Bleacher Report - Articles by Derek Moore

The Five Most Effective Plays of the Eagles 2008-2009 season

Derek Moore — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:12:41 -0400

These are the five most effective plays of the 2008 season, as well as what formations they came out of. This is just a look back at last season- next season the Eagles shold change up the play-calling after adding several pieces to the offense. Anyways, here are the top five most effective plays of last season, including the playoffs- *Note: Statistical data is not provided in this piece, it is all generalization

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Eagles Fan Touts 2007-08 Giants as Favorite Team

Derek Moore — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:08:36 -0400

I want to make this very clear: I am no fan of the New York Giants.

In fact, I am actually an Eagles fan.

Yet, my favorite team of all time happens to be the 2007-08 Giants.

And no, I'm not crazy.

Any fan of football should admire the accomplishments of that team. They rid themselves of the self-centered Tiki Barber, rebounded from an 0-2 start, and came together to win the Super Bowl and upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

Classic storybook tale. I expect they'll make a movie out of it someday.

In my opinion, that Super Bowl was the greatest game ever played. Not only did the Giants upset the almighty Patriots, but they also won on a gutsy last-minute touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress.

What makes that game so memorable for me is the simple fact that I can't stand the Patriots. I held a grudge against them as one of my least favorite teams before they beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl; now I cannot stand them.

Had they beaten the Giants, they would have finished 19-0: the perfect season. And it's all anyone would have ever heard about.

Heck, SportsCenter would still be talking about it right now. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady would have been heralded as the greatest coach and quarterback of all time.

But it didn't happen.

Some Eagles fans described that upset win as a "kick to the stomach."

I didn't, though. I loved it because the Patriots couldn't get it done.

The greatest offense of all time only put up 14 points, and it wasn't enough. The Giants were the better team that day.

And that is why that Giants team is my favorite of all time.

However, once the Eagles win a Super Bowl, then that team will definitely take the cake as my all-time favorite.

It could even happen this year. Maybe a Super Bowl rematch and a victory over the Patriots?

If that happened, I might just die of happiness.

Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl or Bust

Derek Moore — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:19:24 -0400

Five times in the last eight years, the Eagles have made it to the NFC championship—and only once have they made it to the Super Bowl, which they lost by a field goal to the Patriots.

Yet I expect all five of those heartbreaking losses to be avenged this season. I truly believe that the Eagles are the team to beat this year, and I think they will finally win the Super Bowl.

Last season definitely had its ups and downs—the Eagles dominated at times, and many of their victories were lopsided in which they won by several scores, including the 44-6 Dallas beat-down, which secured a playoff birth.

Despite the many one-sided victories, the Eagles finished the year a disappointing 9-6-1, well below many Eagles fans' expectations.

Even though they made the playoffs and went all the way to the NFC championship, the Birds largely underachieved. Statistically, they had the third best overall defense and scored the most points in franchise history.

But statistics don't tell the entire story.

Five of the losses were by an agonizing seven points or less. Offensive inconsistencies, short yardage problems, and problems in the red zone were the main issues.

The Eagles were notorious for being stopped in short yardage situations. At Chicago, they had three opportunities to punch the ball in from the one yard line to lock up a probable win.

Instead, they set the theme for the entire season by running up the middle three straight times and coming away with nothing but a loss.

A similar scenario occurred against their division rivals, the New York Giants. After reaching midfield, they again had a 4th and 1 play decide the outcome— which ended up being yet another heartbreaking loss for the Eagles.

The short yardage game shouldn't be a problem this season—Westbrook is now healthy, and he has two new offensive lineman in Stacey Andrews and Jason Peters. Shawn Andrews will also be back, and that should give Philadelphia one of the best—if not the best—offensive lines in football.

The signing of Leonard Weaver means the Eagles will finally have a true fullback, and with the drafting of Lesean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles are stacked.

Stacked on paper, that is.

Last year's preseason paper champions were the Dallas Cowboys, who failed to even make the playoffs and finished 9-7.

But considering the core of youth and talent the Eagles have on both sides of the ball, they should finish far better than 9-7.

