Kryjer Keys for a Successful Offseason

After reflecting on the Birds’ season and watching the press conference today, I am officially ready to discuss plans for this offseason. However, before I get to the “Kryjer Keys for a Successful Offseason”, I would like to say that the Philadelphia Eagles are not in as great as shape as everyone may think. First, Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a perfect example of who they were all year. A run-first team whose defense was not strong enough for them to be a run-first team.

In the first seven weeks of the season, the Eagles defense ranked 24th in Opponent Points Per Game (Opp PPG) and 31st in Opponent Time of Possession. During those weeks, the Eagles faced five playoff teams in the San Francisco 49ers, the Dallas Cowboys, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. They lost all five games. Now, many of you might be saying “Well, the defense turned a corner in the second half of the season.” Statistically, the birds defense did turn a corner, but they did not face a single team that made the NFL playoffs. The best team they played in that stretch was a Los Angeles Chargers team who somehow managed to miss the playoffs with a Top-5 NFL quarterback.

As a die-hard Eagles fan, I was excited to see them string together some wins. Before the year started, I had the Eagles winning four games at most. Although they exceeded my expectations, this team has several adjustments to make this offseason. My “Kryjer Keys for a Successful Offseason” include:

1.) Hire Vic Fangio as Defensive Coordinator.

2.) Sign a wide receiver to compliment DeVonta Smith.

3.) Say goodbye to Fletcher Cox and Brandon Brooks.

4.) Release JJAW and Derek Barnett.

5.) Draft Nakobe Dean.

If Jonathan Gannon lands a head coaching job, the Philadelphia Eagles should immediately hire Vic Fangio as their defensive coordinator. This would be an instant upgrade as the Denver Broncos defense only allowed 18.9 PPG to opponents this season.

DeVonta Smith has showed the entire NFL that he has the talent to be a #1 wide receiver. His ability to catch under pressure and fake defenders out of their shoes with his route running is why the Eagles need to sign someone to compliment him. The Birds do not have to make a big splash like Davante Adams or Chris Godwin, but they need to sign a proven player. If I was Howie Roseman, I would look to sign Mike Williams. Williams had a breakout season with the Chargers and would be huge in the passing game alongside Smith and Dallas Goedert. If Williams is asking for too much money, then they should look at Michael Gallup, Allen Robinson, or Odell Beckham Jr.

Although Fletcher Cox is one of the greatest Philadelphia Eagles of all-time, it is time to say goodbye. He has been one of my favorite players and I would hate to see him leave, but this is the perfect: “It is better to get rid of a player a year or two early rather than a year or two late.” In addition, when Brandon Brooks plays, he is one of the best guards in football, if not the best. However, his inability to stay healthy and huge cap hit next year are solid reasons to move on.

The JJAW experiment has not worked. It is time for a change of scenery. Derek Barnett is also another player who could use a different environment. His production does not outweigh his untimely penalties.

This Kryjer Key speaks for itself. The last time the Eagles drafted a linebacker in the first round was 1979 when they selected Jerry Robinson. I do not care if Howie Roseman trades the other first round picks, but he must come away with Nakobe Dean. Dean recorded 72 total tackles with six sacks and two interceptions this season. Dean is the perfect fit to lead this Eagles defense over the next several years.