The Philadelphia Eagles Need A Playoff Hero On The Roster

The Philadelphia Eagles are sitting home watching the NFL playoffs with the rest of us. The first two games of the playoffs have shown just how important it is to have playmakers, something the Eagles severely lack.

As I watched the Oakland Raiders’ makeshift offensive line struggle to contain Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, I couldn’t help but remember when the Eagles had a dynamic pass rusher. From Reggie White to Jason Babin (who once had 18 sacks for this team). As I continued to watch the playoffs, I saw Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin impose his will against the Detroit Lions secondary. I then became reminded of Terrell Owens and DeSean Jackson.

The Eagles lack a playmaker of this caliber. Fletcher Cox is arguably the closest thing to a top-tier NFL player on the 53-man roster. Carson Wentz had plenty of positive takeaways in his rookie season, but mechanics and decision-making are still a work in progress. Recent history suggests the second year for a quarterback can be magical. Jordan Hicks knows how to show up against the Dallas Cowboys, but can he consistently disrupt all other opposing offenses? Bobby Wagner sure can.

Then there’s the rest of the team. Jason Peters is another year older. Lane Johnson is one suspension away from being a hot dog vendor. Zach Ertz doesn’t show up until the 11th hour of the regular season. Jordan Matthews has failed to produce at the same clip as fellow 2014 second round picks Allen Robinson or Jarvis Landry.

Next: Three Things To Gather From Howie Roseman

The sky isn’t falling yet however. The Eagles have good players on their roster. The problem is that they also have several bad players on their roster as well. Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly can share blame on that front.

There’s no justifiable explanation for Eric Rowe‘s departure to New England, despite Roseman’s feeble attempts. We all know about the players released, traded, or not signed by Kelly. The past is the past though.

How Do The Eagles Address Free Agency?

First and foremost Roseman needs to throw a bon voyage party for Nolan Carroll and make every possible attempt at signing either Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore. I know free agency hasn’t exactly worked for finding a corner here, but the law of averages would at least give this team a chance right? Imagine having a player of Richard Sherman‘s caliber.

After Carroll, the Eagles can save cap room by releasing select veterans. Hopefully they can retain their coaches as well. Not all heroes wear a uniform. A good consistent coaching staff can help develop these young players into quality players.

A point of contention is going to be Bennie Logan. He wants to stay on the team. His production, or lack thereof, might suggest otherwise. We all know he’s good at stopping the run. His pass defense is less than stellar. Logan has a total of 5.5 sacks in his career. There are numerous defensive linemen under the age of 29 years old heading towards free agency. Sign one of them and give Beau Allen (a free agent in 2018) more playing time.

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Outside of these two players however, the rest of the Eagles starters are expected to return for the 2017 season. Depending on your point of view, the previous sentence might force to you be heavy handed with alcohol.

The availability of offensive players in free agency this upcoming offseason will likely cause you to substitute the alcohol with bleach. Premiere talent is severely lacking (sorry, but Le’Veon Bell won’t ever hit the free agent market). This team doesn’t need a player like Robert Woods or Brice Butler. We have Dorial Green-Beckham and Nelson Agholor.

How Do The Eagles Handle The Draft?

Think you’re tired of draft prognostications yet? Just wait until free agency has run it’s course. I won’t get into full blown draft preparations here and now. The reason is simple: Mock drafts prior to free agency are useless.

That doesn’t mean strategy isn’t worth discussion though. It’s rather simple honestly. The Eagles need young playmakers that can start day one. The offensive side of the ball is where the focus needs to be directed. Again, I don’t care about individual players right now. I care about team philosophy. I also care about building depth at positions that are more susceptible to injury.

The difference between mediocrity and success in the NFL is astoundingly narrow. The Texans proved that in bold fashion yesterday after all. If the Eagles are going to compete on this stage, they’ll need elite talent that can take over games instead of turning them over. The distinction is rather important for winning games in the playoffs; something the Eagles have failed to do for the last eight years.

From the look of it however, the Eagles finally have an accumulation of talent from the most recent draft. Compared to the 2015 draft, where only two players are still on the roster, it appears that hope is on the horizon. The talent’s ability to win in the post-season will be the ultimate litmus test. If the team is not currently constructed properly to win, Roseman and Pederson need to succeed in obtaining the player, players or coaches that are capable. The clock is already ticking.