Are You Kidding? - Thursday, August 21, 2008
267 Views :: 1 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   This is nothing against Hank Baskett and Greg Lewis. They are nice gentlemen and loyal teammates. But if you think the Eagles are a contending team with those two replacing injured wideout Kevin Curtis, then you had better be checking to see if you have been taking the proper medication. The Eagles needed a first-line receiver during the off-season, and they still need one. Curtis' absence makes that situation even more dire.

   Of course, if you happen to be the GM of the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the world's most devoted West Coast offense disciples, you have no such requirement. Andy Reid is just fine heading into the season with Reggie Brown and his cranky hamstring and a surgically-repaired Curtis. Oh, yeah, with Baskett, G-Lew, Jason Avant and rookie DeSean Jackson in reserve.

   Is he crazy?

   Reports out of Phoenix are that top-shelf wideout Anquan Boldin wants to be traded. He said on Dallas radio that coming to Philadelphia wouldn't be a problem for him. Sounds like a perfect match: Boldin in Philly. He needs a home. The Birds need a receiver. They could even trade Lito Sheppard for him. What's that, the Cards don't want Sheppard? Okay, so how about using that extra first-round draft pick for Boldin. Think about it; will the Eagles get a standout like Boldin in the upcoming draft? The odds are they won't, and not just because the team has recently had a near-pathological aversion to using its first-rounders. Sweetening the pot with a reserve would make this a deal the Cards would consider strongly.

   The Eagles are in the toughest division in football, and they can't afford to enter the season at a disadvantage. They need weapons, so they need Boldin. The team went after Randy Moss during the off-season, so they admit (grudgingly) that they understand that need. If they fail to make the deal, they'll be hindering themselves in the playoff fight. Reid may have job security, thanks to his long-term contract, but even he can't withstand another sub-par season. The Eagles need to make a strong run at Boldin, no matter how quickly Curtis returns. If they don't, it will be another example of ineffective front-office leadership torpedoing the team's on-field hopes.

   Get it in gear, Reid. Get Boldin.