FanHouse ToddPinkston

The Eagles have a long history of whiffing on wide receivers drafted in the first (or second or third) round. Quarterback Donovan McNabb arrived in Philly in 1999, and since then the front office has welcomed Todd Pinkston, Freddie Mitchell, Billy McMullen, Reggie Brown, DeSean Jackson, and last month, Jeremy Maclin.

If nothing else, the organization has gotten better at finding talent at the position, although it would take some effort to do worse than FredEx. Brown (a 2005 second-rounder) and Jackson (taken in Round 2 last year) have shown the most promise, but neither is a No. 1 wide receiver. And neither have to be; the flexibility of the West Coast Offense is accommodating like that.

When you're 0-4, and you're not even close to resembling a good football team, it's certainly time to make some changes. The Saints cannot afford to wait for this team to turn around any longer; the season's probably over anyway. But for shiggles, Sean Payton is going to try to force the issue with some changes to the starting lineup.

"There are a handful of positions that we need to evaluate closely and make sure we're playing the right guys. That starts with me, and we'll do that this week."

Olindo Mare, come on down! You're the next contestant in Waiting at the Unemployment Line! The Saints are planning on bringing new kickers to town this week, thankfully. Mike Vanderjagt might want to wait by his phone. I never thought I'd be happy about that possibility. Yet I am. Football is a cruel mistress.

Oh, and Devery Henderson? Good news, you're gonna get a lot more rest during games. I don't expect the Saints to cut Henderson, but he certainly won't be starting anymore. Once again: Henderson is the new Todd Pinkston. Payton also mentioned today that he needs to get Lance Moore the ball more, which makes sense since he and Marques Colston are the only two guys on offense making plays. The writing is on the wall.

A less criticized, but just as culpable, player is middle linebacker Mark Simoneau, who's the king of getting to the ball-carrier last. Brian Simmons would be next in line, but I'd like to see rookie Marvin Mitchell, a presence in preseason, get some time. And though I don't expect left tackle Jammal Brown to lose his job, he's looked awful this year, and Zach Strief is a great tackle in the making. So, yeah, glad to see Payton seeking change. All it cost was the 2007 season.

The last action Todd Pinkston saw in a game was in the Superbowl. Remember that? The Eagles, not too long ago, were in the Superbowl. Tomorrow night the Birds will go up against the defending Superbowl champs in a preseason tune up. It will likely be the last action any of the starters will see before the start of the season.

There has been talk of Pinkston possibly not even making the team due to his nagging achilles injuries. Friday night will be a very pivotal game for Pinky and the Eagles receiving corp.

Other noteworthy news: Brodrick Bunkley, the Eagles stud first rounder, will get the start. Correll Buckhalter, starting at running back, will also get his shot to show he belongs on the Eagles roster.

Friday will also bring back fan favorite Duce Staley to South Philly. An NFL.com report says there is a good chance that Duce will get released by the Steelers and discusses the Eagles propensity to bring back former stars on their last leg.

Pittsburgh's depth at the position makes it possible for it to deal Staley. Yet if Staley is sent packing from Pittsburgh either through a trade or a release, one possible landing spot would seem to be the Philadelphia Eagles who, to date, have not had any trade conversations with the Steelers. Should Staley be released, and it is within the realm of possibility, the Eagles could be on the list of teams interested in his service

Duce was an integral part of the Eagles for years, but at this point does he have anything left?

>>Pinkston debut; Bunkley starts [Eagles.com]
>>Many happy returns for Staley and Eagles? [NFL.com]