watching a historic statue being slowly chiseled to pieces and then taking a sledgehammer to it to finish off the job.

It all begs to ask the question whether the Philadelphia Eagles are about to become the NFL's new Detroit Lions?

Many have asserted that the team is in a rebuilding phase; however, that would presume the organization has the ability to construct something worthwhile out of the growing pile of rubble. Closer examination of the situation leads me to believe that this notion is highly presumptuous and probably unrealistic.

Although the trade of the best quarterback in franchise history and the outright release of one of the organization's all-time greatest running backs has drawn the most attention, the chisel has chipped away at many different places over the past few years.

Gone are many of the individuals that played leading roles in the most prosperous decade in franchise history. Furthermore, there is little evidence to suggest that viable successors have been put in place or are about to be acquired.

When stepping back away from the individual transactions to take a look at the big picture, there is ample reason to believe that the team is about to become one of the NFL's perennial doormats.

The gale force winds of change that have blustered through "The Linc" have pounded all areas of the organization. And the owner, much like that of the Detroit Lions, appears to be operating on blind faith that his top lieutenants have a plan and know what they are doing.

Additionally, this offseason's activity suggests that the team is more interested in the bottom line than winning a Super Bowl. With the minimum payroll requirement not in play due to the absence of a collective bargaining agreement, it looks like the Eagles have chosen to purge salary and forego any substantial expenditures on established free agents.

The recent contract renewal of president Joe Banner further signals a shift of power his way. Although Andy Reid frequently reminds everyone that he has full control of personnel decisions, that may be less true than ever in the past.

When former GM Tom Heckert departed in January to join the moribund Cleveland Browns organization to take on the same role, the Eagles elected to promote young Howie Roseman to fill this position. Besides his minimal experience, the fact that he does not come from a football background, but rather a legal background, signals that contracts and finances are the top priorities in the organization.

As Banner's protégé, Roseman would seem to provide the team president with the necessary tie-breaking vote in the team's three-headed monster governing body.

There have also been very substantial changes in regard to the coaching staff. Most notably, the Eagles lost one of the NFL's great defensive coordinators prior to last season with the passing of Jim Johnson. Youthful Sean McDermott performed reasonably well stepping into those very large shoes, but is it even realistic to expect that he will approach the mastery of his predecessor?

Surely, Johnson was a huge component of the team's success in the Andy Reid era. He was considered a pioneer by many throughout the league that is rarely replaced. Although I would hate to tag McDermott at this point, I can't help but think of Bill Walsh and George Seifert.

On the other side of the ball, Marty Mornhinweg took over as offensive coordinator prior to the 2006 season. Despite his man crush on Brett Favre, predecessor Brad Childress certainly seems to be a notch or three above Mornhinweg. Other notable losses over the past few years include John Harbaugh and Steve Spagnuolo.

And, last but not least, the team is about to turn over the last of the key contributors in this era on the field. Brian Dawkins, Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, Brian Westbrook, Shawn Andrews, Sheldon Brown and now Donovan McNabb have all exited.

Even casual followers of the team know that these players formed the core foundation of the Eagles success. Those closer to the team also know that this is pretty much (sans one) the team's "who's who" list of leaders in the locker room and in the heat of competition.

In their place, the Eagles have brought in players such as Michael Vick, Asante Samuel, Jason Peters, and Stacy Andrews— none of which seem to be the type of personalities or role models to emerge as leaders on a winning football team.

The Eagles overcame adversity in 2009 to find themselves sitting atop the NFC Eastern division with an 11-4 record before their infamous collapse in Dallas in successive weeks. The crash ending seemed to highlight some clear weaknesses that the team needed to address in order to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Instead—Reid, Banner, and Roseman have elected to dismantle the squad by dumping veteran salaries. What appeared to be a team with a few holes that could be addressed with a free-agent signing and a solid draft, is shaping up to be a bottom feeder in the NFL.

Many have looked on in wonderment as team management has banged away on the chisels hoping that there is a grand master plan. Every day that passes further erodes my confidence that there are any blueprints that will win anything other than great financial returns.

At the top, decision-making is being led by two non-football guys and the same coach that comes under heavy criticism for his strategic approaches, game planning, in game management, and lack of transparency. Is it reasonable to assume that he is otherwise a genius as a part-time general manager/personnel director?

Or, is it more likely that the club's success in his tenure has been the collective work of a talented core in the personnel department, coaching staff, and on the field?

It is my belief that it is the latter. This situation is further compounded by the somewhat subtle shift towards placing a premium on managing the purse strings.

A realistic assessment of the Eagles' roster, especially with McNabb traded, shows the team is seriously devoid of star power and leadership.

DeSean Jackson will be the biggest name remaining on the offense, but seems much more likely to become a diva than a team leader. Also, the longevity of the output of a slightly built wide receiver who needs to make his living on short slants across the middle without a quarterback capable of throwing the deep ball is in question.

Asante Samuel is the most prominent name on defense, but is pretty much a one-dimensional ball hawk cornerback. Players such as Stewart Bradley, Brent Celek, Jeremy Maclin, and Trent Cole are promising.

All in all, what is left after the purge would seem to less resemble the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints or Cowboys— and be a closer match to the Detroit Lions. Slowly, but surely, the difference makers are disappearing.

From this vantage point, it appears that there will be little NFL excitement in Philadelphia for some time to come. And, unfortunately, that is really saying something coming from someone who has always taken a "glass half full" perspective on Philly sports teams.

This is enormously frustrating considering the wasted potential over the past 10 years and now fans are looking at going back to square one. Whether it was limiting the team by steadfastly refusing to improve the NFL's worst receiving corps or make any adjustments in approach, it seems that it all could have turned out much differently.

