Things aren’t quite how they were at the start of training camp, are they? Stewart Bradley out for the year, a potentially dominant offensive line that suddenly looks suspect, Michael Vick, the usual McNabb drama, and we still have no idea what Westbrook is going give us. I thought that if everything went right, this was one of the more talented Eagles teams in recent years, but now – there are a lot more questions than answers.
What I’m going to do in this preview is go unit by unit through the team – give where Scouts Inc. and Phil Steele have us ranked there – and then give my thoughts on what I expect for the season.
Quarterbacks
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 9
Scouts Inc. Rankings: Donovan McNabb (8th ranked QB), Michael Vick (N/A), Kevin Kolb (48th), A.J Feeley (43rd)
We know what we are getting out of this position. Most of the time, McNabb is an above average quarterback, who is very good at going through his progressions and hitting the open receiver. He also throws an above average deep ball with his excellent arm strength. In addition, he can still make plays with his legs and is tough to sack. On the downside, he is sometimes very inaccurate, burying it at receiver’s feet. We know he can win big games (Eagles’ all-time leader in playoff wins), but can he win the big games (1-5 in NFC Championships and Super Bowls)?
McNabb brings un-needed attention to himself sometimes, and takes the Philly media a little too seriously, but he is undoubtedly the best quarterback this city has seen and since his arrival, the Eagles have consistantly been among the best teams in football. I don’t get the McNabb haters – perhaps they would prefer Tim Couch – but it might take another decade without playoff appearnces once he leaves for them to appreciate him. He has his flaws, but his positives outweight them. 75% of teams would trade QB’s with us, so let’s concentrate on that, not the 25% who wouldn’t.
As for Vick – who knows. If he can get in the game about 10 plays a game, and make a big impact on 2-3 of those, it could make it very, very hard for opposing teams to prepare for us. I don’t think this will be a problem with McNabb’s attitude because he’ll have 2 games to get in sync with the offense w/o Vick and then he can be integrated in. This was McNabb’s idea, after all. In the end, I think the hype outweighs the production, but Vick makes enough plays and shows enough promise that we can trade him in the off-season to somewhere he can start.
Running Backs
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 5
Scouts Inc. Rankings: Brian Westbrook (3rd ranked RB), LeSean McCoy (N/A), Eldra Buckley (N/A), Leonard Weaver (2nd ranked FB in NFL)
I don’t know about you, but I’m going into this season expecting very little out of Westbrook. He’s 30, and after 2 spectacular seasons in 2006 and 2007, he seemed to start the sharp downward trend that so many RBs go through in 2008. We haven’t really seen him in the pre-season and I doubt he still has the elusiveness he once had. Nonetheless, I think he will be good for a couple big plays and will be the focus of opposing coordinators. However, this year might be his swan song.
McCoy has shown a tremendous amount of promise in the pre-season, and it’s impressive in itself that he has learned enough of the plays for Reid to put him with the first team on offense. From what I have seen, he needs to run more north/south instead of trying to beat guys to the corner like he could in college, but won’t be able to do in the NFL. He’s certainly one to watch.
Leonard Weaver is the most talented FB the Eagles have had in a long time, and it will be interesting to see how they use him. He will certainly get a lot of carries on the 3rd and shorts we were so bad at last year. Buckley was impressive in the preseason, a very tough runner, and I’m glad he made the team.
Wide Receivers
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 10
Scouts Inc. Rankings: DeSean Jackson (25th ranked WR in NFL), Kevin Curtis (42nd), Jason Avant (76th), Jeremy Maclin (N/A), Hank Baskett (77th), Reggie Brown (51st), Brandon Gibson (N/A), Brent Celek (37th ranked TE)
Here’s a group I’m excited about. From everything I read, DeSean Jackson made Asante Samuel look like he was wearing ice skates in training camp. With a full year under his belt, he might break out big time this year. If Curtis can stay healthy, he’s a solid #2, and Jason Avant will likely continue to be McNabb’s go-to guy on 3rd down. Add Jeremy Maclin to the mix and you have a tremendous amount of speed on the field at once and it’s going to be very hard for opposing D’s to cover it all.
