Vonta Leach/Other Free Agents

by Slew Footing Sean on Jul 10, 2011 10:38 PM EDT

With everyone around here (understandably) talking about guys like Nnamdi Asomugha, Albert Haynesworth, Kevin Kolb, and so on, I thought it might be interesting to discuss potential Eagles free agent targets that aren't really getting any play. The one I am most intrigued by is Houston Texans fullback Vonta Leach. He has put together quite the impressive resumé as of late, garnering a Pro Bowl berth, a spot on the All-Pro first team, and the 65th spot on NFL Network's recently concluded Top 100 list. That last piece speaks a great deal to the power and effectiveness of his blocking, his signature talent and the most important one for a fullback. It is in this respect that Leach could be an excellent addition to the Eagles, who, as anyone that turned on an Eagles game last year could attest, struggled tremendously with blocking. His blocking would also help the Eagles in another area of chronic concern: short-yardage conversions. One needs look no further than the Eagles' last game of the season to see how Leach's top-notch blocking could improve the Eagles profoundly. In that heartbreaking loss to the Packers, the Eagles failed to convert several short-yardage situations into first downs or touchdowns, including one that forced Andy Reid to choose between going for it on fourth-down or kicking a field goal. As we know, he chose to have David Akers kick the field goal, which Akers promptly missed. This was a huge momentum swing in the game that ultimately ended the Eagles' season. Had Leach been blocking for McCoy on that run, it's highly probable that the Eagles would have put up points and changed the outcome of the game, and ultimately, the season. He helped clear the path for Arian Foster last year on Foster's way to a historic season, he could do the same for Lesean McCoy, and to a lesser extent, Michael Vick.

That's my two cents. What do you think about Vonta Leach? Who do you guys think would be positive additions to the Eagles that aren't necessarily being discussed at the same lengths as some other players?

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Pass.

I would rather have Leron McClain. Younger, and can also be a threat from the backfield. His 21/134 rec/yds ain’t too bad either.

Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.

Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.

by DickMuffin on Jul 10, 2011 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

4 fullbacks on one roster????

Why add another fb to the fleet? We need a power back more than a full back. Maybe a Michel bush type back.

by Saidrick on Jul 11, 2011 1:45 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Hence Leron McClain.

Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.

Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.

by DickMuffin on Jul 11, 2011 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Why is it that when the first post comes before the first comment, it always turns out the same.

AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.

by KByars on Jul 11, 2011 2:04 AM EDT reply actions

fan post police

by con-vick on Jul 11, 2011 9:00 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Why are we bashing this guy? I don’t agree with adding Leach just because he isn’t a good fit in the Eagles scheme but it certainly isn’t some idea out of left field (ala fire Andy Reid, trade Vick, Maclyn sux etc.). The Eagles seemingly need a FB with Weaver not doing so well so this guy brought up a solution to a perceived hole. What’s the issue?

by d-jackfan10 on Jul 11, 2011 2:44 AM EDT reply actions

Cost, age, team focus on passing, Havili, Schmitt and one-dimensionality.

AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.

by KByars on Jul 11, 2011 4:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I thought it was well-written too

Spoke his piece, then opened it up for a legitimate discussion that hasn’t already been had here on 7 different threads.

I just wish I had some off-the-radar FAs to suggest but I really don’t.

Secretary of State for BGN aka "Most diplomatic man on this site," as appointed by Talon Talent
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome

by D3Keith on Jul 16, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I doubt we add a FB but if we do I agree it should be McClain

Twitter- @kjbrophy

by The Legend on Jul 11, 2011 10:57 AM EDT reply actions

No interest

I dont understand why we would need a FB. I thought Owen did pretty well. McCoy is a top 5 running back in the league and we also drafted Havili (who I really like BTW). I know he isnt the best blocker but our FB situation is SO much better then the Dan Klecko days.

by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Jul 11, 2011 12:01 PM EDT reply actions

Aside from McCoy, FB is the least of my worries as far as the run game goes. I’m not sure Mudd’s strong suit is the run game.

by DLawrence55 on Jul 11, 2011 12:16 PM EDT reply actions

y'all shouldn't go for it if I were you.

He’d take an awesome $5 mill a year chunk out of your salary cap while he only plays 30 some percent of all your offensive snaps.

Get Better, Not Bitter.

by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 11, 2011 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

This is exactly why I would pass, Schmitt did well enough that we don’t need to address the position in FA, especially with the most expensive FA option out there (as far as FBs go).

Plus, some of Shady’s best runs last year were out of a single back formation.

by The Reddgie on Jul 11, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Le'ron McClain's the closest thing to Weaver there is...

Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...

Wild_Eagle!

Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.

-Awarded by Number5

Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!

by wild_eagle on Jul 11, 2011 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

Won't Happen

I don’t see Houston letting Leach go unless there is something I don’t know about him or the Texans front office. Lawrence Vickers of Cleveland is a more likely situation. Vickers blocked for Jamal Lewis’ last two 1,000 yard seasons and Peyton Hillis’ magical season last year. Havili is not an option at FB. He is an option as a power back and receiver out of the backfield but he can’t block. We probably dont go after any FBs and just stick with Schmitt.

"The positions I played, every play, I was making contact, not like that … Deion Sanders. He couldn’t tackle my wife. He’s back there dancing out there instead of hitting." -Chuck Bednarik

by MidwesternEaglesfan on Jul 11, 2011 5:51 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah good point

Houston’s gonna wanna keep that offense intact, especially in front of Foster.

Secretary of State for BGN aka "Most diplomatic man on this site," as appointed by Talon Talent
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome

by D3Keith on Jul 16, 2011 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions