Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Breakdown: Offense

(Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

They were one drive away.

One drive away.

Let me repeat that: One drive away.

That’s all it was; one touchdown, one full drive, one string of first downs. But they failed.

The Eagles, Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, the defense, everyone.

They failed.

And now, for what seems like the 3,000th time, the Eagles have to bounce back from an NFC Championship game defeat. With training camp rapidly approaching, let’s take a look at what to expect from the Birds in 2009.

For now, we’ll start with the offense.

Position: Quarterback

Starter: Donovan McNabb

Backups: Kevin Kolb, A.J. Feeley

Pros: If he can stay on the field, McNabb is one of the 10 best signal callers in the game.

Cons: No confidence in either backup. McNabb can break down easily mentally and physically.

Verdict: As McNabb goes, so go the Eagles. We’ve been down this road for 10 seasons now.

Position: Running Back

Starter: Brian Westbrook

Backups: LeSean McCoy, Lorenzo Booker

Pros: Westbrook is dominating when healthy. "Shady" McCoy could be the steal of the 2009 Draft and is 20-years-old, which is a lot better than Correll Buckhalter and his knees made of spaghetti.

Cons: Both Westy and Shady are small and could easily get injured. Booker is basically useless.

Verdict: If Shady can pick up enough of the offense, look out. Oh wait, I forgot the Eagles don’t run the football. They’re too good for that.  

Position: Fullback

Starter: Leonard Weaver

Backups: Kyle Eckel, Marcus Mailei

Pros: Weaver is the first multi-dimensional fullback Reid has ever bothered to have on his roster.

Cons: Reid barely uses the running backs, what makes you think he’s going to use the fullbacks?

Verdict: Weaver and even Eckel could be useful in short-yardage situations, plus Weaver can make a few plays out in the flats. Still, will it even matter with such a pass-happy offense?

Position: Wide Receiver

Starters: Kevin Curtis and DeSean Jackson

Backups: Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, Jeremy Maclin, Hank Baskett

Pros: They have a lot of guys who can make plays, specifically Jackson and Maclin. Avant is a solid third-down slot receiver, Curtis and Brown are good guys to add to the mix, and then there’s Baskett. He’s… um…marrying a Playmate?

Cons:

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