The benefits of Burress

Having served a twenty-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to weapons charges, Super bowl winning wide receiver Plaxico Burress is hoping for a second chance in NFL through this year’s free agency.

Recent speculation has produced numerous suitors for the ex-Giant receiver, and most recently he has been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles, an outcome that doesn’t seem so farfetched to most critics.

The Eagles have recently helped reform Michael Vick into a leader that people place their faith in. Vick has also had a troubled past with a prison sentence but has seemingly put his past behind him. Would Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg relish the opportunity to mould Burress into a superstar again?

Philly already have deep routes covered by DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin has proven that he is a premium go-to guy but the Eagles could use some assistance converting short third downs. Last season the Eagles relied heavily on Vick’s running game to get those crucial downs, but this method also puts the quarterback hugely at risk of injury.

At the end of last season the Eagles made a swoop for Sinorice Moss, brother of Washington Redskins Santana Moss. Moss had previously been picked up by the New York Giants but due to injuries his time at the Meadowlands was hardly a memorable one. Also added to the receiver equation is tightend Brent Celek and fullback Leonard Weaver, both who were used extensively in McNabb’s last season with Philadelphia. Adaptations to the offence could easily see them playing more roles again in short gains.

So could Burress also feature? It’s a tough choice. Vick would be the ideal mentor for an already reliable receiver who can produce big yards after the catch is made. Will Burress have the same tenacity and attitude to win? Only time will tell.

Without Vick will the Eagles season remain flightless?

It looks highly likely that as soon as the lockout is lifted, (if it is lifted) a move might be imminent for the Eagles Kevin Kolb in the free agency market.

Kolb has already made it clear he wants to be a starter in the NFL and judging by Vick's phenomenal season in 2010 it doesn't seem likely he will feature in the Eagles plans any time soon.

Kolb has already been linked with many teams in desperate need of a QB, the latest being the Cleveland Browns. This move seems unrealistic however considering the Browns already have Colt McCoy in his second season with the offence and the last thing Kolb needs is a fight for starting position with a player he might not be able to better.

No matter where Kolb ends up I fear it could leave the Eagles looking very bare in the quarterback department.

Starting quarterback Michael Vick returned to the NFL emphatically last season, producing clutch touchdowns and key downs when required. Many question whether he can produce the same performances that he did for the upcoming 2011 season however.

In 2002, for the first time Vick started every game with the Falcons. He threw for just under 3,000 yards, 16 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. This season proved to be the most impressive and he never bettered this performance during his time at the Falcons. Interceptions and fumbles became more apparent, and his quarterback rating dropped. So will we see a similar outcome again at the Eagles?

Admittedly Vick had his most positive season to date last season with the Eagles, posting his first quarterback rating average above 100, but did he produce this because he had a point to prove?

Defences will be more weary of his abilities next season as well. The Eagles thrived on their big game changing abilities in 2010 which I doubt will be so accessible again.

Vick showed his toughness and ability to get the job done when required, but his physical and stubborn method of obtaining yards could see him get into trouble. It was clear he was a huge target for many pass rushers and with Kolb out of the picture, and Vick ailing, it begs the question of whether Eagles hopes of the playoffs will greatly diminish in this scenario.

Currently without Kolb or Vick the leadership responsibility could fall to Mike Kafka. Kafka, 23, was the fifth QB selected in the 2010 draft behind Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy. He is quick, able to run like Vick but still has a lot to learn.

Kafka is yet to feature in his first NFL game, having only played in the four preseason matches of 2010. In those four matches Kafka threw three picks and one touchdown but it was all very valuable experience for the youngster.

Kafka still obviously has weaknesses at present in his strength and accuracy so will he be able to cope with the pressure in the event of a Vick injury, or will Andy Reid be prepared to pick up a replacement in the free agency?

Can Jackson lure Asomugha to the Eagles nest?

He's one of the hottest players who could be available on the market soon and its no wonder why. Nnamdi Asomugha, 29, gave up only 13 receptions throughout the whole of last season cementing his premium pass shutdown status. He most certainly has a polished reputation, he just doesn't have a team with the same characteristics yet. After 8 seasons at Oakland it looks like his time with the Raiders is about to draw to a close. Asomugha isn't getting any younger and I'm sure that he would ponce on the opportunity to get a chance of a Superbowl ring.

Like most fans of teams with defensive issues, I would without doubt welcome a fresh face in the cornerback position to accompany Asante Samuel producing a fortified and formidable pairing.

Apparently Desean Jackson shares these views as he has been reportedly trying to lure Asomugha to the Eagles ever since the Pro Bowl. Teammates in college for California, Desean is fully aware of the threat and impact Asomugha offers to the opposing offences as a first rate ball hawk.

The question is will pay disputes detour Andy Reid and the Eagles. Asomugha has always been likened to wholesome paychecks that have somewhat tarnished his otherwise pristine career so could we afford to keep him there? He will without doubt need to take a pay cut in order to come to Philly, but will greed get the better of him or will the Cowboys get to him first?