Eagles Fans: Is a #1 Wide Receiver Really that Necessary?

Training camp approaches for the Philadelphia Eagles, and it seems that wherever you turn you cannot avoid hearing or reading about in some form the fans' complaint about the Eagles' lack of a true #1 receiver. And rightfully so. In 2004, when T.O. was in Philly, the Eagles went to a Super Bowl and came three points away from ending Philly's by then 21 year championship drought. Since he left, the Eagles made it to the playoffs once and even then have not made it past the second round.

But still, last year's unit, led by Kevin Curtis, was above average in many respects, and with the late addition of speedster DeSean Jackson, the 2008 unit should be anything but hapless. The need itself is quite trivial, considering that the Eagles made it to the NFC Championship Game for three straight years (and lost) in 2001-2003, before the Eagles made the final step in 2004. In fact, the wide receiver corps then is considered by many to be less talented than the current one.

Think for a moment: Isn't the Eagles' need greater at other skill positions, like, say, defensive tackle? Led by Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley, both first rounders who have so far been largely unspectacular, don't you think this unit could still use some consistency, or perhaps a veteran whose name is not Kimo von Oelhoffen? The point is: Surely the wide receiver corps is not the Eagles' greatest need?

Even if wide receiver isn't the Eagles' greatest need, one can still argue that it is one of the most important positions on the field, therefore more in need of a play maker. Also, Donovan McNabb doesn't perform as well without a true #1 on the field, as proven in 2004. However, as I said earlier, the Eagles proved in the three prior seasons that a #1 wide receiver is not absolutely necessary to be a dangerous team. Perhaps not Super Bowl, caliber, but nevertheless dangerous.

Which brings me to my point.

Fans know that the Eagles are ready to make it deep into the playoffs, what with the recent free agent signings. But that isn't enough for us. We feel entitled to having a great team. And here in Philly, Great equals Super Bowls. Being just good doesn't cut it for the fans of Philadelphia's favorite sports team.

And after failing to win a Championship in 25 years, who can blame us?

Lastly, Eagles' management can be frustrating. It seems that we're almost always on the cusp of being something great. That one wide receiver could be the last piece of that puzzle. And just like that, Philly could finally have a winning sports team. But if rumors are true, the Eagles did pursue the likes of Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald in free agency. Although we now have neither, the likes of that could actually happen sometime in the near future. And if it does happen, well...we might just have that dream team!

Or maybe, just maybe, the Eagles of now can step up and surprise us all. Regardless, Eagles fans everywhere will go crazy about their beloved Eagles, with or without that #1 guy.

And if the Eagles fail again? Well, there's always next year.