So—who's the top player projected for the 2011 draft?

Philadelphia Eagles Top 10 Individual Offensive Seasons (Gen X Edition)– Part 9

Philadelphia Eagles Top 10 Individual Offensive Seasons (Gen X Edition

2 Brian Westbrook 2007

Following up his breakout year, Westbrook out did himself in 2007. He established a new single season team record for yards from scrimmage with 2,104 and had many football pundits referring to him as the best player in football.

The elusive and explosive running back rushed for 1,333 yards with a 4.8 yards per carry average. He was also the team's biggest threat through the air catching an astounding 90 passes for 771 yards.

Overall, he found the end zone 12 times to lead the team. Westbrook also averaged 19.8 yards returning punts when the team needed an occasional quick strike.

Both the Pro Football Writers Association and the Associated Press named him first team All-Pro. Although the wear and tear on his body has sadly limited him over the past three campaigns, that pair of spectacular seasons has established Westbrook as one of the Eagles all-time greats.

Rushing: 278-1,333 yards, 4.8 Avg, 7 TD

Receiving: 90-771 yards, 8.6 Avg, 5 TD

Scrimmage Yards: 2,104 yards, 12 TD

The Handling of Brian Westbrook Exposed the Philadelphia Eagles' Fatal Flaw

As more information has emerged since Andy Reid announced the release of Brian Westbrook on Wednesday afternoon, it seems clear that once again the Philadelphia Eagles have exposed their one fatal flaw. For all the good they have done in turning around a checkered organization and making it one of the NFL's elite, they still don't get it when it comes to the finesse of combining art with science.

Jeffrey Lurie has done a remarkable job since acquiring the organization in 1994. After suffering through the Ray Rhodes era along with a plethora of third rate quarterbacks, the additions of Reid and Donovan McNabb jump started an unprecedented period of prosperity in the new millennium.

During that time the Eagles have accumulated a spectacular 103-56-1 record. They have made five trips to the NFC Championship Game and two Super Bowl appearances. Although much to the frustration of Eagles fans fueled by five decades of futility, they have not yet won the big game. Nevertheless, those are truly remarkable accomplishments by both organizational and NFL standards.

Lurie and his lieutenants have set their goals high, installed winning philosophies, and instilled a winning attitude. By most every account, they have excelled in the science of a running an NFL franchise.

That being said, their handling of the Brian Westbrook situation once again highlights how severely lacking they are in the "art" of it all.

Simply because Reid stamps a smiley face on the matter and spins the announcement with a smattering of politically correct, flattering praise— doesn't make it right. The corporate speak and word massage resembling that of a politico spin doctor subtly shifted focus away from perhaps the one flaw that keeps the team from attaining the ultimate goal of winning a "Lombardi Trophy."

By all appearances, Lurie looks to be an owner and a man grounded in human emotion and empathy. A patriarch with a heart.

Ironically, he does not run his organization that way. Instead, he appears to be devoid of any understanding of the human side of his players, the intangibles of team chemistry, and the emotional and spiritual connection of his fanbase.

After being drafted in 2001 out of hometown Villanova University, figuratively situated within the shadows of Lincoln Financial Field, Westbrook has been a large part of the team's success over the past decade. The explosive multi-dimensional running back is universally acknowledged as one of the Eagles' all-time great players.

Westbrook has also been a class act and a fan favorite. A quick glance around "The Linc" any given Sunday over the past several years provided testimony to his popularity as the stands were abundantly littered with No. 36 jerseys bearing his name.

And surely, the high regard and popularity were well earned amongst fans. Like his sports cousin Ryan Howard across the street, Westbrook was a long ball threat on every play and a "Sports Center" highlight waiting to happen. Additionally, the diminutive running back played hard, played through injury, evolved as a leader, and maintained a humble demeanor despite his success.

When it came time to make such an important decision about and take action regarding one of the organization's truly special players— the Eagles brass bungled it up again.

Most everybody gets the economics of the situation that injuries had somewhat diminished the running back's skills and that the risk side of the equation had elevated, especially after a couple episodes of head trauma this season. A $7.25 million salary in 2010 for a player who was no longer projected capable of being the featured back any longer—and even worse, may have spent more time in the training room than on the field—was not going to work.

Still— the Eagles missed the mark here in so many ways. The decision making process, the interactions with Westbrook and his agent, the divorce proceedings, and arguably the ultimate decision — all appear to have been terribly wrong.

In an article by Bob Cunningham entitled "Eagles Don't Believe Westbrook Has Anything Left", he detailed commentary made by the player on ESPN Radio the other day. Westbrook divulged how Reid simply called to inform him that he was being released.

He also indicated that the team never approached him about restructuring his contract and giving him a chance to return. Westbrook's comments clearly suggested that he recognized the value equation and was willing to take a pay cut in order to stay in Philly.

The combination of his contributions and accumulated stature within the Eagles organization, respect and esteem amongst his teammates, and the connection with fans' hearts warranted a radically different approach. Westbrook wasn't some journeyman pick-up or a second year free agent off the practice squad, he was a part of the team's historical fabric.

Why wouldn't the team even explore the possibilities? Surely, there was a win-win scenario for both sides that would have struck a balance between cost, risk, and contribution. And, surely Westbrook's appeal amongst the fanbase and leadership role within the team would have warranted bringing him back until it was clear to everyone either due to performance and/or health, retirement was his best option.

The running back's midnight green swan song was one play in an otherwise dreadful Wild Card meltdown in Dallas. In his only "touch" of the game, he grabbed a screen pass and weaved his way to a 27-yard gain.