This is a big year for Brent Celek. He’ll either build off his huge NFC Championship Game performance and become a real threat, or he might have no more room for improvement. We’ll know a lot more about what we have with him after this season.
Offensive Line
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 7
Scouts Inc. Rankings: Jason Peters (3rd ranked OT), Shawn Andrews (7th ranked OG), Jamaal Jackson (15th ranked C), Stacey Andrews (18th ranked OT), Max Jean-Giles (51st ranked OG), Todd Herremens (41st ranked OT), Nick Cole (58th ranked C)
Here’s your key to the season. There is no denying the level of talent we have on our line with Peters and Shawn Andrews among the most dominant lineman in the game when at full strength mentally and physically. Stacey Andrews and Jamaal Jackson are both above average at their positions and between Herremens, Jean-Giles and Cole, the other Guard position will be fine.
The problem is that nearly every one of these players has been injured in the past couple months and I don’t believe they have played a single offensive snap as a full unit during the pre-season. Add to this that Peters looked lost on a couple plays and we don’t know the status of Shawn Andrews personal troubles and this is easily the biggest question mark on the team.
I think this unit will struggle to get in sync with one another in the first couple weeks, with possible ugly results. Hopefully though, they can all stay healthy and mesh as the year goes on. If they do, the upside on this line is higher than any Eagles line in recent memory and could help us on a deep run into the playoffs. If they don’t, we’ll be in trouble.
Defensive Line
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 8
Scouts Inc. Rankings: Trent Cole (12th ranked DE), Broderick Bunkley (17th ranked DT), Mike Patterson (22nd ranked DT), Darren Howard (49th ranked DE), Chris Clemons (54th ranked DE), Juqua Parker (60 ranked DE), Victor Abiamiri (78th ranked DE), Trevor Laws (81st ranked DT)
We’ve got 3 good guys in this group in sack master Trent Cole, an emerging star in Broderick Bunkley and the very solid Mike Patterson. After that, we have a bunch of veterans and young guys to rotate in, but no standouts. The end position across from Cole has been a revolving door of OK veterans (Howard, Parker) and promising young players that haven’t met their potential as of yet (Abiamiri, Clemons). The amount of depth we have there enables us to be fresh late in game, which is a luxury few teams have, but I still would like to see the Eagles spend a high pick on an good DE to compliment Cole.
All together, an above average unit, but if Broderick Bunkley steps up as I think he will this year as a Pro Bowl caliber player, it could help make everyone else on the line better.
Linebackers
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 17 (prior to Bradley injury)
Scouts Inc. Rankings: Omar Gaither (57th ranked LB), Chris Gocong (67th ranked LB), Akeem Jordan (148th ranked LB), Joe Mays (N/A)
You could make the argument, based on his performance last year, his leadership role and the lack of depth at the position, that Stewart Bradley was the player we could least afford to lose this year. Without him, we have one of the weakest linebacker cores in the NFL. The Eagles rarely draft linebackers with high picks and don’t seem to put a whole lot of value on the position and right now they paying for it with some serious lack of depth. We might be getting shredded this year by the good TE’s in our division and we really need to defensive line to step up their run D to make up for the lack of a powerful middle linebacker. This unit is clearly the weakest on the team.
Secondary
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 4
Scouts Inc. Rankings: Asante Samuel (3rd ranked CB), Quintin Mikell (24th ranked S), Sheldon Brown (22nd ranked CB), Ellis Hobbs (37th ranked CB), Sean Jones (38th ranked S), Joselio Hanson (78th ranked CB), Quintin Demps (115th ranked S), Macho Harris (N/A)
For years, because of how much Jim Johnson valued elite corners, the Eagles have had one of the best secondarys in the NFL. This year is no different with the Eagles sporting 2 pro-bowl caliber corners, a nickel back who would start on most teams and a solid 4th corner to boot. At safety, Quintin Mikell will look to establish himself as pro-bowl level safety and pre-season surprise Macho Harris will try to fill the massive hole left by Brian Dawkins.