This season will definitely be a tough and hard fought one, though. They play in the best division in the NFL, and also play against the NFC South. That automatically gives them ten tough games right from the get-go.

12-4 is the most reasonable expectation for the regular season, considering the schedule. But once the playoffs come around, considering all the talent the Eagles have on their roster, one phrase can sum up my expectations: Super Bowl or Bust.

Examining the Philadelphia Eagles' 2009 Coaching Staff

Derek Moore — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:01:50 -0400

Here is an overview of the coaching staff of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Andy Reid- Head Coach, VP of Football Operations

After Andy Reid finished playing football at BYU (Brigham Young University), he became a graduate assistant in 1982.

Following a one year stint, he became the offensive line coach for several colleges around the country, including San Francisco State (1983-1985), Northern Arizona University(1986), UTEP(1987-1988), and then the University of Missouri (1989-1991).

Andy Reid finally earned his first NFL job in 1992, after almost a decade of coaching at the college level. He was hired as an offensive line/tight end assistant of the Green Bay Packers, who were then coached by the legendary Mike Holmgren.

Mike Holmgren influenced Reid, and taught him the philosophies of the west coast offense, which Reid eventually brought to Philadelphia. Reid impressed Holmgren so much that in 1996 Holmgren placed the "supervisory" tag on Reid to prevent NFL clubs from hiring him as anything other than a head coach unless given permission.

Reid then spent two seasons as the quarterbacks coach, working with Bret Favre and coaching him during his 1997 M.V.P. campaign. Other players to have success under Reid's coaching in Green Bay included Mark Chmura and Keith Jackson, who both made the pro bowl under Reid's watch.

Two seasons later (1999), he became the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, replacing the departed Ray Rhodes. Jeff Lurie was amazed at Reid's ability to absorb information and then spit it back out as though he was reading straight from an encyclopedia.

What really sold Reid to Lurie were his notebooks filled with plays, philosophies, and information from Mike Holmgren on how to build a winning team.

This was an unusual hiring at the time, because defensive and offensive coordinators were typically hired as head coaches. Positional coaches were commonly thought to be ill prepared to lead an entire team, since most of them only had experience coaching a specific position.

However, Reid's hiring and his soon followed success quickly changed all of this. In today's NFL, owners are no longer reluctant to hire positional coaches, and it is actually common practice throughout the league. This comes from the direct result of Andy Reid's success coaching the Eagles.

In his decade long tenure as head coach of the Eagles, Andy Reid has set a franchise record for wins (96), winning percentage (.608), and playoff victories (10).

He also is well known for his ability to hire assistants. Three of his former assistants are now head coaches, with Brad Childress in Minnesota, John Harbaugh in Baltimore, and Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis.

Childress and Harbaugh have both made the playoffs with their teams, while Spagnuolo is going into his first year with the Rams after winning the Super Bowl as the Giants defensive coordinator.

Andy's knowledge as a talent evaluator is also impressive. He has sent 19 players to 44 pro bowls, and has experienced a lot of success in the NFL draft. Three of his eight first round picks have been to multiple pro bowls, with Donovan McNabb going to five, and Shawn Andrews and Lito Shepherd going to two each.

Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson were also two first round picks of Reid, and they now anchor what was the No. 3 overall defense last season. Corey Simon also had some success in the NFL before his career was ruined with injuries.

The only true busts Reid has taken in the first round are wide receiver Freddie Mitchell and defensive end Jerome McDougal.

Reid probably had his best draft in 2002, as he hit the jackpot with his first four picks—Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Michael Lewis, and Brian Westbrook.

One of the most successful coaches of the past decade, Reid has lead the Eagles to five NFC championships in the last eight years and one Super Bowl appearance, though he has yet to win the Lombardi trophy as a head coach.

Marty Mornhinweg- Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach

Marty Mornhinweg started four years at quarterback for Montana University.

He then held down several different coaching jobs at many colleges around the country, including a job at Montana as the receivers coach (1985), a graduate assistant at UTEP(1986-1987), a running backs coach at Northern Arizona(1988 and 1994), an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at SE Missouri State (1989-1990), and he was also a tight end/offensive line coach at Missouri (1991-1993).