Besides being a rare positive play for the Eagles offense on that day, Westbrook appeared to demonstrate that he still had some of the 2007 vintage player left in him. Almost assuredly another team will sign him to serve in a specialty back role next season. It begs to ask the question, "Why not in Philly?"

Westbrook, the fans and his teammates all deserved to be treated much better. The player deserved much more consideration and greater fanfare.

The loyal supporters of the team deserved an opportunity to keep one of their most beloved players as well as experience the improved team chemistry that comes about when organization's embrace and respect their tenured high performers.

And, the remaining Eagles players deserved to be left with more than the empty feeling that the leaders of the organization only value them as long as they are healthy and they are nothing more than a number regardless of their contributions.

The matter-of-fact way that the news was conveyed to Westbrook, and then to the football world, is somewhat shameful. The owner and the coach throwing in a couple references to Westbrook always being an Eagle in their hearts and that he was one of their favorites did not come close to compensate for their flat, dispassionate delivery of the news.

Just one year earlier, the Eagles made a similar decision to allow another all-time great and team leader to test free agency. Like the current situation, the team appeared to make no bona fide attempt to keep Brian Dawkins and instead let him quickly sign-on with Denver.

After having a clear void left behind in terms of leadership and skill, while Dawkins proved he had a lot left in the tank, you would think that the Eagles would have learned a valuable lesson. Instead, they shockingly handled the Westbrook situation with even more distance and disregard.

Its time that Lurie, Reid and Joe Banner, who is rightly or wrongly the team's symbol of corporate arrogance, take a hard look in the mirror. What they might find is the missing piece to the puzzle—and it starts with them.

Overall, the Eagles organization's detached relationship with its players continues to be its fatal flaw. By now, it is clear to players that loyalty runs one way and it is all just a business. They also know that the NFL warriors who put team over self are more likely to be unceremoniously discarded than rewarded.

Accordingly, there is a very good chance that this design flaw is what separates them from the ultimate mark of success. Augmenting the team's etched-in-stone science with the subtle art of building morale and team chemistry would go a long way towards bringing home a Lombardi Trophy.

What does the future hold for LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook?

So—the harsh realities of player career mortality and the NFL's business side have struck again. A couple of the most beloved players of two different franchises have been unceremoniously released less than 24 hours apart.

First, LaDainian Tomlinson was released by the San Diego Chargers on Monday. Then, before Philly fans could spend too much time wondering how Bolts fans might be feeling, the Eagles followed suit with a similar announcement about Brian Westbrook.

For most every Eagles fan, even if they saw it coming, yesterday was still a very sad day. Westbrook has been a class act and surely one of the most electrifying and accomplished players who has ever worn an Eagles uniform.

In the space of one year, Birds fans have seen two of the team's all-time greats and most popular players walk out the door. Last February, of course, it was Brian Dawkins trading in his midnight green attire for orange and blue. And, now, it is Westbrook who is leaving with destination unknown.

Twelve months later, the wounds of Dawkins exit have yet to heal, especially since they have been frequently brushed open by seeing him continue to flourish in Denver while the obvious void left behind was painfully exposed.

Although the circumstances are different, Philly faithful will surely feel a similar emptiness as their team takes the field when the curtain goes up on next year's NFL season and "Westy" is nowhere to be found.

On the left coast, Chargers fans must be feeling much the same way as they wave goodbye to the best running back in its team history—by a long shot. LT is also one of the most accomplished players in NFL history as well, currently standing third all-time in touchdowns behind Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, and eighth in rushing with 12,490 yards.

Both running backs share many similarities, which will surely be scrutinized around the league as personnel departments evaluate whether each might be a worthy addition to their own club.

The market for 30+ year old players at their position has historically been limited.

If, and where, each player lands with another club will be highly dependent upon individual circumstances, assessment of physical condition, finances, and personal preference.

The following is a breakdown to assess the situation and perhaps get a glimpse of what the future might hold for these two.

A look back at greatness.

Tomlinson came into the league in 2001 and Westbrook a year later, but followed different paths. LT immediately jumped into a featured back role that lasted throughout his career while Westbrook transitioned from a shared role over the first half of his career.

Additionally, Tomlinson stayed injury free for the majority of his career and racked up the more prolific numbers. LT has been recognized with three All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowls and a plethora of MVP/Player of the Year awards for his 2006 season.

Westbrook has made two Pro Bowl appearances and was elected to the All-Pro Team in 2007. Although his numbers are somewhat modest in comparison to LT, Eagles fans can attest that his contributions were similarly huge.

Tomlinson Rushing: 2,880-12,490 yards, 4.3 avg , 138 TD

Receiving: 530-3,955 yards, 7.5 avg, 15 TD

Combined: 16,445 yards, 153 TD

Westbrook Rushing: 1,308-5,995 yards, 4.6 avg, 37 TD

Receiving: 426-3,790 yards, 8.9 avg, 29 TD

Combined: 9,785 yards, 68 TD

What's left in the tank?

After enjoying spectacular seasons in 2007, both players similarly experienced a drop off in productivity the next year due to injuries. It became more pronounced in 2009 as their numbers markedly declined again.

In Tomlinson's case, he injured his toe and has never seemed to regain his trademark explosiveness. The most telling indicator was his career low 3.3 yards per carry in 2009, leading to by far his lowest rushing output at 730 yards.

The situation was a little bit different for Westbrook, though. He continued to battle chronic knee and ankle injuries; however, what kept him off the field were a pair of concussions. But, when he did get on the field, he often flashed the same darting, elusive style that made him one of the NFL's best players a couple seasons earlier.

Who might be interested?

Considering each player's injury history over the past two years, declining productivity, and age, it is doubtful that any team would consider either of them as a featured back. However, since both players have been highly effective running screens and circling out of the backfield throughout their careers, they might be attractive in a specialty back role.

