It's time to get to work.
The spending frenzy that is free agency has ended. The NFL Draft has come and gone. For players and coaches across the league, it's time to get down to business.
Each of the 32 starts the first of many mini camps in the next week. These camps give coaches (and fans) a glimpse of how each team will look next season.
Like all teams, the Eagles have important questions they need answered. Here are my top five burning questions for the 2008 Philadelphia Eagles:
#5: Can Donovan McNabb - and the team as a whole - stay healthy enough to make a run in 2008?
For a lesson in what injuries can do to a team, look no further than the story of the 2005 Philadelphia Eagles. After losing to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl the previous season, the Eagles hoped to punch their ticket to The Big Dance again.
These plans would be thwarted by a force bigger and meaner than T.O. could ever be - the injury bug.
Seven starters were lost for the year, and the team hobbled to a 6-10 record. The following season, McNabb went down Week 11. In his place, journeyman quarterback Jeff Garcia led the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff win before falling to the New Orleans Saints.
Following his shaky 2007 campaign, many wondered if McNabb (and the Eagles as a whole) could stay healthy enough to make a legitimate run at the Super Bowl.
This concern could shape up to be the biggest factor in the team's success in 2008. Brian Westbrook has never played a full season. Cornerback Lito Sheppard, who is a difference maker when healthy (more on Sheppard later), has not played a full season since 2003.
And McNabb? Well, this is the first offseason in recent memory that he is not recovering from an injury.
The Eagles need their playmakers to stay healthy if they want to compete in the improving NFC in 2008.
#4: What will be the fate of Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard?
In the weeks leading up to the Draft, many around the league thought it was more likely for the Dolphins to win the Super Bowl in 2008 than for Lito Sheppard to remain an Eagle after Draft Weekend. Well, Sheppard is still on the team, and it seems like it is going to stay that way.
Three teams were believed to be interested in Sheppard's services: Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and St. Louis. All three teams drafted cornerbacks; two with a first day pick.
The team now believed to be most interested in acquiring Sheppard is Jacksonville. The Jaguars are building their team for a run, and would likely jump at the chance to acquire Sheppard.
Lamont Smith, Sheppard's agent, was believed to be shopping his client to the Jaguars in exchange for a package of draft picks for 2009. However, the situation doesn't seem to be so clear cut.
Sources deny that Smith ever spoke to the Jaguars about Sheppard, and both the Eagles and Jaguars have denied discussing anything regarding a trade.
Sheppard's unhappiness in Philadelphia started with a contract dispute, and escalated over the course of the offseason. The signing of superstar free agent Asante Samuel appeared to seal Sheppard's fate with the Eagles. According to sources, Sheppard's relationship with head coach Andy Reid has become strained in recent weeks.
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8 months ago
I wouldn't be suprised if the Bengals traded Chad Johnson at some point after June 1st. when it will cost them a little less in dead cap money. During last weeks draft the Eagles picked up an additional first round draft pick for next year. That should give the Eagles plenty to bargin with if the Bengals do decide to move Chad.... Stay tuned.
8 months ago
Good work on the article. By the way, Sue, it's great that you haven't lost hope, but Ocho Cinco isn't going to the Eagles anytime in the near future.
8 months ago
i would like to see the eagles at least pursue Ocho Cinco, if that option were available, and I were an Eagles fan.
8 months ago
Good write up Patrick. I am looking forward to the upcoming season for our division. I'm a Skins fan and can't wait to see how everything unfolds.
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