The Redskin Report

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As my gift to you, the loyal reader of the Redskin Report, I’ve decided to sacrifice my own personal well-being for each of you. I know we all are curious about what each of our arch rivals are planning for this upcoming off season, but quite frankly no one wants to soil their good reputation by visiting some Dallas Cowboy site to find out. But since you all are kind enough to come read my stuff, I’ll put myself on the line and do the searching for you.

So without further ado, here’s is a look at behind enemy lines at our rivals in the NFC East (if this proves to be semi-interesting, I may add this as a monthly column over the offseason):

Dallas Cowboys

The most glaring need for the Cowboys is right tackle. They went into last year starting a rookie and it didn’t work out. A possible replacement being mentioned in Dallas is Eagle free agent and all around dirty player Jon Runyan.

The rest of the offense is fairly set except for some cosmetic changes. They may try to improve the center position and full back is another spot they may look to fill. They need one of their running backs to establish themselves as a true NFL starter, but they’ll probably stick with Jones, Barber and Thompson in the backfield.

On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas may go after a safety to play along with Roy Williams and add an outside linebacker to help out in their 3-4 alignment. And on special teams, they need a kicker; I hear Ola Kimrin may be available.

New York Giants

The Giants are at an interesting crossroads as a team. Despite having a young QB, their window of success with this current roster may have already passed. Tiki Barber is getting old, and running backs can fall right off the map quickly as they age (look at Curtis Martin for an example). For their offense to succeed again next year they need Manning to get more accurate and, more importantly, Barber needs to continue playing at a very high level. Whether Barber declines or not, the Giants need to find a young running back they can groom to replace him. I can’t imagine anyone thinks that the big oaf, Brandon Jacobs, is the heir-apparent anymore.

As for the rest of the offense, they may look for a replacement for the aging Amani Toomer if they don’t think Tim Carter is ready to start. And as you hear every year, they are trying to upgrade at left tackle. Luke Petitgout isn’t great, and he gets a lot of penalties, but if you go in open market for a left tackle, you’ll be paying a premium.

Defensively, basically they want an entire new secondary. Only Gibril Wilson’s job at free safety is safe. Brent Alexander may retire and they aren’t happy with any of their corners, although 2005 draft choice Corey Webster should a role. Rumors are circulating that the Giants may pursue Julian Peterson to play outside linebacker, replacing Carlos Emmons. Nick Griesen is a free agent, but the team is expected to make a big effort to get him resigned.

Special teams should be stable.

Philadelphia Eagles

Who knows what to think of the Eagles? Has their window closed or did the whole T.O. fiasco ruin a potentially good season leaving them set to rebound? Personally I think they are going through a decline phase, although with McNabb and all that cap space, it shouldn’t last long.

Besides receiver, the Eagles need to find a running back to split duties with Bryan Westbrook. It’s possible they may go with Ryan Moats, but he’s very similar to Westbrook. Another option is Correll Buckhalter, but he probably tore his MCL walking to the computer to read this. They may look for tight end to play with LJ Smith and if Jon Runyan leaves, they will have to fill that gap. And don’t forget that they’ll be looking for a new back-up quarterback, as Mike McMahon and Koy Detmer didn’t get it done in 2005.

Defensively, they have some holes to fill for a change. The huge money given to Jevon Kearse is looking like a mistake, especially given the year ex-Eagle Derrick Burgess had in Oakland. The Eagles need to find another defensive end to fill out the rotation and who can get to the quarterback. Brian Dawkins is also getting older, so they may look to find a young back up to groom to eventually replace Dawkins.

Special teams are looking ok, even though injured punter Dirk Johnson is a free agent. 97 year old Sean Landeta did a good job in replacing him last year, and could easily fill the job in 2006.

In the Post
Bettis to Fox?; Free Agency may be delayed