He started his NFL career in 1995 as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers, and it ended up being the third time he had coached alongside Andy Reid (they also spent time together at UTEP and Missouri).

In 1996, he was the Packers quarterback coach, and he helped guide Bret Favre to an M.V.P. award and a Super Bowl win.

San Francisco then hired Marty as their offensive coordinator, where he worked from 1997-2000. In 1998, the 49ers became the first team since the 1941 Chicago Bears to lead the league in gross passing and rushing yards.

Mornhinweg earned a head coaching job with the Lions in 2000, and compiled a 5-27 record over two years. After he was fired Reid brought him in as a "senior offensive assistant," since Brad Childress was still the offensive coordinator.

Marty succeeded Brad Childress as the offensive coordinator after he left for the Vikings head coaching job in 2004, and he has endured a lot of success.

Last season he helped the Eagles set a franchise record for the most points scored in a single season with 416, despite having injured players at multiple positions. Donovan McNabb also set career highs with 345 completions and 3,916 yards.

In 2007, Marty coached an Eagles offense that finished sixth in the entire NFL with 358.1 total yards of offense per game. Brian Westbrook also lead the league in total scrimmage yards with 2,104, which is also a franchise record.

In 2006, the Eagles set a team record with 6,103 total net yards of offense, despite McNabb getting injured halfway through the season. Philadelphia led the NFL with 74 plays of 20-yards-or-more (18 of those went for touchdowns), while scoring 398 points, the second most in team history. They also led the NFL in yards per play (6.2) and ranked fifth in yards per rush attempts (4.8).

Marty Mornhinweg is heading into his seventh season, and he is looking to continue upon his past success.

Jim Johnson- Defensive Coordinator

Jim Johnson's coaching career stretches out over the course of 42 years. He started in 1967, as the head coach of Missouri Southern, three years after a short two year career with the Buffalo Bills as a Tight End.

Two years after coaching Missouri, he spent four years at both Drake University (1969-1972) and Indiana University (1973-1976).

In 1977, Johnson landed a job as the secondary coach of Notre Dame. The very next year he was promoted to defensive coordinator, and he coached at that position for six seasons (1978-1983).

Jim Johnson then spent two years in the USFL, one with the Oklahoma Outlaws and the other with the Jacksonville Bulls. After having success with both of those teams, he started getting noticed in the NFL.

He started his NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals, who brought him in as the defensive line coach in 1986. After four seasons, he began coaching the secondary, where he helped Aeneas Williams build the reputation he has today.

The Indianapolis Colts hired Johnson as their defensive line coach in 1994 after Vince Tobin left to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Johnson stayed there until he was hired as a linebackers coach by the Seattle Seahawks in 1998.

Johnson received a lot of credit for the success that Seattle had that year on defense. That season, the Seahawk's defense scored 10 touchdowns, with eight of them coming on interceptions, the second most in NFL history.

Considering how Johnson compiled success as a secondary, defensive line, and linebackers coach, he was a perfect fit for a job as a defensive coordinator, which encouraged Andy Reid to hire him as one in 1999.

It turned out to be a great hire, because Johnson has been arguably the best defensive coordinator this past decade.

His defenses have produced 26 Pro Bowl selections: Brian Dawkins (7), Troy Vincent (5), Jeremiah Trotter (4), Hugh Douglas (3), Lito Sheppard (2), Trent Cole (1), Asante Samuel (1), Michael Lewis (1), Corey Simon (1), and Bobby Taylor (1).

Since 2000, Johnson's units rank second in the NFL with 390 sacks, second in the league in third-down efficiency (34.0 percent) and red zone touchdown percentage (43.9 percent), and fourth in fewest points allowed (17.7 per game).

Putting the Gaudy statistics aside, Johnson is highly regarded as one of the NFL's brightest defensive minds. Other defensive coordinators around the league study Johnson play-calling and how he adjusts to certain offensive formations.

