Philadelphia needs more playmakers

The Eagles may be able to improve their receiving corps, by adding Kevin Johnson, who was released by Cleveland.

Updated: November 12, 2003, 12:09 PM ET
By By Darrell Trimble | NFL Insider
Andy Reid has long held the belief that in his West Coast offense he didn't need big-time wide receivers to move the ball, so signing high-profile talent at the position was never a priority for the Philadelphia Eagles coach. But it seems that philosophy has caught up with him this year, as the Eagles may have the worst set of wideouts in the league.

James Thrash leads the team with 29 catches. Not only do 40 other receivers in the NFL have more than that, but no other team has a receptions leader with so few grabs. In fact, if you add up the totals of the Eagles top three wide receivers (Thrash, Freddie Mitchell and Todd Pinkston), you'll come up with an aggregate 65 catches for 771 yards. St. Louis' Torry Holt has 66 receptions all by himself, and six receivers have surpassed the trio's yardage mark.

On the whole, Philadelphia's pass offense ranks 30th in the league and wideouts have accounted for only two touchdowns, one-of which came against the Packers on Monday night. But the Eagles may be able to improve the unit by picking up a player, something that is highly unusual at this stage of the season. The Cleveland Browns released Kevin Johnson Tuesday, and he entered the waiver system and could be claimed by another team by 4 p.m. today.


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