Economics surely come into play as teams would only be interested if the contractual terms matched the more limited role. It remains to be seen whether these former All-Pro's are willing to accept a greatly reduced base salary, perhaps with some performance bonuses.

My suspicion is that Tomlinson would be more inclined to accept those terms due to his desire to win a Super Bowl, the urge to show he still can play, and his previous earnings. For Westbrook, he will need to weigh whether it is worth the risk of future head trauma, but the right opportunity with a championship contender might be enough of a carrot.

The list of potential suitors would be pretty similar, although Westbrook might only consider a viable Super Bowl contender or a team with a personal connection. LT might be additionally enticed by the chance for more touches.

Naming names.

Unfortunately, in both cases the inability to simply renegotiate a contract similar to what is likely to be offered by another club would have been a win/win; however, that is generally a rare occurrence without the benefit of market value validation and perhaps as each side plays a game of "chicken."

But, it would seem that the Chargers could use a Westbrook and the Eagles could now use a Tomlinson in this newly defined role. Could each involved team be interested in the other's former player?

Here are some possibilities for each player:

Tomlinson

1. Denver Broncos- They collect running backs, don't they?

2. Washington Redskins- Shanahan might like to get him on his side for once.

3. Minnesota Vikings- May need a replacement for Chester Taylor.

4. Seattle Seahawks- Could make a good combo with Justin Forsett.

5. Houston Texans- Could use some star power and LT's skills.

6. Philadelphia Eagles- He could run the Wildcat and spell LeSean McCoy.

7. New England Patriots- Belichick loves veteran runners who can catch.

Westbrook

1. Any team that would acquire Donovan McNabb.

2. Minnesota Vikings- May need a replacement for Chester Taylor.

3. Green Bay Packers- Great addition to spell Ryan Grant.

4. Washington Redskins- As long as his brother is on the roster.

5. Denver Bronocs- Reunite with good friend Dawk?

6. San Diego Chargers- Rivers needs a veteran to run screens.

7. New England Patriots- Belichick loves veteran runners who can catch.

How would they fit?

Tomlinson could surely fit in a back-up role, particularly behind a bigger primary ball carrier. In San Diego, the mercurial Darren Sproles served as the third down back, but LT could easily fit into that type of role. And, in this age of Wildcat fascination, his 7 passing TD's might grab the attention of offensive coordinators.

Switching to a third down specialty back role would be a remarkably easy transition for Westbrook as he would be returning to his NFL roots. Besides being a proficient blocker, with a reduced role taking pressure off his knees and ankles, Westbrook could still be one of the best screen receivers in the league.

What will teams consider?

Cost/benefit and risk/reward will be the two critical elements. Neither would come without risk, so structuring a deal that limits fixed costs and pays for performance seems to be almost a necessity.

In the case of Westbrook, medical clearance regarding any ongoing neurological issues is a deal breaker. With increased scrutiny and concern about the ongoing well being of players with multiple head traumas, some teams might opt not to put themselves in a weekly position of making such decision.

Another factor relates to the veteran presence and leadership each would bring to their new team. Both players have strong track records in this regard.

Which player has more value now?

This is really a tough call and there is no clear answer. Tomlinson is the safer bet, but Westbrook has the bigger upside.

The former Charger was reportedly healthy in 2009, yet clearly never displayed the same ability to dart through creases and explode into open spaces. On the other hand, he was on the field much more throughout the season and does not have ongoing injury concerns.

This opposite is true of Westbrook. His last touch was a 27-yard catch and run in the Wild Card game that evoked memories of the 2007 version of the former Eagle. When he got on the field, he often seemed to still have his signature wiggle and elusiveness.

But, everyone knows that he is one bad hit away from retirement. Another concussion and he might well call it a career. Also, his knee is balky and both ankles are less than 100 percent.

The bottom line is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My guess is both will sign on with other teams.

LT will last as long as he is productive in his given role. Westy will last as long as his body is willing.

Philadelphia Eagles Top 10 Individual Offensive Seasons (Gen X Edition): No. 6 Brian Westbrook 2006

Philadelphia Eagles Top 10 Individual Offensive Seasons (Gen X Edition) Part 5 of a 10 Part Series

6 Brian Westbrook 2006

After sharing backfield duties for his first four seasons, Brian Westbrook was finally handed the featured back role in 2006. He did not disappoint as he turned in the team's fourth highest yards from scrimmage totals (1,916) in team history.

With Donovan McNabb being lost to a knee injury, Westbrook was forced to play the lead role and came up big down the stretch. The Eagles rode Westy and back-up QB Jeff Garcia to five wins in the last six games to capture the NFC Eastern Division crown.

For the season, Westbrook accumulated 1,217 yards rushing at a hefty 5.1 yards a pop. He also hauled in 77 passes totaling 699 yards, while racking up 11 TD's.

Rushing: 240-1,217 yards, 5.1 Avg, 7 TD

Receiving: 77-699 yards, 9.1 Avg, 4 TD

Scrimmage Yards: 2,104 yards, 11 TD

Seven (Semi-Controversial) Steps to a Super Bowl Title for the Philadelphia Eagles

Now that some proverbial grass has grown under our feet since the season ended, it becomes easier to make an assessment of the Philadelphia Eagles. Objectivity tends to increase as the raw nerves quiet down and the disappointment fades from this season's crash landing in Dallas.

Make no mistake, though, Eagles fans are still painfully aware of the cruel hidden crater that suddenly enveloped what seemed to be a promising season. In the relative blink of an eye, an NFC East title and a no. 2 playoff seed became a return trip for the no. 6 playoff entrant to battle the division champion Cowboys.

