Talking CB And More

Posted: July 7th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 33 Comments »

For SB Nation I wrote about the long term plan at CB.  Lots of speculating, obviously.  The first key move is what we do at RCB.  That will heavily dictate what we do in the future.

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Quick note on Nnamdi.  Jason LaCanfora of NFL Network is speculating that he could get a monster deal and become the highest paid defensive player in the league.  Jason thinks Tampa could make a major push for him.  One of the key reasons is that teams will have a salary floor that they have to meet and Tampa is projected to be well below that.  They need to spend money on someone.

* * * * *

Matthew Berry, a fantasy football guru for ESPN, predicted that Dallas will lead the league in scoring in 2011.  Jason Garrett became the head coach at midseason and Dallas was second only to New England in TDs scored in that span.  And this happened with Jon Kitna at the helm.  We’ve seen teams get hot for half a season before, but that doesn’t always carry over to the next season.  It will be interesting to see what kind of team Dallas is this year.

* * * * *

Our buddy Bounty Bowl linked to this story on Twitter and it’s worth checking out.  The Eagles are on a list entitled “Super Bowl trend favors these 5 teams”.  Not a bad thing.   We might have lost to Green Bay, but we did look like a playoff team.  We can build on that loss.

* * * * *

Good stuff from Jimmy over at Blogging The Beast on the Haynesworth situation and what the Skins should do.  He’s absolutely right.  At some point you quit worrying about winning a battle of wills and trying to save face.  Concentrate on the players who are part of your team and that is conducive to winning.  Having a personality showdown with Big Al is just fodder for Shanny bashers and those who like to pick on poor, innocent Al.

* * * * *

Another interesting nugget from Twitter.  This one came from Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL).

NFL Films @gregcosell: “Not as much of a difference btw Nnamdi & Ike Taylor as many think”. Ike played more man last yr than ever before.

I guess Greg Cosell and Tucker had an interesting discussion about RCB candidates for the Eagles (or any team).  Interesting to hear Cosell say that there’s “not as much of a difference between the two as many think”.  Nnamdi is the better player, but how much better?  Is he the better fit?  Is he the better value?  Those are key concerns when it comes to free agency.


33 Comments on “Talking CB And More”

  1. 1 JVB said at 12:12 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    It makes no sense talking about Ike Taylor in the same breath as Nnamdi. Taylor was ok last year in Pittsbugh. Nnamdi was the best corner in the league bar maybe one. We’ve also seen Pittsburgh corners play adequately before going to another team and proving a catastrophe (ask the Cardinals about Bryant McFadden). Then you have to factor in Taylor’s age.

    The main argument should come from the ability of Nnamdi versus the potential ability of young guys like Josh Wilson.

    If you add a guy over 30 it should be Nnamdi. Not Taylor or Carlos Rogers who have proven to be passable veterans.

  2. 2 Tommy Lawlor said at 12:39 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    @ JVB…

    Greg Cosell sits at NFL Films and studies coach’s tape all day long. That’s his job. I don’t agree with everything he says, but do remember that he can study every snap of these guys, something you and I can’t do.

    Don’t be so quick to dismiss his opinion.

  3. 3 Tommy Lawlor said at 12:51 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    BTW…for anyone who hasn’t seen it, this is a great piece by PE.com on Cosell and NFL Films. I get so jealous when I watch this and see the kind of stuff he has available to watch at the push of a button (really the click of a mouse).

    http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/multimedia/videos/Behind-The-Scenes-At-NFL-Films/0000287f-11bd-45cc-aece-3d890df87488

  4. 4 CVD said at 1:17 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    This is why I have a feeling we go after C Johnson. A 25 year old Dend that looks really good, they don’t hit free agency very often. I think he played in a 1 gap last year. Or maybe we have plans for Fat AL. Maybe we try for both, who knows.

    If we get one of them and you already have Cole and you have BG coming back at some point, that has the potential to be a deadly dline. Then you factor in T Laws and Dixon, I think both will take a big step this year. You still have some young guys and Patt/Bunk as well.

    Imagine Cole, C Johnson/BG, Fat AL, Dixon/Laws. You may not need the best 2nd best corner in football. You could probably get Fat AL and C Johnson for the same amount as Namdi. Combine that with a deadly offence that should always play from ahead.

  5. 5 McG said at 2:14 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    CVD speaks the truth… in my opinion.

