NFL Nation: Winston Justice
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Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got – starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold onto players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got – starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold onto players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
The Colts have added their third offensive linemen since the start of free agency, inking Oakland free-agent center Samson Satele.
“Samson is an experienced, productive and highly competitive offensive center,” general manager Ryan Grigson said in the team’s news release announcing the addition. "He has all the necessary traits to be one of the top centers in the NFL. He is not only a great player, but a great person and family man as well. We wanted him and we got him. We couldn’t be happier that he will now be a Colt for years to come and help us reach our ultimate goal.
Said Satele: “It’s a brand new team. In talking with Coach [Chuck Pagano] and everyone else, it feels like a family. It’s a fresh, new start for me and a fresh, new team. I can’t wait to get this rolling.”
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. says Satele isn’t real strong, but has shown steady improvement.
“He’s a finesse, movement guy, which is odd, considering that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians came from a power scheme with big, heavy O-linemen,” Williamson said.
Satele joins right tackle Winston Justice, who was acquired from Philadelphia in a very cheap trade, and interior lineman Mike McGlynn, signed away from Cincinnati.
The Colts have Anthony Castonzo locked in at left tackle and will piece together the rest of the line from a group of those three newcomers, along with holdovers including Joe Reitz, who finished the 2011 season as the team’s left guard, Jeff Linkenbach, who finished the season as right tackle and Ben Ijalana, the 2011 second-round draft pick who tore an ACL a month into last season.
“It’s a C group all together, but I really like Castonzo,” Williamson said. “Also, they will add another piece in the draft at some point. Calling it functional might be a bit generous.”
“Samson is an experienced, productive and highly competitive offensive center,” general manager Ryan Grigson said in the team’s news release announcing the addition. "He has all the necessary traits to be one of the top centers in the NFL. He is not only a great player, but a great person and family man as well. We wanted him and we got him. We couldn’t be happier that he will now be a Colt for years to come and help us reach our ultimate goal.
Said Satele: “It’s a brand new team. In talking with Coach [Chuck Pagano] and everyone else, it feels like a family. It’s a fresh, new start for me and a fresh, new team. I can’t wait to get this rolling.”
Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. says Satele isn’t real strong, but has shown steady improvement.
“He’s a finesse, movement guy, which is odd, considering that offensive coordinator Bruce Arians came from a power scheme with big, heavy O-linemen,” Williamson said.
Satele joins right tackle Winston Justice, who was acquired from Philadelphia in a very cheap trade, and interior lineman Mike McGlynn, signed away from Cincinnati.
The Colts have Anthony Castonzo locked in at left tackle and will piece together the rest of the line from a group of those three newcomers, along with holdovers including Joe Reitz, who finished the 2011 season as the team’s left guard, Jeff Linkenbach, who finished the season as right tackle and Ben Ijalana, the 2011 second-round draft pick who tore an ACL a month into last season.
“It’s a C group all together, but I really like Castonzo,” Williamson said. “Also, they will add another piece in the draft at some point. Calling it functional might be a bit generous.”
A free-agency roundup for the AFC South so far. We're not including a team's own free agents that it has re-signed:
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
So I was sitting here on Twitter, trolling for news, answering your questions and getting a kick out of the fact that Justin Tuck was watching (and tweeting about) the same "Big Bang Theory" rerun when it occurred to me that it was almost time to turn in and get some sleep. Before I did that, I just wanted to ask one question.
How was your day ...
Philadelphia Eagles?
"Surprising." You guys know I didn't think the Eagles intended to sign DeSean Jackson to a long-term contract, so when the news broke Wednesday afternoon that they had, I was stunned. It's a good deal for the Eagles, as almost all of the $15 million in guaranteed money is concentrated in the first two years and it saves them $6.6 million against this year's salary cap. And Jackson's happy because he's making a ton more than he did last season. The issue now is whether his production will rise along with his happiness. (And how long he'll stay happy, considering what other receivers are getting on the open market.) They signed Trent Cole to a four-year contract extension, and in the wake of the Jackson news the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that they were working on a new deal for running back LeSean McCoy.
The Eagles seem determined to take care of their own roster before dipping into the free-agent pool, so they're making little moves, too. Antonio Dixon signed his restricted free-agent tender, and Winston Justice got traded to the Colts in a deal that saw the teams swap sixth-round draft picks. That last was a salary dump, but it was one they needed to make. Guard Evan Mathis remains unsigned and is drawing interest elsewhere, but the Eagles still believe they have a good chance to bring him back.
One weird thing did happen. Late in the afternoon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy sent out a tweet in which he apologized to Bucs fans for being unable to lure free-agent linebacker Curtis Lofton to Tampa and said Lofton was going to sign with the Eagles. The Eagles quickly denied any contact with Lofton, and McCoy retracted his tweet. So it's tough to say what's going on there, but it bears watching. The Eagles need linebacker help, but the linebacker market is slow, so they can wait it out.
Dallas Cowboys?
"Outstanding." They got their top-choice cornerback, agreeing with Brandon Carr on a five-year, $50.1 million contract. They got their veteran, starter-quality backup quarterback, agreeing on a three-year deal with Kyle Orton. They added guard Mackenzy Bernadeau to their interior offensive line mix, where they needed (and still could use more) help. And they signed fullback Lawrence Vickers to replace Tony Fiammetta, who seems to want to go see what he can get on the market. According to ESPNDallas.com, they have visits scheduled in the coming days with free-agent safety Brodney Pool and free-agent guard Nate Livings, so they're still hard at work trying to fill needs. The names may not be the splashiest, but the Cowboys have been down those roads before, and this measured, focused, need-based approach looks like the right way for them to go. A lot of money for Carr, yes, but they desperately needed a top free-agent cornerback, and that's what they're going for this year.
Many Cowboys fans were upset to lose wide receiver Laurent Robinson, who came out of nowhere to catch 11 touchdown passes from Tony Romo in 2011. But the Cowboys were never going to pay him anything close to what the Jaguars ended up paying him ($32.5 million for five years), and they shouldn't have paid their No. 3 wide receiver that much. They were prepared to go without Robinson last year. He was a bonus, a lottery ticket that hit. They'll be fine with what they have at receiver, and they can fill in Robinson's spot the same way they did last year, when they sifted through a bunch of decent-looking candidates and came up with Robinson. Don't sweat that loss, Cowboys fans. The team has bigger worries and bigger needs.
New York Giants?
"A success." They flew former Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett in late Tuesday night, and they signed him Wednesday to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. They obviously see something they like in Bennett and believe that the coaching staff and quarterback Eli Manning can bring the best out of him, and they targeted and got him. They also got him on a very low-risk deal that will allow them to go in a different direction if he disappoints and their injured tight ends are healthy enough to return at the end of the season. Cowboys fans seem sure he will disappoint, and he very well may. But he's only 25 and he's got a ton of physical ability, so the Giants think maybe they're getting a guy right before he really takes off. The Giants also retained backup quarterback David Carr, which they wanted to do. What they'll do next I do not know. They need offensive line help and could use a veteran running back to replace Brandon Jacobs, but they'll be patient and target specific guys they like, because that's the way they operate. It seems to work for them.