Demps and Jones were supposed to replace Dawkins, but neither differentiated themselves in the pre-season and rookie Macho Harris as of today, appears to be the surprise starter. He certainly has the energy that Philly fans love; it will be interesting to see if he can continue to play well on the big stage. Hobbs looked a little shaky at time during pre-season, but I think he’ll be fine once the season starts.
Overall, this is a very strong unit and with our division losing a couple big WRs (T.O. and Plaxico), it might be hard for the rest of the NFC to pass against us.
Special Teams
Phil Steele Ranking (out of 32): 13
Scouts Inc. Rankings: David Akers (9th in PK), Sav Rocca (28th in P)
Not much to say here. Akers isn’t as good as he once was, but is still a solid kicker. Rocca – not so good.
OVERVIEW AND PREDICTION
On paper, there is a lot to be excited about with this team. Donovan McNabb has the best group of weapons he’s had since the Super Bowl run in 2004, and the offensive line, if it meshes quickly, could be the best we’ve had in awhile. The defensive secondary is one of the best in the NFL and some of our young defenders, particularly Broderick Bunkley, look ready to break out.
However, we are loaded with questions. How long will it take for the offense to get in rhythm? Can the defense overcome the loss of Jim Johnson, Brian Dawkins and Stewart Bradley? Who will step up into the leadership void left by those players, along with Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas? Will the Vick experiment work, or fail spectacularly? What does Westbrook have left?
So for a team with so many positives and negatives, it is a little tough to predict. I think we are going to start out slow as the O-line learns to play together and gets in to shape. However, I think that Week 3 home game against the Chiefs and the Week 4 bye will help us right the ship and come out firing in Week 5. I know this is arbitrary because who knows which of these teams will surprise and disappoint this year, but here’s my record prediction and how I see us getting there.
@ Carolina (L)
New Orleans (L)
Kansas City (W)
BYE
Tampa Bay (W)
@ Oakland (W)
@ Washington (W)
NY Giants (L)
Dallas (W)
@ San Diego (L)
@ Chicago (W)
Washington (L)
@ Atlanta (W)
@ NY Giants (W)
San Francisco (W)
Denver (W)
@ Dallas (L)
Final Record: 10-6
I think the NFC is so even that if the Eagles make the playoffs, they have a good chance of doing some damage and even making the Super Bowl. I think we win at least one playoff game, but I don’t think this is the year we bring home the big prize.
So – that’s my take. What is yours? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this team? Which players are you excited about or worried about? What are your biggest concerns? What kind of record are you expecting? Let’s get some Birds talk goin’ as we gear up for the opener in just SIX DAYS.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
VERY NICE POST. i THINK IT IS HIGH IN SOME AREAS BUT LOW IN OTHERS. bUCKLY & MCCOY HAVE TO BE n.a. BUT THEYRE NOT. If the Birds come out of the box 3&1 (BEAT THE PANTHERS & THAT’S A REALITY) they will be an 11 or even 12 win team. Maybe the hardest team in football to read because of the amount of new players, the injuries, McDermott & the possability that the Backfield, “O”line & W.R’s could chalange the “EAGLES BEST EVER LIST”. They also could crash & burn, WE JUST DON’T KNOW. Good start is the key.
I can’t see the Panthers beating us. I know Deangelo Williams is a beast but their only other threat is Steve Smith and he is somewhat nullified by the fact that Jake Delhomme is terrible….
I don’t think stewarts playing either
my prediction of a loss this weekend is more on us than then. I think we will be out of sync and struggle to score. I certainly hope I’m wrong.
I envision a sloppy loss this weekend, followed by a home loss to the resurgent Saints in a high-scoring bonanza.
Thank goodness we play the AFC West, that is a hideous division.
I see them losing the first two games also because this usually starts slow and finishes strong. Why pick against history? If you want more reasons for a slow start the unfamiliar O-line, Westbrook has hardly played and as much of a professional as I think he is, it hurts him to have never run behind half of these linemen. I think the defense can be dominant this season especially against the pass but I believe it will take some time because of the high turnover of both players and coaches. Macho may be picked on in the beginning to see if he’s good enough. I’m also very worried about our LBs stuffing the run and covering the TE especially with all the good ones in our division. If you thought Cooley and Witten ripped us up last year wait til you see our LBs without Stewart.