    If we can’t land DRC to tighten up our right side, then I will settle for Ike Taylor or Rogers. Let’s not waste time or money. Getting an older average veteran is fine for now since we have Lindley (who was projected much higher prior to his injury as I recall).

    To be honest… with a better D line the RCB position isn’t the end of the world.

  6. 6 Boyboy said at 4:33 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    Off topic, but an interesting read:

    http://gcobb.com/2011/07/07/eagles-signing-brett-favre-to-backup-vick-makes-sense/

  7. 7 PG said at 5:00 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    Tommy,

    What do you think of the possibility of picking up Terrance Newman for a short term deal if the Cowboys cut him for cap space? He was a dominant CB for them but I’m not sure how much he has left in the tank.

  8. 8 CVD said at 5:21 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    imagine if we could get DRC and Fat AL or C johnson. that would be ideal. i really would like an upgrade on the dline since graham was injured. honestly i will be happy with any one or combo of Namdi, DRC, Fat AL, C Johnson.

    i have this strange feeling they will be telling us how lindley has really been working hard this summer and he is our RCB. if they do that they better get Fat Al and C Johnson.

    can we please just start free agnecy. tot mom trial is over so now i got nothing to follow, hahah

  9. 9 CVD said at 5:26 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    dont know who this is or if you guys already talked about this.

    http://www.draftheadquarters.com/What_Im_Hearing_2012.htm

    Kevin Kolb – In the Kevin Kolb sweepstakes, I’ve been told that Arizona and Miami currently appear to be the most likely landing spots, although the Cardinals are doing their due diligence at the quarterback position and also have another quarterback on their radar as well. More to come here. I was told that the Dolphins could be willing to part ways with their 2012 first round pick in order to secure Kolb, who they hope would give them stability at the quarterback position, something that they have lacked for close to a decade.

  10. 10 Thunderlips said at 6:35 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    Since I watched a ‘Twilight Zone’ marathon this weekend, I’d like to present to you an alternate NFL reality…

    It is the 2007 Draft. The Eagles are on the clock with the 36th pick. Rather than taking Kolb, they trade the pick to Kansas City for a 2007 5th round selection and a 2008 1st round selection (note: having already traded out of the 1st round with the Cowboys, this move drives Eagles fans insane).

    Fast-forward to the 2008 Draft. The Eagles are on the clock with the 15th overall pick (acquired from KC). They select a CB from Tennessee State, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (note: having just spent mega-bucks on Asante Samuel with Lito and Sheldon already on the roster, this move drives Eagles fans insane).

    Fast-forward to 2011. The Eagles starting CB’s are DRC and Asante (note: the fact that Juan Castillo is still the DC drives Eagles fans insane).

    Also, Kolb turns out to be an alien or something….

  11. 11 izzylangfan said at 7:08 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    Having studied and watched the last four drafts intently, I have watched to my chagrin as the defensive backs that the Eagles coveted came off the board before the Eagles picked in the first round. Wasn’t it incumbent on them, then as they ejected Lito and Sheldon, do do something more than they did in the free agent market and elsewhere? I mean Hobbs was their failsafe!

    There has been much talk about the Eagles CB position and I think that it has been helpful in illuminating what might be a good approach. The Eagles have many options but one thing is really clear. The Eagles will not make a serious run at Nnamdi. He will cost too much when we already have Asante and Nnamdi is too old for both the Eagles style and to give a long term contract to.

  12. 12 TyPhilly21 said at 9:32 PM on July 7th, 2011:

    Let’s say Kolb gets traded for DRC. What would our next step be?

    Do we go after a DE? I think Babin is a no go unless the price is right and he will no doubt be looking to cash in on his season last year. Surely someone will overpay. Johnson possibly? Edwards? How would Cole react if we spent big money on a FA DE?

    Is it 100%(I know it’s close) mikell is a goner? If we truly hope to be elite do we really expect to do so being so young on the back end?

    Just some thoughts…

  13. 13 mcud said at 2:36 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    I wish I had heard the conversation surrounding the Cosell quote, because it is useless to me by itself. What is he saying? That Taylor is closer to an elite level CB than he’s given credit for? That Nnamdi isn’t as good as advertised? And in what context? Based on their upcoming salary expectations? In other words, I’m more confused than I was before, and that’s no small feat…

  14. 14 CVD said at 3:23 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    mcud

    dude i was thinking the same thing. there are a bunch of differnt things he could have meant.