Washington Redskins?
"Quieter." After racing out of the free-agent gates and signing two wide receivers before the sun went down on Tuesday, the Redskins made very little news Wednesday. Their trade with the Rams for the No. 2 pick in the draft became official, and we learned that they will host former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross for a free-agent visit Thursday in the hopes of adding him to their cornerback mix. They still haven't locked up Eddie Royal, who seemed poised to become their third free-agent wide receiver signing last night, and he's on his way to talk to the Chargers. And they have a visit set up with safety Brandon Meriweather. But the most-asked question about the Redskins is where they stand with free-agent linebacker London Fletcher, who was called a "top priority" in December by Mike Shanahan but remains unsigned. It's possible that this is where the salary cap sanctions hurt the Redskins. Having lost $18 million in cap room this year (and $18 million next year) for violating the other owners' sense of spending propriety during the uncapped 2010 season, the Redskins might find a Fletcher signing trickier than, say, a Pierre Garcon signing. Garcon is 25, and they can spread out his contract and the resulting cap hit over five years. Fletcher is 36, and any deal with him is much more likely to be front-loaded. That doesn't mean they can't bring him back, but it could make it a little more difficult. Just a theory I heard from someone I talked to today.
My day was excellent, and I enjoyed spending it here and on Twitter with you. Much more to come Thursday and beyond.
How was your day ...
Philadelphia Eagles?
"Surprising." You guys know I didn't think the Eagles intended to sign DeSean Jackson to a long-term contract, so when the news broke Wednesday afternoon that they had, I was stunned. It's a good deal for the Eagles, as almost all of the $15 million in guaranteed money is concentrated in the first two years and it saves them $6.6 million against this year's salary cap. And Jackson's happy because he's making a ton more than he did last season. The issue now is whether his production will rise along with his happiness. (And how long he'll stay happy, considering what other receivers are getting on the open market.) They signed Trent Cole to a four-year contract extension, and in the wake of the Jackson news the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that they were working on a new deal for running back LeSean McCoy.
The Eagles seem determined to take care of their own roster before dipping into the free-agent pool, so they're making little moves, too. Antonio Dixon signed his restricted free-agent tender, and Winston Justice got traded to the Colts in a deal that saw the teams swap sixth-round draft picks. That last was a salary dump, but it was one they needed to make. Guard Evan Mathis remains unsigned and is drawing interest elsewhere, but the Eagles still believe they have a good chance to bring him back.
One weird thing did happen. Late in the afternoon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy sent out a tweet in which he apologized to Bucs fans for being unable to lure free-agent linebacker Curtis Lofton to Tampa and said Lofton was going to sign with the Eagles. The Eagles quickly denied any contact with Lofton, and McCoy retracted his tweet. So it's tough to say what's going on there, but it bears watching. The Eagles need linebacker help, but the linebacker market is slow, so they can wait it out.
Dallas Cowboys?
"Outstanding." They got their top-choice cornerback, agreeing with Brandon Carr on a five-year, $50.1 million contract. They got their veteran, starter-quality backup quarterback, agreeing on a three-year deal with Kyle Orton. They added guard Mackenzy Bernadeau to their interior offensive line mix, where they needed (and still could use more) help. And they signed fullback Lawrence Vickers to replace Tony Fiammetta, who seems to want to go see what he can get on the market. According to ESPNDallas.com, they have visits scheduled in the coming days with free-agent safety Brodney Pool and free-agent guard Nate Livings, so they're still hard at work trying to fill needs. The names may not be the splashiest, but the Cowboys have been down those roads before, and this measured, focused, need-based approach looks like the right way for them to go. A lot of money for Carr, yes, but they desperately needed a top free-agent cornerback, and that's what they're going for this year.
Many Cowboys fans were upset to lose wide receiver Laurent Robinson, who came out of nowhere to catch 11 touchdown passes from Tony Romo in 2011. But the Cowboys were never going to pay him anything close to what the Jaguars ended up paying him ($32.5 million for five years), and they shouldn't have paid their No. 3 wide receiver that much. They were prepared to go without Robinson last year. He was a bonus, a lottery ticket that hit. They'll be fine with what they have at receiver, and they can fill in Robinson's spot the same way they did last year, when they sifted through a bunch of decent-looking candidates and came up with Robinson. Don't sweat that loss, Cowboys fans. The team has bigger worries and bigger needs.
New York Giants?
"A success." They flew former Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett in late Tuesday night, and they signed him Wednesday to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. They obviously see something they like in Bennett and believe that the coaching staff and quarterback Eli Manning can bring the best out of him, and they targeted and got him. They also got him on a very low-risk deal that will allow them to go in a different direction if he disappoints and their injured tight ends are healthy enough to return at the end of the season. Cowboys fans seem sure he will disappoint, and he very well may. But he's only 25 and he's got a ton of physical ability, so the Giants think maybe they're getting a guy right before he really takes off. The Giants also retained backup quarterback David Carr, which they wanted to do. What they'll do next I do not know. They need offensive line help and could use a veteran running back to replace Brandon Jacobs, but they'll be patient and target specific guys they like, because that's the way they operate. It seems to work for them.
Washington Redskins?
"Quieter." After racing out of the free-agent gates and signing two wide receivers before the sun went down on Tuesday, the Redskins made very little news Wednesday. Their trade with the Rams for the No. 2 pick in the draft became official, and we learned that they will host former Giants cornerback Aaron Ross for a free-agent visit Thursday in the hopes of adding him to their cornerback mix. They still haven't locked up Eddie Royal, who seemed poised to become their third free-agent wide receiver signing last night, and he's on his way to talk to the Chargers. And they have a visit set up with safety Brandon Meriweather. But the most-asked question about the Redskins is where they stand with free-agent linebacker London Fletcher, who was called a "top priority" in December by Mike Shanahan but remains unsigned. It's possible that this is where the salary cap sanctions hurt the Redskins. Having lost $18 million in cap room this year (and $18 million next year) for violating the other owners' sense of spending propriety during the uncapped 2010 season, the Redskins might find a Fletcher signing trickier than, say, a Pierre Garcon signing. Garcon is 25, and they can spread out his contract and the resulting cap hit over five years. Fletcher is 36, and any deal with him is much more likely to be front-loaded. That doesn't mean they can't bring him back, but it could make it a little more difficult. Just a theory I heard from someone I talked to today.
My day was excellent, and I enjoyed spending it here and on Twitter with you. Much more to come Thursday and beyond.
The Indianapolis Colts intend to beef up their lines and field a bigger team for Chuck Pagano.
Today’s trade for offensive tackle Winston Justice is a move toward that.
