Why the Philadelphia Eagles Will Win the NFC in 2009

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Year in and year out, people criticize the Philadelphia Eagles. They don't have enough talent at wide receiver, they can't convert on 3rd-and-short, and my favorite one, "Donovan McNabb can't win the big games."

Up until now, I can see how these are valid points. But I'm not here to back those up because my friends, in 2009, your wrong. Here's why.

1) The new threat at wide receiver

Last year, DeSean Jackson proved in his rookie campaign that he can be the go-to guy the McNabb has needed for most of his career. His speed, strong hands, and playmaking ability is something that the Eagles haven't seen much of at wide receiver, except for Terrell Owens.

With the addition of Jeremy Maclin in the draft, who many experts still say was a steal by Andy Reid and the coaching staff, and the ever continuing improvement of Hank Baskett and Jason Avant, the Eagles have a solid group of receivers who can make plays and help move the ball down field efficiently.

And don't forget the seriously underrated Kevin "White Lightning" Curtis, who always seems to be a guy McNabb trusts with the football.

2) Three words: Running Back Duo

Brian Westbrook has already established himself as not only one of the best players in the NFL, but possibly the best RB in Eagles history. So long as he is healthy, he is one of the biggest threats any offense can have.

Now add LeSean McCoy. One of the top-five running backs in the 2009 NFL draft, this guy is fast, mobile, and strong. He can break tackles, break through the line, and catch balls out of the backfield. People are already comparing him to LaDainian Tomlinson.

With Westbrook sharing time with McCoy, you could be looking at quite possibly the best running back duo in the NFC, if not the league.

3) The O-line, and the emergence of Victor Abiamiri

Ok, so we lost Runyan and Thomas. We loved them, but I'm sorry, we're better now. With the addition of Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews, along with the return of Shawn Andrews, the Eagles' offensive line has the potential to be the best line in the league. Jason Peters and Shawn Andrews are already Pro-Bowl players, with Jamaal Jackson not far behind.

Victor Abiamiri has had a ton of potential since the day he was drafted, injuries have just plagued him. He has already proven that he can be a solid run stopping player, and this year he has worked on his speed in the offseason so he can be a strong pass rusher as well.

With the help of Trent Cole and Broderick Bunkley along side of him, you can expect Abiamiri to tally at least six sacks this year.

There are so many other things the Eagles have worked on in the offseason to make them the clear-cut NFC Conference champion. The revamping of the secondary, with Sean Jones and Ellis Hobbs, and even the addition of Leonard Weaver at the FB position, improves the Eagles desperately where they were looking weak.

You can expect the best of the best from the Birds this year, and be on the lookout for another run for the Lombardi Trophy.

Oh and Dallas Sucks.

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