The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the National Football League. They have won three championships (1948, 1949, 1960), and they last won the NFC Championship in 2004.
Over the last few years, however, the Eagles have struggled with the Terrell Owens saga and Donovan McNabb staying healthy. The biggest problem, though, has been the wide receivers. That problem was adressed after they drafted WR/KR DeSean Jackson.
Last year, the Eagles were just 8-8, but Donovan McNabb missed just two games and played as well as anybody last year. Brian Westbrook did everything he could to get this team to contend.
This year, the defense looks good. They have Omar Gaither at linebacker, Trent Cole anchoring the defensive line, and one of the best corners in the NFL in Asante Samuel as an Eagle. The offensive line has potential, with Jamaal Jackson, Shawn Andrews, Jon Runyan, Todd Herremans, and William Thomas.
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Don't be surprised if this Eagles team surprises.
The Cowboys are a heavy favorite, but the Eagles have Donovan McNabb back, and he doesn't look like he'll miss any significant time. Don't forget about Westbrook at RB, Jackson and Curtis catching passes, as well as L.J. Smith, plus the fact that they have a very talented defense in their prime.
The Eagles also have 2006 top draft pick Brodrick Bunkley starting. Bunkley should make a huge impact on this line. Bunkley and Cole will lead this defensive line. Bunkley had 32 tackles and three sacks as a rookie, and Cole had 12-1/2 sacks and made the Pro Bowl for the second straight year last year.
If this Eagles team doesn't win the division, I think they could make a wild card with a nine or 10-win season.
Additionally, Philly acquired linebacker Rocky Boiman this offseason. Boiman had 54 tackles last year, and he could grab a starting spot from Will linebacker Chris Gocong. He also adds veteran experience to a young linebacking corps.
They also added defensive end Chris Clemons, who had 20 tackles and eight sacks last year as a backup for Oakland.
Lastly, they re-signed corner Joselio Hanson. He won't start, but he could contribute on special teams. Hanson had 52 tackles and one sack last year with the Eagles.
I firmly believe the Eagles will make a run for the playoffs this year and finish 10-6. Hopefully, it's true.
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about 1 month ago
Ahhh but McNabb has to stay healthy. Oh, and Westbrook has to stay healthy. I'd say the chances that both of them play all 16 games is 0%. I'd say they each play somewhere between 12-14 games.
Granted, they play in the NFC so anything can happen... but I'd put them right back at 8-8, maybe 9-7 with a bit of luck. Don't forget, they do have to play the Cowboys... twice.
I agree they're talented enough to make some noise; Samuel certainly helps. But I'm doubtful that they keep healthy at either QB or RB, much less both.
Good read though; I wasn't aware of a few of the moves that you mentioned.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah it all depends now on health
from about 1 month ago
Technically, you could say this about any team: "If Manning Stays Healthy"..."If Addai stays healthy" etc.
Every team depends on the health of its key players. The Eagles are no different.
from about 1 month ago
Cowboys don't scare the Eagles, they did beat them in Dallas last season. This is a veteran team. Westbrook is one of the best in the NFL and has played in average of 14 games over his career, which is good. He's only missed 2 games the past two years so you can count on him.
Desean jackson wont be the answer at least this year. He's really small too.
about 1 month ago
eh as a realistic eagles' fan, i don't see this happening. donovan cant stay healthy to save his life, and the team is not deep enough. it is possible, but i dont think it is likely
from about 1 month ago
Yeah but i think they have a better shot at winning wild card
from about 1 month ago
if you dont think this team is deep, you're not an eagles fan at all.
here we go..
OH NO! DONOVAN'S OUT!
enter AJ Feeley. a proven winner in the eagles system and damn near beat the perfect pats.
OH NO! WESTBROOKS OUT!
enter lorenzo booker, correll buckhalter. young, good 1a running backs.
OH NO! ANYONE ON THE OFFENSIVE LINES OUT!
our backups would be starters anywhere else.
OH NO! CURTIS IS OUT!
move brown to one, avant to 2, baskett to 3 (assuming Jackson isn't ready)
OH NO! LJ SMITH IS OUT!
enter matt schobel OR brent celek. booyah.
OH NO! ANYONE ON THE DEFENSIVE LINES OUT!
again, our backups could be starters
OH NO! OMAR GAITHER IS OUT!
enter the very young and talented akeem jordan or rocky boiman who played very well in spot duty for the Colts.
OH NO! ASANTE SAMEUL IS OUT!
who cares?! we have the best damn CB's in the league.
OH NO! DAWKINS IS OUT!
move mikell to FS and enter considine at SS.
OH NO! MIKELL IS OUT!
enter considine.
OH NO! AKERS AND ROCCA ARE OUT!!
... damn.
about 1 month ago
Unless Eli really did improve down the stretch last year, the Giants were a fluke and are less talented this year. The 'Skins haven't bought a title in years. Wanna beat Dallas? Can anybody photoshop a convincing picture of Jessica Simpson in a pink Mc5 jersey? Watching Romo fall apart over that would explain the nickname the 'Boys.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah they will never be Cowmen Lol
about 1 month ago
DeSean Jackson "solves" the WR problem in Philadelphia? Are you kidding?
McNabb "doesn't look to miss any significant time"... tell me, when in early July of any season has McNabb "looked" to miss time 3 MONTHS AWAY?
How can you predict Bunkley will "make a huge impact on this line" when there's really no sign that he can even be adequate? He's barely played.
9 or 10 wins doesn't win that division, come on.
Do you realize the Eagles have to play Dallas, the Super Bowl winning Giants, and the Redskins twice EACH? Not only will they not win the division, but they will be fighting with those teams for wild card spots.
You are so ridiculously optimistic. Traditional Philly fan.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, but in the NFC it wins wild card-easy
ok play the redskins twice??? they sucks
the giants r a fluke and they beat Dallas last year..
I'm not even a Philly fan, I just think they have a shot and people don't realize it
about 1 month ago
Redskins don't suck, not with Portis, Moss, Randel El, Coley on offense their defense should be good as well.
about 1 month ago
Bob if everything you said is true, what the hell happened last year?
It's not like the Eagles picked all these guys you mentioned up in the off season.
Hmmm. . . think about that one.
from about 1 month ago
the eagles lost a whole lot of very close games. that happens.
plus, the players mentioned were a year younger and with the kids on the roster, a year makes a huge difference.
oh and lets not forget, andy reid is one of the best coaches in the league.. one of the WORST play-callers in the league. PUT DOWN THE PLAY CHART AND STEP AWAY ANDY!!!!
about 1 month ago
When Westbrook and McNabb played last year = 8-5
When they didn't = 0-3
from about 1 month ago
that's exactly what I'm talking about.
Even if you get 11-13 games out of them, both healthy (enough), that still leaves 3-5 where they aren't. That's too many games to give up.
I would say the Eagles will split with the deadskins and giants, and get swept by the cowboys. 2-4 in your division isn't good enough, sorry... the NFC East might be the most equal division in the league this year (I did not say strongest, I said equal- NFC until proven otherwise).
about 1 month ago
I think the Eagles could make it to the post season and even the super bowl again
about 1 month ago
NO! Don't enter Considine. Demps is going to beat out Considine in camp. At worst Sheldon Brown is your safety.
from about 1 month ago
Yea I wouldn't start Considine it shud be Demps nd Dawkins at S
about 1 month ago
Brendan why do you think the Eagles will get swept by the cowboys? The eagles went into dallas last year and won.
from about 1 month ago
EXACTLY!!! I hate these people that are saying "They gotta play the Cowboys twice" where the Eagles went to Dallas last year and won, 10-6.
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