Besides the postseason degree of difficulty being substantially raised, the beating imparted by the Cowboys in the regular season finale also pierced the Eagles bubble of confidence. And, importantly, when the Cowboys pretty much administered a deja vu encore performance six days later in the playoffs, it exposed the Eagles flaws for everyone to see.

The bottom line is that the Eagles were not as good as they appeared when they were reeling off six straight wins and positioning themselves to win the NFC East. However, the gap they need to close to make them a true Super Bowl contender is not the wide chasm that seemed to be ripped open in Dallas.

Many in the Philadelphia media and Eagles fanbase have already concluded that the situation calls for profound changes. Some have suggested that it is time for the team to move in a totally different direction and launch into a re-building phase.

Of course, the most consistent themes involve moving on from Andy Reid and/or Donovan McNabb. To a certain degree, this comes with the territory of their respective roles as the two most influential individuals in the organization's quest for the ever elusive Lombardi Trophy, but it also glosses over what might actually get it done.

Followers of the NFL over the past decade know that the Eagles have been flirting with a championship, having advanced to the NFC Championship Game five times and the Super Bowl once over that time frame. They persist in their arduous journey, but can't seem to land at their destination.

Contrary to popular consensus, I remain in the camp that says the best path to a Super Bowl title is to finish paving the existing road rather than take a jack hammer to it and start all over again. With that in mind, here are my seven steps to bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia.

1. Sign Sheldon Brown to an extension.

Sheldon Brown had arguably his best season and is an important cog in the Eagles defensive scheme. Additionally, he serves as a role model for younger players with his mental and physical toughness.

The team has no one prepared to step into a starting cornerback role. A creative reworking of Brown's contract to secure him for three years and reward Brown for his commitment and contributions would ensure the necessary cornerback tandem to run the Jim Johnson scheme as well as send a positive message throughout the locker room.

2. Trade Michael Vick before the draft.

During the regular season, Michael Vick made it clear that he still desires a chance at being a starting quarterback in the NFL. The Eagles should accommodate him and extract something of value for their mostly failed experiment this season. There are several teams around the league who desperately need a quarterback and Philadelphia still holds an option on the former Pro Bowler for next season.

It was clear that teams around the league had interest in him last summer when the Eagles shocked the football and animal lover world by inking him to a deal. Since then, Vick has only enhanced his value by staying out of trouble, displaying a more humble, team oriented approach and flashing his pre-incarceration talents late in the season.

It is reasonable to assume that teams such as the Bills, Panthers, Browns, Raiders, Rams, Redskins or Bucs would take a shot on him for a 2nd or 3rd round draft choice considering there are so few options. With yesterday's news from Kurt Warner, you can add the Cardinals to the mix since Matt Leinert has done little to evoke confidence- and, of course, it would seem wise for the Vikings to acquire an insurance policy while they wait out the annual Brett Favre watch.

3. Acquire hard hitting free safety through the draft or free agency.

The Cowboys highlighted the tremendous void created by the departure of Brian Dawkins and the lack of hitters in the Eagles secondary. The 'Boys almost made a mockery of the situation by relentlessly running slants and curls back-to-back weeks because no one feared going across the middle. It was so bad that Roy Williams actually looked like the player Jerry Jones thought he was acquiring.

In addition to the impact on pass defense, a hard hitting free safety would also be highly beneficial in run support. The Eagles defensive style works best with a free safety who can come up to the line to blitz and stick running backs.

Because it appears that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement will not be in place, some potential free agent candidates such as the Packers Nick Collins, the Colts Antoine Bethea and the Rams O.J. Atogwe will become restricted. This makes a signing less likely, so using a high pick to draft a safety seems imperative.

USC's Taylor Mays, Georgia Tech's Morgan Burnett, Georgia's Reshad Jones and LSU's Chad Jones fit the mold and all may be available in the second round. Florida State's Myron Rolle would be an ideal addition due to his intelligence, leadership skills and overall athelticism. Tennessee's Eric Berry and Earl Thomas are the most athletic and highest rated safeties on the board, but would represent a trade off for ballhawking skills.

4. Veer away from team philosophy to draft a quality every down linebacker.

Overall, the best thing that can happen for the Eagles defense next season would be the return of Stewart Bradley. He was evolving into a leader and a force on the football field prior to going down with a knee injury before training camp officially began. Along with the departure of Dawkins, his absence had profound impact on the Eagles defensive schemes and struggles throughout the season.

Bradley possesses every down skills capable of stuffing the run and dropping into coverage that could not be replaced by anyone on the Eagles roster and was routinely exploited by opponents. This was especially true with the Dallas Cowboys in the final two games as they repeatedly ran audibles based on the skill sets of the Eagles personnel on the field.

History suggests that it takes almost a full season for players to fully recover from major knee surgery and regain their former level of play. Accordingly, the Eagles would be wise to sign a free agent or use a high pick to draft another scheme-diverse linebacker to go along with Bradley.

Unrestricted free agent Karlos Dansby would be a great addition, and at 29, would still be within the strike zone of organizational philosophy. The draft offers only one sure fire prospect worth selecting in the first round in Alabama's Rolando McClain; however, there are several players such as Florida's Brandon Spikes available in rounds 2-3.

A high pick obtained for Vick would help give the Eagles the maneuverability and/or depth of picks to be able to get a safety and linebacker who could make an immediate impact. The team already has four picks in the first three rounds, so filling weaknesses in the secondary and at linebacker, while also being able to take at least one best available player on the board, is well within their reach.

5. Rework Brian Westbrook's contract and go back to the future.

Since their season ended, many media reports and talk show hosts have suggested that Brian Westbrook's days are over in Philadelphia. This has been based upon his injury history, his lack of use in the Wild Card Game and the current terms of his contract.