  15. 15 Zack said at 3:34 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    Ike Taylor would be a fine piece I guess, but other than Cossell, I feel like it’s rather universally believed that Nnamdi is the 2nd best corner in football.

    It’ll be interesting to see. I feel like JVB makes a great point about Bryant McFadden.

    But I’d also like to point out he plays for the Steelers defense. A pressure defense. A high sack defense. That allows a CB a bit of freedom – knowing they often only have to cover for so long.

    The Eagles dont’ get the consistent pressure of the Steelers and haven’t for a few years now. How good will Ike be?

    I know there are questions about how Nnamdi will handle actually getting thrown at, but for me – if he can be fit under the cap – I think it is and will always be – Nnamdi or bust.

  16. 16 McG said at 4:38 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    When you compare raw stats, Ike Taylor is actually slightly more impressive, and has been more consistent throughout his career.

    Nnamdi:
    2010: Tackles 19, Sack 0.0, P Def 6, Int 0, FF 0
    career: Tackles 310, Sack 2.0, P Def 54, Int 11, FF 2

    Ike:
    2010: Tackles 66, Sack 1.0, P Def 11, Int 2, FF 1
    career: Tackles 481, Sack 3.0, P Def 99, Int 11, FF 2

  17. 17 McG said at 4:43 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    Let’s look at another issue… Nnamdi’s interceptions.

    He had 8 in 2006… 1 in yrs 2007, 2008, 2009, and 0 in 2010, 2005, 2004, 2003.

    AFC West QBs in 2006 were:
    Chargers: Philip Rivers
    Chiefs: Trent Green
    Broncos: Jake Plummer

    In 2006 Ike Taylor records 2 ints vs AFC North
    Ravens: Steve McNair
    Browns: Charlie Frye
    Bengals: Carson Palmer

    Another year… 2008
    AFC West
    Chargers: Philip Rivers
    Chiefs: Brodie Croyle/Tyler Thigpen…etc
    Broncos: Jay Cutler

    AFC North
    Ravens: Joe Flacco
    Browns: Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn…etc
    Bengals: Carson Palmer/Ryan Fitzpatric

  18. 18 McG said at 4:47 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    You can draw what conclusions you want from those lists, but it would appear to me that Nnamdi may have had some favorable matchups in 2006 to boost his Interception numbers.

    On the other hand, Ike Taylor has faced fairly steady QB play from the Ravens and Bengals.

    Obviously Taylor’s numbers are larger due to being targeted more often… but I wonder how much more often he really was targeted. The steelers play a high pressure type of defense and many designed pass plays can have trouble developing. Then again… that fact also has a tendency to make a CB look better than he really is…

  19. 19 McG said at 4:53 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    So… a lot of this is just me “thinking out loud.”

    But I think that the conclusion I draw from this brief comparison would be this:

    If I can grab Ike Taylor and Charles Johnson for the price of Nnamdi Asomugha I would be nuts to spend the money on Asomugha.

    A better D-line not only improves our RCB, but also helps to protect our young safety(s) and can create a greater number of jump balls for Asante to track and maybe even our LBs can grab a few…

    Heck, if I can sign Fat Al, Charles Johnson, and Carlos Rogers for the price of Asomugha… sign me up!

  20. 20 McG said at 4:57 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    Here’s my twilight zone trade scenario.

    Eagles give:
    Kevin Kolb
    Mike Patterson

    Eagles get:
    Dominic Rogers-Cromartie
    Cardinals 1st round 2012 pick

  21. 21 Cliff said at 7:23 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    McG makes the best point yet:

    Ike Taylor + Charles Johnson > Nnamdi alone

    All of these “Nnamdi or bust” fans are missing the big picture. It’s not just about RCB.

  22. 22 mcud said at 8:15 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    @Cliff

    RCB is far and away our biggest hole, our biggest need. Its not “just about RCB”, but its the one position that we definitely, definitely need better play from if we’re going to challenge for a Super Bowl.

    And no, its not “Nnamdi or bust”. DRC would (IMO) make a fine addition to our team, and fill the need quite nicely both in 2011 and the future. My reservations about a trade for him lie with the fact that Nnamdi costs only money, and is a better player to boot. DRC is going to cost either picks, players, or a combination of both, and trading said package is not maximizing your resources for the future.

