Panic Example

Daily News columnist Paul Domowitch's 8-step plan for "turning around" the Eagles is typical of the knee jerk overreaction now consuming Eagleland. It's also a questionable analysis of the Eagles' needs.

Here's a summary of his 8 points.

1 -- Find an edge-rushing friend for Jevon

2 -- Get faster at linebacker

3 -- Add a wideout not named Reggie Wayne

4 -- Re-sign the right tackle

5 -- Sign/draft a big back

6 -- Find a blocking tight end

7 -- A better Plan B at quarterback

8 -- Get bigger at cornerback

I'll elaborate on this in later posts. But anyone can see the Eagles need a better pass rush. But is a complementary end to Kearse the answer? I say no. It would be better to get a stud d-lineman. The Eagles have absolutely no push from the middle of the pocket. Interior line also helps the running defense more than an end.

A faster LB? How about a better LB. Adams is a backup and stud special teamer, but not a starter for the Eagles. We need an upgrade there. A lot of friends are clamoring for an upgrade over Dhani Jones. Jones has a bigger, longer contract and is at leas serviceable although deserving of some blame for subpar play at times this year.

#2, #3 - we need a receiver. A professional receiver. Koren Robinson?

Runyan needs to be extended. i was surprised to learn that in the whole TO turmoil Runyan is a team leader that Reid solicits input from. With Thomas' back surgery, Runyan has to be kept to solidify the line.

Skipping to #7 and #8. These are the most questionable assertions. A better backup QB? Who does Domo think the Eagles can land? Has he seen who the backup are around the league? Aside from Brad Johnson in Minnesota, there are slim pickin's. In the modern day NFL, a team will go only as far as the starter can take them. Look at the backups in the NFC and tell who you'd want over Detmer (who, by the way, is eminently serviceable. Knows the offense, his place on the team, and always seems to move the team down the field when he comes into game. A weak arm, but somehow he gets it done.

Seriously, want AZ's Josh McCown? Aaron Rodgers in GB? Phil Shaky Simms? Jamie Martin in St.L? Please.

Finally, "get bigger at CB"

We had 3 pro bowlers last year and all the sudden they're not big enough to play. There is nothing so wrong with this secondary that a better pass rush won't significantly help.

I would be much more worried about the safety position. Dawkins has clearly lost a step. Fortunately, this means that while he's no longer an all-pro, he's still a legit starter and one of the best safeties in the game.

What the heck has happened to Michael Lewis???? Hopefully after the season they'll announce he's been suffering from some undisclosed injury or personal problem that could explain his plummeting level of play. Lack of pass rush, Lito's injury, Dawkins' lost step has all magnified Lewis' ineffectiveness.

Perhaps the Eagles should start grooming Dawkins' eventual successor (Sean Considine?) immediately and begin thinking about shifting B.Dawk over to SS.