More simply put, the consensus is that Westbrook will not be worth $7.25 million with continuing ankle, knee and head trauma issues. For his part, Westbrook has not indicated that he wants to retire or leave the team.

The best solution for the Eagles is to go back to the future. The team should return Westbrook to the same specialty back role in which he had been highly successful early in his career and renegotiate the terms of his contract accordingly.

By paying him -and- playing him less, it would be the ultimate win-win. Westbrook could avoid the beating and accumulated toll on his body, while extending and finishing his career with the Eagles. In return, the team would get an explosive back adept at running draws, catching balls out of the backfield and blocking- as well as retain a respected team leader.

LeSean McCoy, Leonard Weaver and newly signed Martell Mallett can do the heavy lifting. Westbrook would provide the perfect complement if used in a more limited capacity that would keep him fresh.

6. Shore up and set the offensive line before training camp.

Heading into training camp, the Eagles as well as outside experts felt that offensive line would be a particular strength. After letting veterans Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas walk via free agency, the team signed Stacy Andrews and traded for Jason Peters. With former Pro Bowler Shawn Andrews returning from injury, there was reason for optimism.

Unfortunately, things started to go awry from the outset and the team was forced into a game of musical chairs across the offensive front all season. The brothers (Shawn taking another sabbatical and Stacy never finding his form) provided nothing to the team, others were dinged up and center Jamaal Jackson suffered a season ending knee injury in December.

The Eagles cannot afford to head into training camp with any uncertainty regarding the Andrews Brothers. Over the next few months, the team needs to use whatever means necessary (including behavioral analysis, Rorschach testing or a "Wipe Out" obstacle course) to make a definitive call whether these two players are in or out.

If the latter, they need to move on quickly. The best course of action would be to stray from organizational practice in the Andy Reid era and sign a seasoned veteran as a stop gap measure for 1-2 years. The Titans Kevin Mawae or Packers Chad Clifton are two potential free agents that come to mind that could be integrated with a little creativity. Think of pulling a reverse Runyan or Thomas.

7. Extend McNabb and let him finish the job.

Alright, why not save the best and most controversial step for last? The clamor about trading Donovan McNabb has been hot and heavy since the twin meltdowns in Dallas.

Between his lack of production in those games, the same absence of a Super Bowl Championship as all of the previous Eagles signal callers, his press conference performances and his pre-game air guitar stylings- consensus amongst the Philadelphia media and fanbase seems to lean towards launching the Kevin Kolb era.

Speculation about Warner and Favre retiring has only served to ramp up these discussions since McNabb would appear to be a great replacement on each of those teams. Of course, the fact that football pundits throughout the country see him as an ideal fit on these Super Bowl contenders is the exact reason that the Eagles should not let him go.

Unless the Eagles are convinced that they will not be able to field a team around him that is strong enough to win, it would be crazy to part ways. Kolb appears to be one of the better back-ups in the league, but it is a pipe dream to think that he will become a franchise quarterback.

Now that Warner has officially announced his retirement, it is doubtful that Philadelphians would suggest that Arizona break up their team and start from scratch. And, they didn't win the Super Bowl with Warner, but you would be hard pressed to find Cardinals fans who believe they have a better shot with Leinert.

Interestingly, though, they covet McNabb. The Eagles have him, along with the same type of nucleus that could land the Lombardi Trophy, so why not finish the job in Philly?

The gap between the current Eagles team and being a true Super Bowl contender can very reasonably be closed heading into next season. Seven relatively simple and semi-controversial steps is all it will take. The Eagles are close- its no time to turn back now.

I'm just saying....

A weekly collection of random thoughts and observations for you to consider.

• So, of what consequence is Mark McGwire's acknowledgement that he used steroids? This seemed pretty apparent for years, especially considering his effective "no comment" in front of Congress several years ago. As it relates to the Hall of Fame voting, the bottom line is that his stats were jacked up by the juice even though he is using the old line that he took steroids "only for medicinal purposes."
• I'm still trying to digest Bobby Knight's absurd comments comparing steroids to Gatorade. I wonder if he similarly rationalized his recruiting practices, such as "what's the difference between a scholarship and a scholarship with a Corvette?"
• What's all the fuss about Lane Kiffin going to USC? Has he won anywhere in his career, even with Coordinator Extraordinaire Dad in tow?
• His future is unclear, but it still seems clear that the Eagles failure to put the ball in Brian Westbrook's hands was one of many mistakes made in the team's swan song on Saturday night. One year earlier, the Eagles offense struggled to get anything going against the Vikings until Westbrook exploded for a long touchdown on a screen play. And, he looked like the same guy on his 27-yard sprint on the only ball that came his way Saturday.
• Although many are minimizing its importance because Andy Reid has final say on personnel matters, losing Tom Heckert to the Browns is a blow to the Eagles. Reid devotes the lion's share of his time to coaching the football team, so having a strong, seasoned football guy behind the scenes handling GM duties (like leading talent evaluation) has been instrumental to the team's success during his tenure.
• After being out of the spot light for the first round of the playoffs, Brett Favre must be feeling re-invigorated as a key center of attention this week. There is likely a faction of football fans out there rooting for the Vikings to win simply to delay the annual "Will Favre come back?" Ego-Stroke-Fest that everyone will have to endure for months.
• Speaking of Favre, it makes me wonder when he truly does retire, will he need to relocate from the deep south LA to the left coast LA where he can stay within the Paparazzi line of sight?
• Congratulations to Leonard Weaver, Trent Cole, DeSean Jackson, Asante Samuel, David Akers and Brian Dawkins on being named to the 2010 NFL All-Pro team. Unfortunately, Dawkins was not in midnight green this year and most assuredly voters did not consider anyone at his position who did wear that color.
• The Colts Jim Caldwell was making looking replacing a coaching legend easy until he made the fateful decision to pull Peyton Manning and others in Week 16. My gut tells me that this will serve to be an unfavorable turning point and the season will end in disappointment before the Super Bowl.
• Like Juan Castro, it is hard to get too excited about the Phillies signing of relief pitcher Danys Baez. Reports indicate that he has electric stuff, but has had a tendency to get rattled and has never had more than mediocre results. If Chan Ho Park or John Smoltz are out of the question, what the Phillies really need is for Scott Mathieson to emerge as the next Ryan Madson.
• The Atlanta Braves have quietly been having a productive offseason and appear poised to provide some stiff competition in the NL East. The additions of Troy Glaus, Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito, along with a full season from Nate McClouth and their starting rotation, make them a legitimate contender.
• Brett Myers' reaction to the Phillies disinterest in resigning him are probably indicative of exactly why Ruben Amaro chose to go that route.
• Trading away young talent to acquire Tracy McGrady would be a panic move and destine the Sixers to a run of losing seasons. And, if clearing salary cap space is the catalyst, getting rid of your best player (Andre Iguodala) is not the way to do it. Philadelphia only has one NBA team, so the city can't afford to house "Clippers East."
• Watching DeJuan Blair, the 37th pick of last year's NBA draft, rack up 28 points and 21 rebounds for the Spurs last night reinforces how professional teams place too much emphasis on projected performance over how players actually performed in college.