    To use McG and your analogy:

    Nnamdi + draft pick for Kolb > DRC (again, IMO)

    RE: Ike Taylor

    I personally don’t want Ike Taylor brought in. If we’re going to roll the dice on an aging CB, then I want the guy who is better, and a year younger. The Raiders couldn’t franchise Nnamdi even if they wanted to, but they’re not going to contend in 2011 anyway. What does it say about Taylor is Pittsburgh lets him go? They ARE Super Bowl contenders, and take a look at the CB depth chart. If Taylor leaves, then its because they preferred to go with William Gay, or gulp…a rookie like Curtis Brown. Ike Taylor…no thanks.

    Money is not the issue, and signing Asomugha is not going to prevent us from going out and affording whomever we choose, be it Charles Johnson, Reggie Bush, Plax, Ray Edwards, etc. We’ve got plenty of room as it is, even if the cap shrinks down to 120,000,000. And more when guys like Leonard Weaver and David Akers hit the streets.

    And, in a “big picture” sense, suggesting that two good starters is better than one expensive blue chipper is only true to an extent. If you are a poor or mediocre team, then I would tend to agree. However, the better your team is, the better idea it is to trade coins for bills (so to speak), as your team may be only lacking one superstar. Think about what Deion Sanders did for the ’95 Cowboys, or what Terrell Owens did for the ’04 Eagles. Bottom line, adding a true blue chipper nearly always helps.

    I continue to be upset at Howie for having us in this situation in the first place, but given our options, I truly think offering a 4 year deal at 13-14 million per could get it done. I think the Texans will probably beat that, but they’re going to have to destroy that offer for Nnamdi to sign there. Nnamdi Asomugha has the individual accolades. Players his age want to play for rings. Philly is one of a select few that can offer that kind of opportunity. If he wants 18-20 million per, God bless him; let him take it.

    But we have to at least try.

  23. 23 Cliff said at 8:26 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    @ mcud

    I totally understand your point. I just won’t be disappointed if we sign a vet CB and a player like Charles Johnson.

    I think it’s highly possible Nnamdi runs to the mega-bucks a team like Tampa Bay will be willing to offer right out the gate. There could be a worse back-up plan than Ike Taylor, in my opinion.

  24. 24 CVD said at 9:46 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    mcg

    also say we get a johnson and haynesworth and settle for ike or carlos, we still have lindley and marsh that hopefully can develope.

    if BG wasnt injured last year, i may have a different opinion. but tapp doesnt seem all that impressive, not sure he even fits the 1 gap system. and parker is due alot of $$ and is likley gone.

    dont get me wrong, i want namdi

  25. 25 CVD said at 9:46 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    one reason i think we went to the 1 gap is because clemons and babin stunk it up here, then leave and both light it up in 1 gap systems.

  26. 26 McG said at 10:28 PM on July 8th, 2011:

    I have read at least one article that suggests that Tampa Bay may be “forced” by the new CBA to drop a ton of cash. It just so happens that they are also in the market for a CB, and it just so happens that they are a hairs breadth away from a playoff run, oh and in the last 2 years they have invested heavily in D-line…

    The Texans are a playoff caliber team with the current format… are the Titans going to challenge them anytime soon with a new HC and a Rook at the helm? No… What about the Jaguars or Colts? With the addition of some kind of defense (thanks in part to Wade Philips) they are also a serious contender… and also have a HC who is desperate to make the playoffs and willing to pull Lovie Smith type of deals to get an elite player.

    I maintain that with a better front 4 the whole defense is better.

  27. 27 Arno said at 8:44 AM on July 9th, 2011:

    We all talk about the possibilities of trading Kolb for a CB, or signing Aso or another Free agent.

    Is there a possibility of trading for a RCB with picks or for example Patterson or Jackson? What would be your favorite (reasonable) RCB and what would the compensation look like?

  28. 28 TyPhilly21 said at 9:08 AM on July 9th, 2011:

    Ok I have a little Different spin here.

    What if….

    We are all over looking something?

    Like say, Tulloch is a top target….Stay with me here.

    Bradley walks, and we bring in Tulloch who is very familiar with scheme we will be implementing up front and could speed the adjustment of our young LBs.