This team has a lot of question marks early on, but I think in the end they’ll be right there with a chance to make and go deep in the playoffs.
stu/bball/jurnee -
i actually think that this year will be a very good one for the birds…12-4. Although we lose to the panthers if for no other reason than the immensely talented but out of sync o-line, we will rebound nicely against that superb offense but pathetic defenses in nawlins. Shawn and jason are just too good to go o for 2 especially against what pass rush in nawlins!!.MCnabb is all the way back healthy from his acl and he will have all day to throw to a plethora of weapons. But i will admit that our defense is not going to rank in the top ten this year..note;draft a stud defensive end next year, draft an OLB next year, and maybe,just maybe macho will prevent reid from drafting a safety next year but if macho falters draft one!!! Mcnabb with a running game and receivers WOW! thats all i can say, the guy has done so much with so little how can he not go all the way with what the birds have now…..let me stress this last point; andy did not acquire weaver ,stacey, peters, and draft shady if he did not intend to run the rock…banner said”the definition of insanity is to beat your head against the wall doing the same thing and expecting a different result” come on guys it aint rocket science i think superbowls 44,and 45 are ours with no question….call me crazy but i have never had this feeling about the birds…
and if i’m wrong…i will come back on here and admit it!! i’m a man of my word…but i just dont think imma have to…
When I made the comment about Carolina it slipped my mind how the Birds always get off to sluggish starts. Still I can’t pick Jake Delhomme to beat them. I’ll take the Eagles in a poorly played game. A pick returned for a TD could be the difference because I bet our secondary gets a couple off of Delhomme. I have a feeling the O-Line will struggle at first and then figure things out. I wouldn’t be surprised if we starts 0-2 but I just think Delhomme sucks to much and we match up too well against the Saints to pick it any other way. Our strength is our secondary and the Saints strength is their passing game. They have a terrible secondary and our strength should be our passing game.
@ Carolina (W)
New Orleans (W)
Kansas City (W)
BYE
Tampa Bay (W)
@ Oakland (W)
@ Washington (L)
NY Giants (W)
Dallas (W)
@ San Diego (L)
@ Chicago (L)
Washington (W)
@ Atlanta (W)
@ NY Giants (L)
San Francisco (W)
Denver (W)
@ Dallas (L)
Right now I have them at 11-5. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we swept any of the teams in the division because I believe the Eagles are the best of the East. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if we lost one of the first couple games because of our yearly slow starts or for that matter if we lose to anyone on the schedule because it seems like every year the Eagles have 1 or 2 games where they come out totally flat or fail to convert on goal line plays and lose to a team who they should beat easily (i.e. Washington and Chicago last year).
I do agree with you Pete in that if the Eagles answer all those questions you stated in a positive way I think this is a Super Bowl caliber team but I could also see them being a big disappointment if things don’t break right.
I am very pessimistic this season. I see us struggling in the NFC East (remember that Washington beat us twice last season??) and finishing a 2-4 vs. NFC East opposition after our defense gives up a few late leads. I see us going 6-4 with the rest of our schedule, but ending up a disappointing 8-8 with too little, too late and missing the playoffs and leaving a lot of question marks heading into next year.
Having no MLB is going to kill us this year. I predict 8-8 or maybe 9-7. Teams have to be averaging 30 yards per screen pass in the preseason against us. Our offense will win us some games though. Too many good TEs and RBs in our division to go more then 3-3. I foresee more like 2-4. I’m usually a pessimist when it comes to the Birds though. Hopefully I’m wrong.
Drew -
I was away all day but here’s my prediction:
@ Carolina (L)
New Orleans (L)
Kansas City (W)
BYE
Tampa Bay (W)
@ Oakland (W)
@ Washington (L)
NY Giants (L)
Dallas (W)
@ San Diego (W)
@ Chicago (L)
Washington (W)
@ Atlanta (L)
@ NY Giants (W)
San Francisco (W)
Denver (W)
@ Dallas (W)
The final comes out to 10-6 which I think will get us a wildcard. The other wildcard will probably come out of the South.