With a simple exchange of sixth-round picks in this year’s draft, Indianapolis got Justice from Philadelphia. He’s a player general manager Ryan Grigson is familiar with, as Grigson came to the Colts from a front-office post with the Eagles.
The Colts inherit a guy due a base salary of $3.225 million in 2012.
“I’m not sure exactly what it cost them, but I very much like the move,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “He isn’t great, but he is a solid right tackle and has had success in this league. It looks like they have their offensive tackles in place (with Anthony Castonzo and Justice) and that is at least something to help Andrew Luck out. And Ben Ijalana could potentially turn into a high end guard ... maybe.”
I think it’s a good move that forecasts the type of thing we can expect from the Colts.
Today’s trade for offensive tackle Winston Justice is a move toward that.
With a simple exchange of sixth-round picks in this year’s draft, Indianapolis got Justice from Philadelphia. He’s a player general manager Ryan Grigson is familiar with, as Grigson came to the Colts from a front-office post with the Eagles.
The Colts inherit a guy due a base salary of $3.225 million in 2012.
“I’m not sure exactly what it cost them, but I very much like the move,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “He isn’t great, but he is a solid right tackle and has had success in this league. It looks like they have their offensive tackles in place (with Anthony Castonzo and Justice) and that is at least something to help Andrew Luck out. And Ben Ijalana could potentially turn into a high end guard ... maybe.”
I think it’s a good move that forecasts the type of thing we can expect from the Colts.
Determined either to have the most boring first few days of free agency ever or clear cap room for a big surprise move or two down the road, the Philadelphia Eagles continued to make small, internal moves Wednesday.
They traded offensive tackle Winston Justice and a sixth-round draft pick (the 17th pick in that round) to the Indianapolis Colts for the Colts' sixth-round draft pick (the second pick in that round). And they also announced that restricted free-agent defensive tackle Antonio Dixon has signed his one-year contract tender and will return to the team next year.
The Dixon signing is important. They view him as a key piece to their defensive line rotation and a player who has yet to reach his full potential. He'll play for about $1.9 million in 2012.
The Justice trade feels like a salary dump and it is. Justice's cap cost was $4.2 million this year, and the Eagles surely believe they can find a backup tackle somewhere who will cost them less. With Jason Peters and Todd Herremans set at the starting tackle positions, Justice was expendable, and they move up 15 spots in the sixth round while dumping his salary.
As for which linebackers they're looking at, your guess remains as good as mine. I still think they should get London Fletcher, and maybe all of this tinkering is setting up for a move like that. But the Eagles so far are quiet, which is the way they like it.
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The Dixon signing is important. They view him as a key piece to their defensive line rotation and a player who has yet to reach his full potential. He'll play for about $1.9 million in 2012.
The Justice trade feels like a salary dump and it is. Justice's cap cost was $4.2 million this year, and the Eagles surely believe they can find a backup tackle somewhere who will cost them less. With Jason Peters and Todd Herremans set at the starting tackle positions, Justice was expendable, and they move up 15 spots in the sixth round while dumping his salary.
As for which linebackers they're looking at, your guess remains as good as mine. I still think they should get London Fletcher, and maybe all of this tinkering is setting up for a move like that. But the Eagles so far are quiet, which is the way they like it.
On the Eagles' banged-up offensive line
October, 15, 2011
10/15/11
10:36
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
For all of the talk of their poor pass protection, the Philadelphia Eagles have allowed just seven sacks this season. Only three teams -- the Lions, Raiders and Bills -- have allowed fewer. But for a couple of reasons, the test gets much tougher Sunday when the Eagles travel to Washington. The Redskins lead the league with 3.75 sacks per game, and the Eagles' offensive line is... not in good shape.
Starting left tackle Jason Peters is set to miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury, and King Dunlap, who filled in nicely for Peters last week, injured his back in practice and may have to miss the game as well. That could force the Eagles to swing right tackle Todd Herremans (who was the left guard in training camp, you may remember) to left tackle and insert Winston Justice, who has yet to play this season because of his own knee-injury issues, back into his old right tackle spot:
That's what the Eagles are likely working with this week against the sack-happy duo of Washington linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. And that stat about the Eagles only allowing seven sacks doesn't really tell the whole story, does it? There have been a few times when quarterback Michael Vick would have been wiser to take a sack than to make a throw that ended up intercepted, or scramble around and end up fumbling. And even on plays when he hasn't been sacked, Vick has taken quite a few hits this year. None of that is likely to get any easier Sunday, especially with the Eagles playing shorthanded on the outside of the offensive line.
Starting left tackle Jason Peters is set to miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury, and King Dunlap, who filled in nicely for Peters last week, injured his back in practice and may have to miss the game as well. That could force the Eagles to swing right tackle Todd Herremans (who was the left guard in training camp, you may remember) to left tackle and insert Winston Justice, who has yet to play this season because of his own knee-injury issues, back into his old right tackle spot:
"It seems like every week he's getting a little bit better and feeling more comfortable," Reid said. "He deserves the opportunity to play if that presents itself."
Justice said he's put in extra time over the past few weeks with new offensive line coach Howard Mudd, whose scheme is dramatically different than what Justice played in under former offensive line coach Juan Castillo, now the team's defensive coordinator.
"It's always a little bit uncomfortable at first to try something new," he said. "But I think I feel comfortable."
That's what the Eagles are likely working with this week against the sack-happy duo of Washington linebackers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan. And that stat about the Eagles only allowing seven sacks doesn't really tell the whole story, does it? There have been a few times when quarterback Michael Vick would have been wiser to take a sack than to make a throw that ended up intercepted, or scramble around and end up fumbling. And even on plays when he hasn't been sacked, Vick has taken quite a few hits this year. None of that is likely to get any easier Sunday, especially with the Eagles playing shorthanded on the outside of the offensive line.
The plan was for the Philadelphia Eagles' starters to play three quarters of Thursday night's preseason game against the Browns. But Michael Vick took such a beating in the first half, and it was raining so hard at halftime, that it just didn't make any sense to run him back out there. And while it's easy to look big-picture and say the Eagles looked a lot better in this 24-14 exhibition victory than they did last week against the Steelers, the fact is the offensive line's play in the first half had to be extremely disconcerting to their fans and their coaches.
The issues Thursday were at and to the right of center. Rookie Jason Kelce got the start with the first team at center in place of the veteran Jamaal Jackson, and he did little to make you think Jackson's job is or should be in jeopardy. Kelce had a holding penalty, a bad exchange with Vick and he and fellow rookie Danny Watkins were repeatedly shredded by rookie Phil Taylor and the Cleveland defensive line. As a result, Vick was under pressure throughout the first quarter and didn't have time to find his wide receivers downfield.
Running back LeSean McCoy continued to look excellent as a runner and as a great check-down option for a harried Vick in the passing game. And if the line is going to be this shaky all year, McCoy could catch 100 balls. But the line has to get better, or it could sink this promising Eagles season.
