Whatever It Takes - Wednesday, April 23, 2008
489 Views :: 1 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   The one indisputable fact about this time of year in NFL Land is that everybody -- everybody -- is lying. The Dolphins spent two months telling everybody how vital it was for them to add a playmaker to their defensive front and then signed an offensive tackle, Michigan's Jake Long, as their number one pick. Lies, all lies.

   So, the Lions say Roy Williams isn't available? The Bengals dispute reports that they'll trade Chad Johnson? Lance Alworth won't come out of retirement? Don't believe a word of it. There are deals to be made and star receivers to be had. It comes down to whether the Eagles are willing to get creative and take a chance on a player who could make a big difference in 2008.

  It only makes sense. The Birds are keeping Donovan McNabb. They have beefed up their defense by adding a front-line cornerback and a pass-rushing end. They  made a run at Randy Moss. This season is the last for the core of players that has been at the heart of the franchise's recent prosperity, and Jeffrey Lurie and Andy Reid must make sure the final hurrah is of the no-regrets variety.

   So, if it costs Lito Sheppard and a second-round pick to get Chad Johnson, do it. If Roy Williams is available for Sheppard and a third, get busy. Up the ante. Go all in. Do something. We have heard stories in recent years about how the Eagles have come close to making big deals. "We tried," is the refrain. Well, "nice try" is something you say to the person you don't expect to get the job done. It is imperative the Eagles get something done.

   Don't do it through the draft, either. This year's crop of receivers doesn't include anyone who can make a huge impact in 2008. DeSean Jackson is wafer-thin and has a reputation as someone who doesn't work all that hard. Devin Thomas had one good year and could be a flash. Malcolm Kelly is blaming Oklahoma for a slow sprinting surface, but Adrian Peterson ran a 4.39 on the same stuff last year. Get the picture? There are no studs here.

  So, the Birds need to get aggressive. If they want to make this final jump through the closing window of opportunity a successful one, they must get a receiver who can get downfield. Do that, and the off-season will be considered a huge success. Do that, and a real shot at the Super Bowl can be taken.

  The clock is ticking. Get it done.