(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Eagles come into the 2009-2010 season with high expectations.  They are strong at every position, return a top-5 defense and a top-10 offense, and have added some big players over the offseason.  The offensive line has been revamped and should be stronger in both pass protection and in running the football.  The running game, ranked 22nd last year, should be a lot stronger with the addition of a true fullback in Leonard Weaver, Lesean McCoy to spell Brian Westbrook, and the move of Shawn Andrews out to right tackle.  The defense returns 10 of 11 starters, and whoever wins the free safety job between Sean Jones and Quintin Demps will have earned it.  With that in mind, let's look at the games of the 2009-2010 season. 

Week 1: @Carolina.  A playoff team from a year ago that returns 21 of 22 starters, Carolina comes off a regular season in which they were undefeated at home.  Unfortunately for them, Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals stomped all over this mark to the tune of a blowout victory in the playoffs. 

As far as matchups are concerned, I like the Eagles.  Carolina's secondary was exploited at times last year (Chris Gamble is good, but beyond that Carolina has had problems), especially by the Cardinals.  I think the Eagles' receivers will have success, and while I think Julius Peppers will make some plays, Jason Peters will prevent him from taking over the game.  On the other side of the ball, the Eagles' run defense (ranked 3rd a year ago) will be better this year (the Linebackers are more experienced), and I expect rough sledding for Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams.  Furthermore, I think the battle between Steve Smith and Asante Samuel will be interesting as well.  I think Steve Smith will make a couple of plays and will get a touchdown, but will not have an outstanding performance (something like 4-6 catches for 60-80 yards and a touchdown) and will not get much help from the other receivers.  I think the Eagles defense will win them this one.  31-21 Eagles.  1-0.

Week 2: New Orleans.  New Orleans returns the best offense from a year ago, which put up an astounding 411 yards a game last year.  The addition of cornerback Jabari Greer and defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will help the defense, but I don't think it will be enough.  Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush will complement a solid passing attack featuring Drew Brees throwing to Marques Colston and Lance Moore, among others.  This should be a shootout.

I think home-field advantage and a better defense will sway this one for the Eagles, who will make a big defensive stand at the end to seal the victory. 35-31 Eagles.  2-0

Week 3: Kansas City.  There is no way the Eagles should lose this game.  Kansas City is on the right track, with a young quarterback in Matt Cassel, a true number one receiver in Dwayne Bowe, and formidable thunder and lightning combination at running back in Larry Johnson and Jamaal Charles.  The offensive line is also good.  However, Matt Cassel had a tendency to hold onto the ball too long at times last year, and the loss of Tony Gonzalez will hurt.  I think the Eagles can get ahead early, force the Chiefs to throw, and seal the game with their pass rush.  28-17 Eagles.  3-0

Week 4: Bye.  At 3-0, confidence will be surging.

Week 5:  Tampa Bay

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