Center can be fixed, of course, because they can just put Jackson back in there until Kelce is actually ready. And King Dunlap is only a fill-in starter at right tackle until Winston Justice and/or Ryan Harris is healthy. But Watkins was the first-round pick, and he's going to start. And he's going to have to block better and communicate better with whoever's out there to his right and left, or Vick is going to be knocked around a lot.
Now, as we keep saying, it's only preseason, and the Eagles still have more than two weeks of practice time in which to fix these problems. I am by no means saying they cannot or will not fix their issues. But while the result of this game doesn't matter any more than the result of last week's game did, there are some specific issues that came up, good and bad, and the poor play of the right side of the offensive line was the one that stood out the most.
Some others:
1. Better work by the linebackers this week. The Eagles' defense this year will be based on aggressive upfield pursuit by the defensive line, which means the linebackers will have to be more effective and responsible in coverage. We saw that Thursday night, especially from Jamar Chaney and rookie middle linebacker Casey Matthews. Last week was rough on Matthews, but the Eagles seem to have done a good thing for him this week, replacing him with Brian Rolle and/or Brandon Hughes on passing downs and allowing him to focus on playing the run more. Matthews' first-quarter highlight was a big stop on Montario Hardesty up the middle, and in general the linebackers in this game seemed to be in the right place and for the right amount of time much more reliably than they were against the Steelers.
2. Mike Patterson helps. Back in action less than a month after suffering a seizure on the practice field, Patterson was a big addition to the defensive tackle rotation. He picked up an early sack, drawing a nice ovation from the pre-rainstorm crowd at Lincoln Financial Field, and along with Cullen Jenkins, Derek Landri and Anthony Hargrove, he helped deliver somewhat consistent pressure up the middle as the game went along. If Antonio Dixon makes it back from his injury, the Eagles are going to have a very deep, very talented defensive line rotation that will allow them to keep everyone fresh as aggressive as Juan Castillo and Jim Washburn want them to be throughout the games.
3. Vick was better, but tough to evaluate. He didn't throw three interceptions as he did last week, and in general he did a better job of identifying and reacting to the blitz. His inability to get the ball to his receivers wasn't his fault, as discussed above, but he did a good job of finding McCoy and, every now and then, taking off and running when all else had failed. We're not likely to see him in the final preseason game, so this was his last warmup before the regular season. But he'll surely hope Jeremy Maclin is back and fully healthy by then, since that will help matters all around.
4. The cornerbacks all did nice things. Nnamdi Asomugha was his swarming, suffocating self, taking receivers out of the game. Asante Samuel came up with an interception. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie blocked a kick. As they are on the defensive line, the Eagles are deep in the secondary, especially if Jarrad Page and Kurt Coleman can continue to make the contributions they're making at safety. In general, the defense was much more intense and directed this week. Again, we don't know what we're looking at in preseason. The Eagles may have game-planned and the Browns may have not. But from a confidence standpoint, the Eagles had a lot more about which to feel good on defense than they did after Ben Roethlisberger took them apart seven nights earlier.
5. The Eagles are also deep at running back, too. Ronnie Brown continues to look like a one-year steal, and Dion Lewis like a guy who could make it not matter if Brown leaves after one year. If McCoy is going to be leaned on heavily, the Eagles can feel good about their ability to give him breaks and keep him fresh.
I also thought both rookie kickers looked good, and in general that most of the individual evaluations off of this game had to be position. But the offensive line play in the first half was so alarming that it had to be the story of the night, and all eyes will be on the right side of that line once the games start for real.
I have here on my laptop screen three "unofficial depth charts" -- one each for the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. They arrived as part of the media game notes in advance of preseason games, which begin the day after tomorrow. On Monday, I got the ones for the Cowboys and Eagles, who open preseason play Thursday. This morning I got the one for the Redskins, whose preseason opener is Friday. I am assuming that the Giants, who play Saturday, will send theirs tomorrow. (See what I did there? I incorporated simple addition and knowledge of the calendar. My sons' elementary school teachers would be so proud.)
Anyway, these don't, technically, mean anything. The teams call them "unofficial" just so we remember that. But they are fun, and here at the NFC East blog we're all about having fun. So let's take a look at a couple of things I noticed about each of the three I have so far that you, my dear readers, might find interesting. (And don't worry, Giants fans, you'll get your turn when I get your depth chart.)
Dallas Cowboys
Not a lot of surprises here. The Cowboys don't list their injured players as front-line starters, so Phil Costa is listed as the first-string center with Andre Gurode listed in brackets at the back of the depth chart as an injured player. They still have Montrae Holland listed as the starting right guard even though he's hurt, too, and David Arkin started there in Sunday's scrimmage. Arkin is listed as Kyle Kosier's backup at left guard, but we know that the alignment was changed Monday so that Arkin was starting with the first team at left guard and Kosier moved over to the right to start next to rookie tackle Tyron Smith.
Felix Jones is listed as the starting running back, though Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray are listed in brackets because of injury and therefore pose no unofficial-depth-chart threat at the moment. Jones' backup on the depth chart is Lonyae Miller. Kevin Ogletree and Jesse Holley are the wide receivers listed immediately behind Dez Bryant and Miles Austin at those two positions, for what that's worth. Brings into focus the fact that they could use help at that No. 3 receiver spot.
On defense, they have Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky starting at defensive end, and Sean Lee starting next to Bradie James at inside linebacker with Keith Brooking hurt. Orlando Scandrick is the starting cornerback opposite Mike Jenkins and in place of the injured Terence Newman, and Alan Ball is listed as Jenkins' backup. Free-agent signees Gerald Sensabaugh and Abram Elam are the starting safeties.
And David Buehler is still listed as the kicker ahead of Dan Bailey, but as I understand it that's not yet settled. Overall, it's tough to get a clear picture of the Cowboys' depth chart because of all the injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles still list Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, neither of whom has yet had a full practice, as their starting receivers. So the Dream Team rolls a bit differently, depth chart-wise, than does America's Team. Their backups are listed as Riley Cooper and Jason Avant, who are obviously more likely to play Thursday than are the listed starters. Ryan Harris is listed as the starting right tackle and Winston Justice isn't listed at all (presumably because he's on that PUP list). Jamaal Jackson is still listed as the starting center, though you need to keep an eye on Jason Kelce and how much he plays against the Ravens. They also list Vince Young as the No. 2 quarterback, ahead of Mike Kafka.
On defense, the Eagles' first-team line is listed as Trent Cole, Antonio Dixon, Mike Patterson and Juqua Parker. Obviously, Patterson's health concerns have taken him out of the mix for the time being, and Dixon has been limited due to injury. So you're more likely to see Cullen Jenkins and Anthony Hargrove at those defensive tackle spots, with Trevor Laws in the mix once he's healthy. Deep rotation on the line, where free-agent signing Jason Babin is a second-team defensive end along with Darryl Tapp. They're listing Casey Matthews as the starting middle linebacker in between Jamar Chaney and Moise Fokou, and Asante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha are the starting cornerbacks. Kurt Coleman is listed as the starting free safety opposite Nate Allen and in front of rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett.