    Andy seems to be going all out. This would scream of all out, and would be and unexpected but wise move. Instead of banking on Stew to learn a new system, stay healthy and/or return to 2008 form… Bring in a proven young guy that would be starting a step ahead of anyone else on the D and could be an instant leader.

    Maybe I’m way off base here but it would really make sense if they are really going all out to revamp the D.

    What do you all think?

  29. 29 CVD said at 11:29 AM on July 9th, 2011:

    typhilly

    i didnt even think of that. tulloch played in washburns system and played well. and if i understand the 1 gap corectly, it puts alot of pressur on the backers on run plays. so it would be nice to have someone in the middle that understands the system. but we drafted a bunch of backers over the last few years so who knows

  30. 30 McG said at 2:02 PM on July 9th, 2011:

    It’s hard to project the Eagles spending money on a LB as CVD points out… when we have drafted 5 in 2 years…

    The real thing that Typhilly is pointing out, in my opinion, is that the Eagles D is NOT a blue chipper away from greatness. This is what has been on my mind over the night and this morning. The reality is that our Defense needs to be in rebuilding mode. Our Offense is already bordering on greatness and with the addition of Mudd and Watkins will be on the cusp of being the premier offense in the league. If we add another playmaker like Plax or Bush then… wow… just wow. But we don’t need either one of those guys.

    As far as offense goes my wish list is very short. I want Darren Sproles. Give him a few quality touches at RB and get DeSean off the dang punt returns.

    The Defense on the other hand has our big 2 corner stones in place. Trent Cole and Asante Samuel. After those guys, who do other teams fear? I’m going to go out on a limb here and say…. No one.

    Tapp will play better in wide 9. That is exactly what he needs as a situational pass rusher, and precisely what the Dr. ordered when he came out of college. I think we can say the same thing about Sapp and possibly even Te’O. Parker may benefit as well from fewer reps, but really he is our only bull rushing type DE.

    I think Dixon, Laws, and Bunk will all start playing better.

    But… the addition of Fat Al and Charles Johnson would give us two player who are just a cut below being blue chippers. Don’t count Albert out… the dude signed the fattest contract of all time for a Defensive player. He can be a blue chipper, and if he plays to that potential will transform our defense in ways that NO RCB no matter how good can possibly change it.

    I for one, do not want Asomugha.

  31. 31 TyPhilly21 said at 3:21 PM on July 9th, 2011:

    I’m really just thinking, if we sign a FA LB it should be Tulloch. Let Bradley walk. Signing Tulloch would be the same as resigning Bradley roster wise(so the # of LB drafted doesn’t matter).

    I’ll be honest if they don’t plan on leaving Stew at MLB….then kick him to the curb. Fokou was much more productive than bradley, is more athletic than bradley and better at the point of attack than bradley.

    Look at it objectively.

    Bradley and Tulloch are both in FA. One is Productive, one is not. One is injury prone, one is not. One Excelled in a 1 gap system, the other struggles in fighting off blocks when the DTs are eating blocks for him in a 2 gap system.

    Who would you rather have, honestly? If we sign a FA LB to play/compete in the Middle it should be Tulloch not bradley.

  32. 32 TyPhilly21 said at 3:29 PM on July 9th, 2011:

    I would understand if they want to start Chaney at MLB. He showed well at the end of last season.

    But if we Sign Tulloch that would solidify MLB and WLB(Chaney).

    Resigning Bradley just doesn’t make sense at this point. They want it to work but it hasnt and it won’t. I’m ready to move on.

    Basically, I’m saying Stew just flat out isn’t good enough, if we want a championship level D.

  33. 33 CVD said at 4:54 PM on July 9th, 2011:

    i would be good with signig tulloch because it would show me that wasburn loves him. if he doesnt love him i doubt we sign him. just cuz we never seem to sign free agnet backers.

    i hear what u are saying with bradley. i guess we cant hang on to that potential he showed in 08. but if we dont sign tulloch, i would like stew back for one more try. he is big and looks like a monster when he brings someoen down, none of our other backers look that way.

    as far as tapp, when we got him i remember them saying he was stuck in the wrong system and he will be good in our 2 gap system. he wasnt even getting playing time with the seahawks. i dont know what system it was though. i hope he works out. either way there are some young guys on d that i very excited about

    laws, BG, dixon, nate allen, chaney and even keenan clayton