Heard in the Cheap Seats

In case you haven’t heard, there are quite a few sources reporting that the Marvin Harrison era could be over in Indianapolis.  The reports say that the Colts and Harrison have been in discussions regarding a restructuring of Harrison’s 6 year, $66 million contract that was signed in 2004. Well, it seems they could not come to an agreement, and Harrison has asked to be released.  The Colts don’t have to release Harrison, but it looks as if the team is struggling with the salary cap and may not be willing to take Harrison’s huge cap hit. 

Of course, all this leads to a lot of talk in the Philadelphia area, because whenever there is a receiver that becomes available, the discussions start.  It is an annual thing for Eagles fans to be pining for the front office to bring in a #1 receiver.  When they finally did that, and brought in the jackass (sorry I just have issues with the dude) that now plays for the Cowgirls, it lead to their only trip to the Super Bowl in the last 28 years.  We all know how that saga ended.  The fact remains that Eagles fans love to debate the wide receiver situation.  I can’t say that I disagree with the argument that the Eagles have long been lacking in talent at that position.  The names Charles Johnson, Torrance Small, Todd Pinkston, Reggie Brown, Freddie Mitchell, etc are not going to strike fear in too many defensive backfields.  It’s really a shame when you think about it.  Say what you want about McNabb’s late game capabilities and all the other flaws that a lot of Eagles fans love to shout about, but for his entire career he has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  Yet, for really only one season was he given a top notch receiver, and he produced the best year of his career.  It’s always been baffling to me that Andy Reid, who believes so much in throwing the football, and came from a long line of West Coast offensive minds, has tried to make the argument that the Eagles haven’t needed a #1 guy.  Name me any of the successful teams that ran that offense, and didn’t have a stud receiver.  The Niners had Rice and Taylor, the Packers had Sharpe and Freeman, and on and on it goes.  With all due respect to Kevin Curtis and Desean Jackson…no, screw that…they couldn’t hold the jock straps of any of the aforementioned receivers.  Unfortunately, I have strayed off topic a little bit here.  My mind has a tendency to do that.  The point I was making is that some teams can get away with not having a true #1 guy, but not the Eagles.  Not in Andy’s Reid’s system where they continually throw the ball 60% of the time and use the passing game in almost every crucial situation.  In that type of system, how are you going to feed me Todd Pinkston, and expect me to not throw up?

All of that leads me back to Marvin Harrison (round and round we go, Jack).  There is no way to be certain that he will become available at this point.  The question is, if he does become available, should the Eagles try to reunite him with his college teammate McNabb?  If this was 4 years ago, there would only be one answer.  But, Harrison is coming off an injury plagued 2007, followed by the worst statistical season of his illustrious career.  Not to mention those pesky investigations surrounding Harrison and a shooting.  I’ve listened to quite a few NFL analysts who feel he still has something left in the tank.  So, should the Eagles go after Harrison if he becomes available?  At first glance, most people would probably say no, especially with names like Houshmandzadeh, Boldin, Ocho Cinco, and receivers coming out of college floating out there.  But, my question is, what if the Eagles weren’t able to get any of those names?  What if they completely struck out?  If you feel that the Eagles need to upgrade their receiving core, even if it’s just a little bit, then would you sign Harrison?  Well, Harrison missed one game last year, and ended the year with 60 catches for 636 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Nothing to write home about, I know.  Although, we should remember, the Colts do have a guy named Reggie Wayne and an up and coming Anthony Gonzalez to throw the ball to.  Kevin Curtis played in 9 games and had 33 catches for 390 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Those are pretty much identical to Harrison’s numbers over a full season.  Jackson played every game and ended with 62 catches for 912 yards and 2 touchdowns.  I think Jackson will obviously get better and better with experience.  Jason Avant had 32 catches for 377 yards and 2 touchdowns.  I guess my point is, I don’t think Harrison should be the target of the Eagles, but if they are unable to bring in any of the other receivers that we all covet, why wouldn’t they consider it?  If he truly does have a couple more years in his legs, and I think he does, how is he not an upgrade?  Let’s assume for a second that they can’t bring a receiver in, and that no one they draft at the position would contribute right away.  You tell me which receiving core looks better: Curtis, Jackson, Avant, Brown, Baskett, Lewis or Curtis, Jackson, Harrison, Avant, and whoever the hell else.  I mean, the Eagles didn’t even want Brown on the field!  I am in no way advocating that the Birds make Harrison a priority if he is released by the Colts, but I think it’s an interesting debate if he is available and they have not made any changes at all at the WR position.  What do you think?