Johnnie Lee Higgins is listed as the kick returner and as Jackson's backup punt returner.
Washington Redskins
Rex Grossman is listed as the starting quarterback, which is a change from the depth chart Mike Shanahan had on the wall of his office last week and could have something to do with John Beck's groin injury. It'll be interesting to see, if Beck is healthy, which one starts and how much they play. I think they'd like Beck to win the job but are prepared to go with Grossman if Beck falls on his face.
They're also listing Tim Hightower as the starting running back with Ryan Torain injured. But even if Torain were healthy, I believe they prefer Hightower assuming he can control his fumbling problem. Jabar Gaffney is listed as the starting wide receiver along with Santana Moss. Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson are listed as the backups. No surprises on the offensive line.
On defense, they have rookie Ryan Kerrigan starting at outside linebacker opposite Brian Orakpo and Rocky McIntosh starting inside along with London Fletcher. That puts Lorenzo Alexander in a bench/utility role from which he can help in multiple ways. Stephen Bowen and Adam Carriker are listed as the defensive ends on either side of nose tackle Barry Cofield. They have Josh Wilson starting at cornerback opposite DeAngelo Hall, and it'll be interesting to see if Wilson holds that job through and after Phillip Buchanon's four-game suspension. Reed Doughty starts at strong safety with LaRon Landry injured, and they're still listing Graham Gano as the kicker ahead of Shayne Graham, though it's possible that whoever shows up first when Shanahan yells "Graham!" will get to kick.
Have fun with it, folks. I'll take questions here and in the chat, at noon ET.
Anyway, these don't, technically, mean anything. The teams call them "unofficial" just so we remember that. But they are fun, and here at the NFC East blog we're all about having fun. So let's take a look at a couple of things I noticed about each of the three I have so far that you, my dear readers, might find interesting. (And don't worry, Giants fans, you'll get your turn when I get your depth chart.)
Dallas Cowboys
Not a lot of surprises here. The Cowboys don't list their injured players as front-line starters, so Phil Costa is listed as the first-string center with Andre Gurode listed in brackets at the back of the depth chart as an injured player. They still have Montrae Holland listed as the starting right guard even though he's hurt, too, and David Arkin started there in Sunday's scrimmage. Arkin is listed as Kyle Kosier's backup at left guard, but we know that the alignment was changed Monday so that Arkin was starting with the first team at left guard and Kosier moved over to the right to start next to rookie tackle Tyron Smith.
Felix Jones is listed as the starting running back, though Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray are listed in brackets because of injury and therefore pose no unofficial-depth-chart threat at the moment. Jones' backup on the depth chart is Lonyae Miller. Kevin Ogletree and Jesse Holley are the wide receivers listed immediately behind Dez Bryant and Miles Austin at those two positions, for what that's worth. Brings into focus the fact that they could use help at that No. 3 receiver spot.
On defense, they have Marcus Spears and Igor Olshansky starting at defensive end, and Sean Lee starting next to Bradie James at inside linebacker with Keith Brooking hurt. Orlando Scandrick is the starting cornerback opposite Mike Jenkins and in place of the injured Terence Newman, and Alan Ball is listed as Jenkins' backup. Free-agent signees Gerald Sensabaugh and Abram Elam are the starting safeties.
And David Buehler is still listed as the kicker ahead of Dan Bailey, but as I understand it that's not yet settled. Overall, it's tough to get a clear picture of the Cowboys' depth chart because of all the injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles still list Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson, neither of whom has yet had a full practice, as their starting receivers. So the Dream Team rolls a bit differently, depth chart-wise, than does America's Team. Their backups are listed as Riley Cooper and Jason Avant, who are obviously more likely to play Thursday than are the listed starters. Ryan Harris is listed as the starting right tackle and Winston Justice isn't listed at all (presumably because he's on that PUP list). Jamaal Jackson is still listed as the starting center, though you need to keep an eye on Jason Kelce and how much he plays against the Ravens. They also list Vince Young as the No. 2 quarterback, ahead of Mike Kafka.
On defense, the Eagles' first-team line is listed as Trent Cole, Antonio Dixon, Mike Patterson and Juqua Parker. Obviously, Patterson's health concerns have taken him out of the mix for the time being, and Dixon has been limited due to injury. So you're more likely to see Cullen Jenkins and Anthony Hargrove at those defensive tackle spots, with Trevor Laws in the mix once he's healthy. Deep rotation on the line, where free-agent signing Jason Babin is a second-team defensive end along with Darryl Tapp. They're listing Casey Matthews as the starting middle linebacker in between Jamar Chaney and Moise Fokou, and Asante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha are the starting cornerbacks. Kurt Coleman is listed as the starting free safety opposite Nate Allen and in front of rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett.
Johnnie Lee Higgins is listed as the kick returner and as Jackson's backup punt returner.
Washington Redskins
Rex Grossman is listed as the starting quarterback, which is a change from the depth chart Mike Shanahan had on the wall of his office last week and could have something to do with John Beck's groin injury. It'll be interesting to see, if Beck is healthy, which one starts and how much they play. I think they'd like Beck to win the job but are prepared to go with Grossman if Beck falls on his face.
They're also listing Tim Hightower as the starting running back with Ryan Torain injured. But even if Torain were healthy, I believe they prefer Hightower assuming he can control his fumbling problem. Jabar Gaffney is listed as the starting wide receiver along with Santana Moss. Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson are listed as the backups. No surprises on the offensive line.
On defense, they have rookie Ryan Kerrigan starting at outside linebacker opposite Brian Orakpo and Rocky McIntosh starting inside along with London Fletcher. That puts Lorenzo Alexander in a bench/utility role from which he can help in multiple ways. Stephen Bowen and Adam Carriker are listed as the defensive ends on either side of nose tackle Barry Cofield. They have Josh Wilson starting at cornerback opposite DeAngelo Hall, and it'll be interesting to see if Wilson holds that job through and after Phillip Buchanon's four-game suspension. Reed Doughty starts at strong safety with LaRon Landry injured, and they're still listing Graham Gano as the kicker ahead of Shayne Graham, though it's possible that whoever shows up first when Shanahan yells "Graham!" will get to kick.
Have fun with it, folks. I'll take questions here and in the chat, at noon ET.
Eagles add Ryan Harris to offensive line
August, 2, 2011
8/02/11
6:48
PM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Because it had been nearly two hours since they'd last signed a free agent, the Philadelphia Eagles just announced the signing of offensive tackle Ryan Harris to a one-year contract. Harris is the second one-year Eagles signing of the day, following running back Ronnie Brown, and he addresses a need that was beginning to concern Eagles fans -- the right side of the offensive line.