Ted Daisher - Special Teams Coordinator

Ted Daisher has 22 seasons of experience as an assistant coach in the collegiate ranks. He's coached at East Carolina (2001-02), Indiana (1998-2000), Army (1995-97), Cincinnati (1989-92), Eastern Michigan (1985-88), Northern Illinois (1980-84), and Illinois (1979).

He started out with the Eagles, and was the special teams quality control coach from 2004-2005 under the current head coach of the Ravens, John Harbaugh.

He then he went on to coach Oakland's special teams in 2006.

The following two seasons he was the special teams coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, which produced three pro bowl players (kick returner/punt returner Josh Cribbs, kicker Phil Dawson, and long snapper Brian Pontbriand) in 2007.

This will be his first year as the special teams coordinator in Philadelphia, and he should have success with the talented return men the Eagles have on the roster.

Juan Castillo - Offensive Line Coach

Juan Castillo has coached with the Eagles for 15 years, and has spent 12 years as the offensive line coach.

He is well known throughout the league as one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL. He has turned five undrafted free agents into very solid starters including the current starting center Jamaal Jackson. The other four players are Hank Fraley, Artis Hicks, Bubba Miller, and Steve Edwards.

Castillo is one of only four coaches to be held over from the Ray Rhodes era into the Andy Reid era.

In college, he coached the offensive line at Texas A&M Kingsville from 1982-1985 and 1990-1994. He was also an assistant coach at Kingsville(Texas) High School from 1986-1989. From 1995-1996 he was an offensive assistant with the Eagles, and he coached the tight ends in 1997. From 1998 onward, he has been the offensive line coach.

Tom Melvin- Tight Ends Coach

Melvin was hired by the Eagles as an offensive assistant/quality control coach 11 years ago, and he has held the title of a Tight Ends Coach for the past eight seasons. He helped develop L.J. Smith, who caught 249 passes and 19 touchdowns (including playoffs) over his first six seasons.

Tom was an offensive lineman during his playing days, and he played for San Francisco State from 1982-1983. He then became a graduate assistant in 1984, and from 1986 to 1987 he coached the running backs, offensive lineman, and tight ends at Northern Arizona.

UC- Santa Barbara hired him as their offensive coordinator in 1988, and he coached their until assuming the offensive coordinator duties at Occidental College in 1991. He was then hired by the Eagles as an offensive assistant and quality control coach in 1999 and started coaching the Eagles tight ends in 2002.

David Culley- Wide Receivers Coach

Culley has 31 years of coaching experience, and has spent 16 years in the NFL, including 11 years as the Eagles wide receivers coach.

He was also the wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1996-1998) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1994-1995).

During his tenure, the Eagles have only had two one thousand yard receivers in Kevin Curtis and Terrell Owens. However that figures to change quickly with the emergence of DeSean Jackson and the drafting of Jeremy Maclin.

Culley did a solid job in coaching Jackson last year, and will probably have similar success with Maclin this season.

Before he started coaching, he was a four year starter at quarterback for Vanderbilt University from 1973-1977.

Ted Williams- Running Back Coach

Ted Williams has been with the Eagles for 15 years, and has spent 13 of them as the running backs coach. He is also one of the four coaches held over from the Ray Rhodes era.

Williams has helped Brian Westbrook turn into one of the best running backs in the game. Under his tutelage, Westbrook set a franchise record for total scrimmage yards with 2,104. He has also had success with Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter.

He has helped produced a one thousand yard rusher six times, with three of those seasons belonging to Staley and two of them belonging to Westbrook.

Prior to coaching with the Eagles, he was the linebackers/running backs coach for UCLA from 1980-1989. He helped develop all- American linebackers such as Ken Norton Jr. and Carnell Lake, as well as quite a few running backs.

He also coached at Washington State from 1991-1993 as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach and Arizona in 1994 as the secondary coach.

James Urban- Quarterbacks Coach

Urban is entering his first year as the quarterbacks coach after spending two years as a quality control coach. He is replacing Pat Shurmur, who followed Steve Spagnuolo to the Rams and became the offensive coordinator.