Deconstructing the Eagles Meltdown Against the Cowboys

As far as predictions go- you get some right, you get some wrong and some you get wrong by a mile. I missed by a mile on the Cowboys 34-14 blowout of the Eagles, but so did Philadelphia's coaching staff.

Last night, I was off the mark by a wide margin when I picked the Eagles to reverse fortune of a few days earlier and find a way to beat the Cowboys in their postseason rematch. Part of the rationale was based on an expectation that Andy Reid and his coaching staff would make key adjustments to combat the things that were working well against them- and to find ways to exploit Cowboys alignments and schemes.

That did not happen to any discernible degree. The Cowboys largely continued doing much of the same things that had been successful last Sunday- over and over. Wide receiver screens, draw plays, quick slants, double coverage to take away the vertical game, etc to name a few. After countless hours of film study and six days to think about it, Eagles coaches could not come up with any remedies.

Although Sean McDermott has done an admirable job stepping in as defensive coordinator several months ago, the past two games highlighted how much the team misses the late Jim Johnson. Watching the continuing horror show unfold over the last week, the little voice in my head kept saying that "Jim Johnson would never have allowed this to happen."

Besides the blow of losing their beloved leader both as a person and as a coach, the defensive unit also lost their field general when Brian Dawkins traded in his midnight green for blue and orange. The disastrous end to the season served to highlight a key missing element this season- namely veteran leadership.

McNabb tried to step forward as a more overt leader on the offensive side, but the defensive unit still had a void. Jeremiah Trotter assumed some of this dearth, but being a specialty player and a late addition, it was not the same. Stewart Bradley might have filled some of the void left by Dawkins, but of course, was lost for the season at the outset of training camp.

As far as McNabb goes, he clearly didn't have a good game last evening. He misfired on some throws, sometimes held the ball too long and often seemed tentative.

That aside, the offensive unit's biggest problem stemmed from the tremendous pressure applied by the Cowboys defensive line. And, by doing that with primarily four pass rushers while the Eagles would use a running back and tight end to help protect him, the receivers were usually blanketed.

Its a simple math equation. No matter how talented or elusive your receivers, three in the pattern covered by seven doesn't provide a whole lot of opportunity.

Another offensive anomaly last night was a game plan that almost totally ignored a seasoned veteran of postseason play and one of the best offensive players in team history. Brian Westbrook did not carry the ball one time and looked pretty darned good on the only ball that came his way- a 27-yard catch and run.

This did not look lost on Westbrook either, as he appeared extremely frustrated standing helplessly on the sideline. I can only imagine how pleased the Cowboys players and coaching staff were to see him used to chip block, run an occasional decoy route as a wide receiver or spectate on the sideline. In my book, this was a horrific coaching blunder.

The team's newest weapon, Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson was also largely missing in action. Unfortunately, he was on the field and in the game, but for the third time this season, the Cowboys shut him down in both the passing and return game.

As an aside, I cringed when I saw footage of McNabb playing air guitar and jumping against the Plexiglass tunnel wall before the game. Personally, I don't have a problem with what he did as he was trying to stay loose and it is his personality to clown around, but I knew that it would surely provide more fodder for his detractors.

Watching McNabb last night, I also could not help but to think if the situation was not a little bit of a self fulfilling prophecy. It is difficult to lead a team to a playoff win in the NFL, especially on the road and against a hot, talented team- but this is especially true when someone is being bombarded with negative thoughts and consequences heading into the game.

Like the offensive side, the Eagles defensive unit suffered from a similar math equation. In order to get pressure on Tony Romo, they would often need 6 pass rushers, leaving 5 on 5 in coverage. After a couple early sacks, the Cowboys found a way to buy enough time for Romo to carve them up, even making Roy Williams look like an NFL receiver.

Any notion that the Eagles simply had an off day and were a little flat a week ago was quickly put to rest last night. Make no mistake about it, the Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in both games.

After being viewed as a strength in the off season, the offensive line has presented major challenges from training camp through last night's swan song. Sixty percent of the group on the drawing board were not in the line-up in Dallas. Leader Jamaal Jackson went down to injury a couple weeks ago, Stacy Andrews has been a major bust and Shawn Andrews tacked another year onto his rehab program.