It's a surprising signing because Harris is only 25 years old, well regarded as a top right tackle and likely thought he'd get a long-term deal once the market opened. But this week's market clearly isn't last week's market, and it appears players are willing to take less in order to sign with the Eagles, who are loading up for a Super Bowl run.
Harris is an athletic offensive lineman who fits what new line coach Howard Mudd is looking for. It would appear he has a good chance to beat out Winston Justice for the starting right tackle job. The Eagles employ a left-handed quarterback in Michael Vick, which means the right side of the line is his blind side. There had been concerns about Justice and talk about left guard Todd Herremans or rookie right guard Danny Watkins maybe having to move over and play right tackle. Now, it seems, they have brought in a better option and strengthened the line overall.
I'm going to go for a run now. I assume I'll have another Eagles signing to write about when I get back.
It's a surprising signing because Harris is only 25 years old, well regarded as a top right tackle and likely thought he'd get a long-term deal once the market opened. But this week's market clearly isn't last week's market, and it appears players are willing to take less in order to sign with the Eagles, who are loading up for a Super Bowl run.
Harris is an athletic offensive lineman who fits what new line coach Howard Mudd is looking for. It would appear he has a good chance to beat out Winston Justice for the starting right tackle job. The Eagles employ a left-handed quarterback in Michael Vick, which means the right side of the line is his blind side. There had been concerns about Justice and talk about left guard Todd Herremans or rookie right guard Danny Watkins maybe having to move over and play right tackle. Now, it seems, they have brought in a better option and strengthened the line overall.
I'm going to go for a run now. I assume I'll have another Eagles signing to write about when I get back.
NFC East must toughen up in the trenches
June, 9, 2011
6/09/11
11:33
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Icon SMIThe Cowboys (with Tyron Smith) and the Eagles (with Danny Watkins) used the draft to address a need along the offensive line.But things change quickly in the NFL, and 2010 wasn't this division's most Beastly year. For the first time in six seasons, the NFC East last year came up with just one playoff team. The division had as many 10-loss teams as 10-win teams, and the only playoff game it has won in the past two seasons was Dallas' January 2010 intradivision victory over Philadelphia.
A fluke? Sure, it's possible. Most people expect the Cowboys to bounce back in 2011 (assuming there is a 2011). And John Clayton pointed out last week that a slate of 2011 games against NFC West opponents could help inflate NFC East teams' records the way that delicious bit of scheduling helped out NFC South teams in 2010. But if the teams in this division want to make sure this little downturn is nothing more than a blip on history's radar, they would all do well to take a look at their offensive lines.
All four teams in the NFC East had offensive line issues last year. The Giants couldn't keep theirs healthy. The Cowboys couldn't seal off the right side. The Eagles couldn't keep Michael Vick's uniform clean. The Redskins were rebuilding. Although most, if not all, of those issues are resolvable, the teams need to work to make sure they're resolved. If there's one area whose erosion can really affect the toughness, meanness and other Beast-like qualities of a team or group of teams, it's the offensive line.
To their credit, the Cowboys and Eagles at least seem to understand they need to do something. Dallas took USC tackle Tyron Smith in the first round in April and spent three of their eight total draft picks on offensive linemen -- snagging guard David Arkin in the fourth round and guard/center Bill Nagy in the seventh. Smith is the only one of the three expected to start in 2011, as he's slated to be the right tackle, but depth on the O-line is never a negative.
Washington used only one pick this year on an offensive lineman, and it was a seventh-rounder. But the Redskins spent the fourth overall pick in the 2010 draft on left tackle Trent Williams, who looks as if he'll be a star at that spot, and they're piecing things together across the middle. They will need to address right tackle if they lose both Jammal Brown and Stephon Heyer in free agency, but the Redskins are in rebuilding mode. At least they have the franchise left tackle in place.
The Giants ... sigh. The Giants could have used offensive line help in the draft. But these are stubborn people who don't believe in drafting for need. They used their first-rounder on a cornerback, even though they already had plenty of those. The "value" of Prince Amukamara that late in the round was too much for the Giants to pass up, so they didn't end up taking a lineman until the fourth round, and they didn't bother taking another one after that. Now, if healthy, the Giants' offensive line is the best one in the division. But the five projected starters have an average age of 31.6. Shaun O'Hara missed 10 games and David Diehl missed four last year as the fates practically screamed at the Giants about the value of depth on the O-line. Injury and age on the line didn't sink the Giants' season per se, but they reared their heads and offered a warning. So far the Giants have yet to show they heard it.
The success of the teams in the NFC East -- this year and in the years to come -- will depend largely on the ways in which the four teams address the issues bubbling up across their offensive lines. I believe the division could have three playoff-caliber teams in 2011. The Redskins are doing some nice things but still have a long way to go and, currently, no quarterback to take them there. The other three teams have skill-position talent spilling out of their ears, but holes along the line can keep even the most skilled players from making the highlight-reel plays for which they're paid. Offensive line play was one reason the NFC East looked a little meeker than usual in 2010. It may be the key to "The Beast" regaining its teeth.
Epicenter of Humanity: Overlooked stars
January, 21, 2011
1/21/11
12:30
PM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
US PresswireClay Matthews, left, and Tommie Harris will play important roles in Sunday's playoff matchup.Listed below are four big-time performers who, for various reasons, have been overlooked in the hype of Sunday's matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
More Coverage
• 2010 season highlight: Three sacks in the Bears' past two games, including two in last Sunday's divisional playoff victory against the Seattle Seahawks
Important because: A havoc-wreaking "three-technique" defensive tackle is a boon to any defense, especially one that uses a four-man rush as much as the Bears (nearly 75 percent of the regular season). Whoever plays that position for the Bears has a tremendous opportunity, given the attention most opponents pay to defensive end Julius Peppers.
Overlooked because: A three-time Pro Bowler, Harris lost his starting job this season because of low productivity. According to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com, Harris urged coaches to reinstall him as a starter last month. He already has more sacks in the playoffs (two) than he had during the entire regular season (1.5).
Quotable: "It's great. When Tommie is Tommie, he's good. He's really good. He played great last week. I think the last couple of games coming into the playoffs he was playing well, too. If we can get him playing to his level, he's like [Peppers]. You have to double team him or he's going to get a sack on you. It's good to have him back." -- Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher
[+] Enlarge
Mike DiNovo/US PRESSWIREBears tight end Greg Olsen caught this 58-yard TD pass in the first quarter of Chicago's divisional playoff game against Seattle last Sunday.
Mike DiNovo/US PRESSWIREBears tight end Greg Olsen caught this 58-yard TD pass in the first quarter of Chicago's divisional playoff game against Seattle last Sunday.2010 season highlight: A 113-yard performance in last Sunday's victory against the Seahawks, including a career-long 58-yard touchdown reception.
Important because: The Packers' injuries at linebacker and safety this season have at times left them vulnerable against tight ends, as Football Outsiders noted last week. (We should point out that Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez managed only one catch last Saturday, however.) In two regular-season games against the Packers, Olsen caught 10 passes, including one for a touchdown.
