Perennial All-Pro Dawkins says he's back to form, and is ready to get the season underway. "This year, my priorities are in a different place. Last year, {we} didn't capitalize defensively...we'll get better," he said.
Meanwhile, new starting strong safety, Quentin Mikell, will be playing his first full season as a starter in 2008. A special-teams ace, Mikell was given the green light after injuries to former starter Sean Considine. The team liked what they saw, and gave the job to Mikell, even after Considine's return.
If Dawkins is right about being back in shape, the Eagles secondary could be the source of some big plays next season. But if Sheppard's unhappiness continues, and players like Samuel cannot live up to lofty expectations, the secondary might turn from a strength to a weakness in the blink of an eye.
Andy Reid is a firm believer that battles are won in the trenches. He has made that abundantly clear with his drafting philosophy, taking more linemen in the first round than any other position in his tenure.
This year's defensive line has some serious questions surrounding it, but also reason for great optimism.
The Eagles finally cut ties with underperforming Jevon Kearse at the start of free agency. In his place, the team signed former Oakland defensive end Chris Clemons.
Jim Johnson will use his defensive lineman in a slightly unusual way this season. Instead of having concrete starters, he will constantly rotate out players, attacking offenses in "waves" with fresh players.
The line is anchored by two first-round defensive tackles. Mike Patterson has been unspectacular, but solid, and Broderick Bunkley figures to have a breakout year.
The star of the show is unquestionably Pro-Bowl end Trent Cole. His total of 12.5 sacks last season was one of the tops in the NFC.
On the other side of the line, however, questions remain. There is no clear-cut starter, and none of the players are at the level of Cole.
It will be up to the players themselves to make the whole better than the sum of its parts, if they want to be able to put pressure on opposing offenses.
The Eagles defense has more questions than answers. It is a young defense that, on the surface, has a great deal of talent. If the unit can play better than last season, it will be a top-10 defense in the NFL.
If not, well, the Eagles may be watching the playoffs from home again.
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