Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Season

The Philadelphia Eagles finished with a 10-6 record and won the NFC East division, before losing to the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the playoffs.

This season the Eagles return with their explosive offense led by Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson and are hoping it will lead to better success, as they still search for their first Super Bowl victory.

With the lockout still in effect, nobody knows what the 2011 NFL season has in store. That doesn't stop us from making predictions.

Here are five bold predictions for your 2011 Philadelphia Eagles season.

Mike Vick Will Break the Eagles Rushing Record for Quarterbacks

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Why is it bold?

Randall Cunningham currently holds the record with 942 rushing yards. That's quite a lot for Vick to reach, especially for a player that has a history of injury problems.

Why it will happen

Michael Vick finally got his feet underneath him and proved there is plenty left in the tank. I think last year was just a warm up and he can produce the same numbers next year, if not better, as long as he stays healthy. Which is a big question mark.

Let's assume he stays healthy for a complete season, he is playing several teams that rank in the bottom half at stopping the run. He also proved he can rush for over 1,000 yards as he did it in 2006 with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Eagles have plenty of weapons on offense and Vick will take advantage of that. Just think, he ran for 676 yards last season, imagine if he plays all 16.

Dion Lewis Will Have at Least 500 Total Yards

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Dion Lewis #28 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers runs against the the Rutgers University Scarlett Knights on October 16, 2009 at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Why is it bold?

Dion Lewis is not guaranteed much playing time this season. With Jerome Harrison and LeSean McCoy ahead of him on the depth chart the rookie may be on the bench more often than not. 

Why it will happen

Lewis was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL draft and was a beast for the Pittsburgh Panthers, rushing for almost 3,000 yards in two seasons. The combination of speed and great inside running will make him a great compliment to LeSean McCoy for years to come.

Assuming Jerome Harrison stays with the Eagles, Lewis should still receive at least 100 carries. He is also a decent receiver catching 26 balls a season at Pittsburgh. 

You add up Dion Lewis total yards at the end of the season and it will surpass 500.

DeSean Jackson Will Have at Least 15 Total Touchdowns

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs in the game winning touchdown on a punt return against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ni

Why is it bold?

He has had two incredible years and the most total touchdowns he has had on one season was 12 in 2009. There is also a lot of attention on him.

Why it will happen

You think he was good the last two seasons? Jackson is entering a contract year in 2011.

He continuously receives man-to-man coverage due to all the weapons on this offense and remains Michael Vick's favorite receiver. He has one rushing touchdown each of the last three seasons, and let's not mention his punt and kick return abilities.

Jackson has shown the last two years he is arguably the most explosive player in the NFL, but in a contract year he is going to be out to prove more.

Jeremy Maclin Will Have 1,200 Receiving Yards

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Jeremy Maclin #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by C

Why is it bold?

Maclin has yet to even reach 1,000 receiving yards in his first two seasons.

Why it will happen

Maclin had a very impressive season last year with 964 receiving yards and ten touchdowns which led the team. That is a sign of great things to come.

Like Jackson, Maclin almost never has double coverage either, the offense is too stacked. Although Jackson does receiver more attention, so that's where Maclin comes in. Out of the 115 targets to Maclin last season he caught 70 of them, that's good for a solid 60 percent.

Most defenses are going to worry about Vick and DeSean, but Jeremy Maclin is another fast player they should have their eyes on.

Eagles Will Lose to the Jets on December 18

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by Vernon Gholston #50 and Drew Coleman #30 of the New York Jets during a preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (P

Why is it bold?

Here's a fact you probably didn't know. The Jets have never defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. They have played eight times and the Eagles have won every one of those games.

Why it will happen

If any defense can stop the high powered, quick scoring offense of the Eagles, it's the Jets. New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell supplied the blueprint on how to stop Vick last season and you can bet defensive guru Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine will improve on that.

Michael Vick has played one career game against the Jets and finished with three interceptions and only 18 rushing yards.

The Jets have one of the top running games in the league and can control the clock, while keeping Vick and company off the field. It will be a must watch game but I believe the gang green come out on top for the first time in franchise history.