Overlooked because: As a tight end in Mike Martz's offense, Olsen has had to wait his turn and block more than at any point in his career. He caught 41 passes, a record for a Martz tight end, but still the fewest in a season since his rookie year.
Quotable: "It's a game of momentum. You get that confidence and that going forward definitely comes week to week. I don't expect the game plan, just like it wasn't really different for the most part last week. Each week, guys have different opportunities to make plays. Each week we don't go in saying, 'Hey, we're going to try to focus on getting the ball to him or whoever.' Last week it happened to be me that got some chances to make some big plays. I would welcome those chances again, but you never know who it's going to be." -- Olsen
Player: Packers linebacker Clay Matthews
2010 season highlight: Three sacks in each of the Packers' first two games this season. Finished the year with 13.5, fourth in the NFL.
Important because: It goes without saying that an outside pass rusher is one of the most valued commodities in the NFL. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will know where Matthews is on every play. Although he slowed down during the middle of the season, Matthews has four sacks in the Packers' past three games. He overwhelmed Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Winston Justice in the wild-card round, forcing Eagles coaches to bench him in the fourth quarter.
Overlooked because: Matthews had six sacks in the first two weeks of the season and then 6.5 over the following 14. A shin injury limited his practice time and effectiveness, taking a bit of the public focus off what was still an All-Pro season.
Quotable: "Just had a tremendous start. He was pushing through the leg injury, and he missed a bunch of practice time there in the middle of the season, and of late has been able to get the practice reps that he needs and has really picked his game back up here down the stretch." -- Packers coach Mike McCarthy
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Josh D. Weiss/US PRESSWIREB.J. Raji has quietly been a force in the middle of Green Bay's defensive line this season.
Josh D. Weiss/US PRESSWIREB.J. Raji has quietly been a force in the middle of Green Bay's defensive line this season.2010 season highlight: From an entertainment standpoint, Raji's most memorable play might have been his debut as a goal-line fullback last week against the Falcons. But his best game was probably a two-sack performance against the New England Patriots in Week 15.
Important because: As with Harris, Raji stands to benefit from attention paid to the defense's premier pass rusher, in this case Matthews. Raji has been a durable and active pass rusher, and his 340-pound frame makes it tough to move him out of running lanes. He is a rare three-down player on a defense filled with personnel specialists.
Overlooked because: Nose tackles in a 3-4 scheme don't get many opportunities and therefore little attention. But the reality is the Packers ran their nickel defense nearly 75 percent of the time this season, moving Raji to his more natural position over the guard. He won't be a national secret much longer.
Quotable: "He's been tremendous. Obviously he's really continued to progress his game this year, taking it to what I believe is a Pro Bowl level, how he performs on the field. He is making plays in the backfield, not only in the pass game but is being disruptive in the run game as well. He's only helping guys like myself out tremendously in the fact that all 3-4's start with a big guy in the middle who can eat up double-teams and get pressure and collapse the pocket. That's what he's been doing as of late, and I look for him to continue his progression as well with him and myself only being second-year players." -- Matthews
I'm planning to take a look at the biggest offseason questions for the four teams in the division for my Thursday column. But let's get a head start with the NFC East's only playoff team.
Bob Ford of the Inquirer wonders whether the Eagles' playoff failures over the years should be blamed on Reid or an overall lack of talent. I've hit on this theme before that Reid has an arrogance that suggests he can win with his players or your players. He often comes back from his offseason self-scouting camp and concludes that a few personnel tweaks might get the job done. Last offseason was more dramatic than most because of the Donovan McNabb trade, but you can't say all the turnover on defense really amounted to much.
"It is as if Reid believes he has the staff and the system capable of winning the Kentucky Derby with whatever plow horses wander into his stable," writes Ford. "You can get lucky with players sometimes, but it isn't how the NFL really works. Look at the team on the field Sunday against Green Bay. There were 10 starters among the 22 on offense and defense who entered the league either as undrafted free agents or seventh-round draft picks.
"There were seven starters among the 22 who entered the league as either first- or second-round picks, a number that includes both Ernie Sims and Winston Justice, one of whom is probably gone and one of whom wasn't a starter by the end of the game.
"The old basketball coaches always say, 'It's not the X's and the O's. It's the Jimmys and the Joes.' That's the case here. The Eagles aren't talented enough. Whether that is because the player personnel department hasn't done a good enough job of identifying and acquiring the talent, or whether the coaching staff hasn't done a good enough job of developing it is a fair question."
Ford concludes that a roster overhaul is needed for the Eagles to take the next step. I'm not sure the Eagles are in a position to make massive changes. They had 11 of their 13 rookies on the field at some point this season. And some of them -- Nate Allen, Brandon Graham, Kurt Coleman, Keenan Clayton -- showed a lot of promise. You expect that from Graham and Allen because of where they were taken in the draft (first and second rounds), but it seems like GM Howie Roseman has also done a nice job hitting on players in the later rounds. If you examined the New England Patriots' starters, I think you'd also find quite a few undrafted free agents and late-round picks. And you don't have to look further than quarterback for a good example.
The Eagles did not have enough quality depth at cornerback heading into the season, and that ultimately played a large role in their issues on that side of the ball. I still don't understand how and why they convinced themselves that Ellis Hobbs was a starter. He played poorly and then suffered a season-ending injury. And when Pro Bowler Asante Samuel was injured, the Eagles were left with Dimitri Patterson, Joselio Hanson and rookie Trevard Lindley receiving most of the reps.
I don't think the Eagles need to make the types of sweeping personnel changes that we saw last offseason, but they do need to zero in on some specific positions. And if that means spending some serious money on free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, so be it.
I do think the Eagles' roster is in much better shape than it was at the end of '09. But that doesn't mean much when you keep losing in the wild-card round.
Bob Ford of the Inquirer wonders whether the Eagles' playoff failures over the years should be blamed on Reid or an overall lack of talent. I've hit on this theme before that Reid has an arrogance that suggests he can win with his players or your players. He often comes back from his offseason self-scouting camp and concludes that a few personnel tweaks might get the job done. Last offseason was more dramatic than most because of the Donovan McNabb trade, but you can't say all the turnover on defense really amounted to much.
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AP Photo/Orlin WagnerEagles coach Andy Reid may need to make some upgrades in the secondary.
AP Photo/Orlin WagnerEagles coach Andy Reid may need to make some upgrades in the secondary."There were seven starters among the 22 who entered the league as either first- or second-round picks, a number that includes both Ernie Sims and Winston Justice, one of whom is probably gone and one of whom wasn't a starter by the end of the game.
"The old basketball coaches always say, 'It's not the X's and the O's. It's the Jimmys and the Joes.' That's the case here. The Eagles aren't talented enough. Whether that is because the player personnel department hasn't done a good enough job of identifying and acquiring the talent, or whether the coaching staff hasn't done a good enough job of developing it is a fair question."
