Last Year's Record: 8-8
Head Coach: Andy Reid
Offensive Coordinator: Marty Mornhinweg
Defensive Coordinator: Jim Johnson
Key Additions:
CB Asante Samuel
DE Chris Clemons
RB Lorenzo Booker
FB/DT Dan Klecko
Key Losses:
DE Jevon Kearse
LB Takeo Spikes
RB Thomas Tapeh
Breakdown of the Offense:
The Eagles lack of a marquee wide receiver since the departure of "the player" continues into the 2008 season. Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown currently top the depth chart in Philadelphia with Jason Avant, Hank Baskett, and Greg Lewis rounding out the receiving corps. Efforts were made in the off season to acquire Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss and Roy Williams but those efforts ultimately proved futile. Fantasy football players know that you can never really predict what kind of production to expect from Kevin Curtis, though he does appear to be one of quarterback Donovan McNabb's favorite targets. The good news at the WR position is that Reggie Brown has continually improved over his three seasons in the NFL and could potentially be poised for a breakout year.
The Eagles lack of a marquee wide receiver since the departure of "the player" continues into the 2008 season. Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown currently top the depth chart in Philadelphia with Jason Avant, Hank Baskett, and Greg Lewis rounding out the receiving corps. Efforts were made in the off season to acquire Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss and Roy Williams but those efforts ultimately proved futile. Fantasy football players know that you can never really predict what kind of production to expect from Kevin Curtis, though he does appear to be one of quarterback Donovan McNabb's favorite targets. The good news at the WR position is that Reggie Brown has continually improved over his three seasons in the NFL and could potentially be poised for a breakout year.
What the Eagles lack at wide receiver they make up for with RB Brian Westbrook. This guy can do it all. Arguably the best running back in the NFL, he led the league in total yards from scrimmage in 2007 with 2,104, ranked 3rd in the league in rushing yards with 1,333 and led the Eagles with 90 receptions (for 771 yards). At times last season it seemed as if Westbrook was single handily carrying the offense. To be honest, as a fan it was tough to watch a superstar like Westbrook put up amazing numbers every week and have to deal with the frustration of the team losing half their games. At least the team rewarded Westbrook with a 5 year contract extension. An interesting preseason battle is underway for the second RB spot between injury-prone Correll Buckhalter and the newly acquired Lorenzo Booker. Look for Booker to secure that spot on the depth chart before too long. Quarterback Donovan McNabb is coming off yet another injury shortened season. Still McNabb threw for 3,324 yards and rushed for 324 yards in 14 games last year. While he looked shaky early in the year, Donny Football finished strong completing 65.3% of his passes in the season's last four games. The buzz around McNabb's impressive performance at training camp gives Eagles fans some cause for excitement. The word is that Donovan has slimmed down some, is back to 100% health, and is every bit as mobile as he was a few seasons ago. If he can avoid a major
injury this season (and considering his history that is a big IF) McNabb could be poised for the type of season that would once again define him as an elite NFL quarterback. If the injury bug does bite, Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley will be waiting on the sideline. Kolb is in his second year after being drafted by the Eagles out of the University of Houston with their 2nd round pick in 2007. While the coaching staff sees huge potential in Kolb, his appearances last season have left many fans doubting his ability.
injury this season (and considering his history that is a big IF) McNabb could be poised for the type of season that would once again define him as an elite NFL quarterback. If the injury bug does bite, Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley will be waiting on the sideline. Kolb is in his second year after being drafted by the Eagles out of the University of Houston with their 2nd round pick in 2007. While the coaching staff sees huge potential in Kolb, his appearances last season have left many fans doubting his ability. The offensive line should once again provide good protection for McNabb and open nice running lanes for Westbrook. While not the most agile O-line in the league, the Eagles big men can hold their own in the open field. RG Shawn Andrews has finally rejoined the team after missing training camp due to a battle with depression. Late round draft pick King Dunlap out of Auburn has turned some heads at training camp and could prove to be the Eagles LT of the future. At the other end of the spectrum, RT Winston Justice, a 2nd round pick in 2006, has underperformed thus far.
Breakdown of the Defense:The addition of Asante Samuel at cornerback should help to beef up a pass defense that ranked 18th in the NFL last year and gave up slightly over 215 yards per game. Lito Sheppard will most likely see playing time in nickel sets though he could split starting duties with Sheldon Brown. Quintin Mikell will move into the starting strong safety position this season. The secondary is rounded out by 6-time Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins aka B-DAWK aka The Wolverine aka Weapon-X. The Eagles emotional leader and fan favorite needs only 2 interceptions this season to own the team record for career INTs.
The Eagles will have a new look at linebacker this year with the departure of Takeo Spikes. Omar Gaither will slide over to WILL while Stewart Bradley is expected to start in the middle. Chris Gocong will once again be the SAM. The linebackers aren't superstars but they are solid run-stoppers and the Eagles feel that they have added some speed by moving Bradley into the starting role.
With the departure of Jevon Kearse, Juqua Parker will start as the left end and will be joined by Pro Bowler Trent Cole on the right end. Cole had a career high 12.5 sacks in 2007 and leads the Eagles with 25.5 sacks in the past three years. DT Broderick Bunkley was a huge factor in the Eagles improved rush defense and should pose a significant threat for opposing running backs. He will draw a lot of attention on passing downs too which can free up Parker and Cole to get to the quarterback. Mike Patterson will start in the other DT position and is expected to continue to record a high number of tackles. Look for the recently acquired hometown boy Dan Klecko to make a significant contribution in the DT rotation.
Season Outlook:
The Eagles play in the NFC East, the toughest division in the NFL and they'll need to improve upon their 2-4 division record if they hope to reach the postseason this year. They'll travel to Dallas in week 2 for an early match up with the Cowboys that has the potential to set the tone for the remainder of the season. Notable games outside the division include trips to Chicago, Seattle, and Cincinnati, a Thanksgiving Day game against the Cardinals in Philadelphia, and a Monday Night match up with Cleveland in Week 15.
On offense, a lot is going to depend on the team's ability to stay healthy, particularly Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Expect the Eagles to again have one of the league's better defenses as Jim Johnson will have the ability to send more blitzing from the secondary with Asante Samuel in pass coverage.
If McNabb is truly back to 2005 form this team could win a lot of games this year, but as much as I love the guy I'm not ready to drink the Kool-Aid quite yet. If he stays healthy I'm predicting a 10-6 record which should be enough to snag a wild card. Of course the operative word is IF.
Schedule:
Week 1: Sep 07 Rams 1:00 PM FOX
Week 2: Sep 15 @ Cowboys 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 3: Sep 21 Steelers 4:15 PM CBS
Week 4: Sep 28 @ Bears 8:15 PM NBC
Week 5: Oct 05 Redskins 1:00 PM FOX
Week 6: Oct 12 @ 49ers 4:15 PM FOX
Week 7: Oct 19 BYE
Week 8: Oct 26 Falcons 1:00 PM FOX
Week 9: Nov 02 @ Seahawks 4:15 PM FOX
Week 10: Nov 09 Giants 8:15 PM NBC
Week 11: Nov 16 @ Bengals 1:00 PM FOX
Week 12: Nov 23 @ Ravens 1:00 PM FOX
Week 13: Nov 27 Cardinals 8:00 PM NFL NETWORK
Week 14: Dec 07 @ Giants 1:00 PM FOX
Week 15: Dec 15 Browns 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 16: Dec 21 @ Redskins 1:00 PM FOX
Week 17: Dec 28 Cowboys 1:00 PM FOX
0 comments:
Post a Comment