Philadelphia's normal defensive scheme favors speed over size, but it became an even larger differential when injuries forced them to play smaller linebackers on anticipated passing downs. The Cowboys exploited this for two weeks by playing to the weakness of the Eagles defenders on the field. The loss of Bradley set this in motion due to the loss of his ability to play stout run defense and drop in coverage.

In the Palace in Dallas, the Eagles compounded their plight by turning the ball over, losing the battle of field position and racking up penalties. As bad as the season finale performance may have been, last night's showing was even worse.

Speaking of penalties and bad performances, it leads me to a brief rant about Ed Hokuli and his officiating crew. Apparently they decided that the game should be about them or didn't realize they had back pockets to stow their flags, because they littered the field all evening.

In the "winner-takes-all" NFL postseason format, it is ridiculous for referees to indiscriminately throw flags on every marginal infraction. As Madden would say, "Let the players play." It is doubtful that the outcome would have been different due to the physical mismatch, but it would be much preferable to see the players have a chance to let that play out without 228 yards in penalties.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys proved over the past week that they are clearly the superior team. Besides outperforming Philadelphia in every phase of the game, they thoroughly out-coached them as well. This is a bitter pill for the Eagles and their fans as the late season six-game winning streak and demonstrated offensive explosiveness prior to visiting the Palace had generated high hopes of a Super Bowl run.

Once again, its back to the drawing board. And, this time, it looks like the Cowboys are raising the bar a little higher.

Can the Eagles Possibly Beat the Cowboys on Saturday?

Now that the dust has settled a little after the Eagles embarrassing meltdown in Dallas last Sunday, all the conjecture and unhappiness about what happened can be put aside. The only thing that matters now is forward looking to tomorrow night's big rematch in the "Mega-Stadium that Jerry Built." Simply put, can the Eagles possibly beat the Cowboys after being thoroughly dismantled by them just days earlier?

It will not be easy and would require a dramatic reversal in every phase of the game, but the simple answer is absolutely. The Cowboys are playing their best football of the season and are brimming with pride. The same could have been said about the Eagles prior to their 3 hour body of work last Sunday which suddenly had them defending their honor and trying to restore confidence.

The bottom line is that the Eagles are very much the same team that many expected to level the Cowboys to lock up the NFC East and # 2 seed just a week ago. The only thing that has changed is they had a particularly horrific performance, failing in virtually every phase of the game. And, of course, this affects human psyche on both sides, positively and negatively. This is especially true for Eagles players as they have had to endure the distractions all week due to the media's trumped up friction and implications about Donovan McNabb's and Andy Reid's futures.

It is also the same Eagles offense that racked up the highest scoring total in team history before heading to Dallas, eclipsing the previous mark set last season as well as the 2004 Super Bowl team. It still features the same young group of receivers, including two speed burners, an emerging star tight end and a sure handed possession receiver. This group is still complemented nicely by LeSean McCoy and Leonard Weaver in the backfield.

What has changed on the Eagles offense is the loss of center Jamaal Jackson to injury. However, on the positive side is the presence of Brian Westbrook, who missed most of the season due to multiple injuries. Now that he has had a couple games to shake off the rust, and possibly allay fears about his readiness to return to action, Westbrook may be primed to re-assert himself as a difference maker.

Of course, the unit is still led by veteran McNabb, who has put together his best season since the 2004 Super Bowl year. McNabb drew an inordinate and undeserved amount of criticism after last week's contest, and it remains to be seen how much those distractions might affect his play this week. The fact that he has never lost a first round playoff game in his career should not be discounted, while Tony Romo on the opposite side of the field is looking for his first post season win, period.

Much has been made of the emergence of the Dallas defense in the latter part of the season. Pitching back-to-back shutouts in the last two regular season games will tend to do that. A lot of the accolades are surely deserved, but it needs to be tempered by the fact that the Cowboys played the woeful Redskins followed by an Eagles team whose troubles were often self-inflicted.

The real wild card for this Wild Card team will be the defense. Rookie Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott was forced to move players around to fill holes and shore up weaknesses in the depleted unit for a good portion of the season. This creativity was probably mostly a good thing, but may have contributed to the breakdowns in Dallas. The cure may well be to get players settled into their more familiar roles to improve on the overall execution.

Another key aspect will be whether their trade mark aggressiveness returns. Last Sunday, McDermott surprisingly pulled back on blitzing and often deployed a soft zone defense. The safer approach allowed Romo to pick them apart and Witten to roam free across the middle. A return of the Eagles normal attacking style with press coverage seems essential for success.

One other element that was highly influential in the previous game's outcome was field position. Dallas largely played on a short field, while Philadelphia was backed up most of the day. The Cowboys kicking specialists provide this advantage, but a key means to combat that will be for DeSean Jackson to get untracked in the punt return game.

So, yes, this is largely the same Eagles team and accordingly it is surely conceivable that the outcome of the game be reversed. There is no denying that the Cowboys have a strong team, but despite the disaster in Dallas, the same is true of the Eagles. Teams don't fake their way to 11-5 in the NFL.

The 'Boys have "home super venue advantage" and the afterglow of their recent masterpiece on their side. On the flip side, the Eagles post season track record over the past dozen years dwarfs that of the Cowboys. Although last week's game felt like a playoff game, the NFL's year-end tournament begins in earnest tomorrow.

When the NBC camera lights go on tomorrow night, it should not take long to gauge the Eagles chances. A slow start could further fuel doubts and likely have the Cowboys players' confidence soaring. Conversely, the reverse scenario would make last Sunday's events a distant memory. In such case, the Eagles could well surprise the enormous number of pundits who have jumped off their bandwagon and directly onto the Cowboys bandwagon.