Ford concludes that a roster overhaul is needed for the Eagles to take the next step. I'm not sure the Eagles are in a position to make massive changes. They had 11 of their 13 rookies on the field at some point this season. And some of them -- Nate Allen, Brandon Graham, Kurt Coleman, Keenan Clayton -- showed a lot of promise. You expect that from Graham and Allen because of where they were taken in the draft (first and second rounds), but it seems like GM Howie Roseman has also done a nice job hitting on players in the later rounds. If you examined the New England Patriots' starters, I think you'd also find quite a few undrafted free agents and late-round picks. And you don't have to look further than quarterback for a good example.
The Eagles did not have enough quality depth at cornerback heading into the season, and that ultimately played a large role in their issues on that side of the ball. I still don't understand how and why they convinced themselves that Ellis Hobbs was a starter. He played poorly and then suffered a season-ending injury. And when Pro Bowler Asante Samuel was injured, the Eagles were left with Dimitri Patterson, Joselio Hanson and rookie Trevard Lindley receiving most of the reps.
I don't think the Eagles need to make the types of sweeping personnel changes that we saw last offseason, but they do need to zero in on some specific positions. And if that means spending some serious money on free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, so be it.
I do think the Eagles' roster is in much better shape than it was at the end of '09. But that doesn't mean much when you keep losing in the wild-card round.
Chris Trotman/Getty ImagesPackers cornerback Tramon Williams' interception sealed Green Bay's 21-16 win over the Eagles. Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams, however, found himself lined up against reserve receiver Riley Cooper, a 6-foot-3 backup who caught only seven passes during the regular season and had been targeted on only two end zone throws. At the snap, Cooper began running a half-speed go-route that looked for all the world like a backside decoy. Surely, the Eagles wouldn't look his way and ignore their big-play trio.
Williams wasn't buying it, and the reason helps explain why the Packers were in position to take a 21-16 wild-card playoff victory.
"We watched these guys on film and they do a lot of that," fellow cornerback Charles Woodson said. "You have to pay attention to them. A lot of their deep routes, they kind of come off lackadaisical and then they take over. ... Maybe he tried to put Tramon to sleep. But obviously Tramon woke up pretty early this morning."
Indeed, Vick took a chance that Cooper could outjump Williams for the ball. But Williams calmly turned around, established position and intercepted the ball to clinch the game. That play is the best way I can illustrate why the Packers advanced to Saturday's divisional playoff round against the Atlanta Falcons. Unlike their 2009 postseason flameout, the Packers have both the skill and the scheme to play elite-caliber defense in the playoffs.
Their cornerback depth dropped off significantly beyond Woodson last season, and it showed in a 51-45 wild-card loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Sunday, however, Williams was the best pure cover man on the field. And the Packers' film study last week had prepared him for the exact situation he faced in the most crucial situation of the game.
"We know what kind of team we are," Williams said. "That's the frustrating part when you go out and put a performance up like the Arizona game last year. We came back this year and learned from it. We were put in a position to win the game by making a play defensively, and we won it."
A week ago, we put some pressure on the Packers' offense to step up after it managed 10 points in a playoff-clinching victory over the Chicago Bears. Against the Eagles, tailback James Starks broke through for 123 rushing yards and quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes. It might not have been the kind of explosive performance that fantasy players have come to hope for from the Packers' offense, but it was more than enough for a Packers defense that has been remarkably stout all season.
The Packers, in fact, have scored at least 21 points in 10 games since the start of the regular season. They've won nine of them, thanks to a defense that has come of age.
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Al Bello/Getty ImagesIn 2009, New England traded the pick that became Clay Matthews and ended up with Darius Butler instead.
Al Bello/Getty ImagesIn 2009, New England traded the pick that became Clay Matthews and ended up with Darius Butler instead.Yes, Williams' interception was but the pinnacle in an all-day harassment of the Eagles' offense. It began on the first play from scrimmage, when linebacker Desmond Bishop broke free on a blitz and sacked Vick for a 9-yard loss. It continued with Matthews' embarrassment of right tackle Winston Justice, a one-sided slaughter so severe the Eagles finally benched him in the fourth quarter.
Vick threw for 292 yards and rushed for 33 more, but the bottom line for any defense is points. The Eagles' point total was 40 percent below their season average of 27.4, and it's worth noting that one of their two touchdowns came after they recovered a Rodgers fumble at the Packers' 24-yard line in the third quarter.
"We knew coming in that we wouldn't stop Vick," defensive lineman Ryan Pickett said. "We just wanted to contain him. We always said, 'Make him earn every yard.' That was our thing coming into the game. I think that's what we did. ... He was pretty beat up by the end of the game. We got some licks on him. Vick is a tough guy. We got to him a lot. Our coaches did a lot to mix him up and confuse him."
And so it's instructive to look at how Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers approached Vick.
From the outside, it appeared the Packers' overriding goal was to give Vick as many different looks as they could.
"You've got to use all of your calls in a game like this," Woodson said.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Packers used at least five defensive backs on 57 of the Eagles' plays. (The other three came in short-yardage packages.) That personnel usage was almost identical to the teams' Week 1 meeting, a 27-20 Packers victory in which they used at least five defensive backs on every defensive snap, but they blitzed considerably more Sunday.
Within that nickel scheme Sunday, Capers offered every combination imaginable. He sent at least five pass-rushers on 41.9 percent of Vick's dropbacks. On eight plays, Capers rushed three or less men. Vick completed six of eight passes against that look, but I would argue the variety paid dividends in the long run.
"You can't bring pressure every time," Matthews said. "He's going to pick you apart. You can't drop into coverage every play. He's going to do the same thing. So what we had was a good balance of both."
I'm not letting the Packers' offense off the hook here. It'll need to do its part. But what the Packers demonstrated Sunday was simple. They are playing a brand of defense that can lead the way in a playoff game and -- provided adequate support -- win every time.
That's a combination that could take a team places. Next stop for the Packers: the Georgia Dome.
It's official: Eagles stars will ride pine
January, 2, 2011
1/02/11
2:58
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
I just had a look at the Philadelphia Eagles' inactives list, and it's a star-studded cast: Running back LeSean McCoy, right tackle Winston Justice, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, defensive end Trent Cole, defensive tackle Trevor Laws, middle linebacker Stewart Bradley, cornerback Asante Samuel and quarterback Michael Vick will all be in street clothes for today's game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Tight end Brent Celek and receiver Jeremy Maclin will be quarterback Kevin Kolb's best options -- if they take the field. It will be interesting to watch running back Jerome Harrison in a feature role. I'm sure he and Eldra Buckley will get plenty of touches.
Tight end Brent Celek and receiver Jeremy Maclin will be quarterback Kevin Kolb's best options -- if they take the field. It will be interesting to watch running back Jerome Harrison in a feature role. I'm sure he and Eldra Buckley will get plenty of touches.