Urban is a young coach, but he plans to follow in the footsteps of Pat Shurmur. His carer started in 1997, where he was a graduate assistant at Clarion after being a wide receiver/kick returner for Washington and Lee college from 1992-1995.

He then was the director of football operations for Pennsylvania from 1999-2003 and was hired as an assistant head coach by the Eagles in 2004.

Rory Segrest- Defensive Line Coach

Segrest has spent the past two seasons as the special teams coordinator. Last season the Eagles enjoyed a lot of success in special teams, as Quintin Demps was second in franchise history with 1314 return yards and DeSean Jackson was third in the NFL with 440 punt return yards. Each also scored a touchdown on kick/punt returns.

Segrest has never coached the defensive line on the NFL level, but he has coached at defensive line for Southeast Missouri State (1991-2001) and Samford (2002-2005), where he was also the special teams coordinator.

While he might be a bit inexperienced, he will definitely learn quite a few things from Jim Johnson. Obviously the Eagles and Jim Johnson wouldn't have selected Segrest if they didn't have faith in him. He has the faith of the front office, and he will have something to prove next season.

Bill Shuey - Linebackers Coach

Bill Shuey was a quality control coach for his first five seasons as a quality control coach. From 2003-2006 he was an offensive assistant/quality control coach, then in 2007 he moved over to be a defensive assistant/quality control coach.

After learning the ropes about the linebackers in 2007, he assumed the linebackers coaching after former linebackers coach Sean McDermott moved to the secondary.

He did a very solid job last year, as Stewart Bradley had a pro bowl caliber year. Chris Gocong also made strides and Akeem Jordan played well when he replaced Omar Gaither in the starting lineup.

He started out as an intern for the Eagles training camps in 1999 and 2000, and worked his way up from there.

Shuey is a young guy and he has gained the confidence of both Andy Reid and Jim Johnson, and he could have a very bright future in the NFL.

Sean McDermott- Secondary Coach

McDermott has been a linebacker in secondary coach in his 11 years with the Eagles. He has learned the ins and the outs of Jim Johnson's defensive scheme, and while Jim Johnson takes his indefinite leave of absence to fight cancer, McDermott will assume control of the defense.

Johnson figures to be back this season, but if anything unfortunate happens, the defense shouldn't skip a beat with McDermott.

Philadelphia Eagles' Training Camp Positional Battles

Derek Moore — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:08:04 -0400

The Eagles have earned high praise for their off season moves, and many consider them the favorites in the NFC after they loaded up on talent, youth, and depth. They also let a few long time veterans go.

The major shift in personnel created a lot of intrigue at certain positions. Everyone is wondering what the depth chart will look like come September, even though training camp is about two months away.

Here is a glance at some of those positional battles that will occur during training camp:

OFFENSE

Slot Receiver

Probable Starter: Jeremy Maclin

Candidates

Jason Avant, Jeremy Maclin

Analysis

The Eagles definitely want to get Jeremy Maclin on the field right away. And considering that Kevin Curtis and Desean Jackson currently hold down the other two receiver spots, Maclin may see a lot of time in the slot, where he often lined up at Missouri.

Jason Avant was the featured slot receiver in 2008, and he played well. He was a great third down option for McNabb, and made quite a few clutch catches in the playoffs. Despite all of that, he figures to lose his job to Maclin.

However, Avant could benefit from the experience he has in Andy Reid's complicated offense. He is heading into his fourth season with the Eagles, and knows the playbook very well. But in terms of talent, he is miles behind Jeremy Maclin, whose 2,833 all-purpose yards were fifth in NCAA history.

The possibility still exists that Maclin may get off to a slow start, as rookie receivers often do. He is coming from a spread offense, and as a result, he will definitely have to improve his route running. However, this may not really be an issue at all, since he impressed the coaches by running quick, precise routes at the post draft mini-camp.

Predicted Outcome: Maclin wins the job as the primary slot receiver, but may eventually play on the outside towards the tail end of the season. The Eagles rotate their receivers so he could earn playing time in both the slot and on the outside. If Maclin ever starts lining up on the outside, Avant would earn some playing time in the slot.

Tight End

Probable starter: Brent Celek

Candidates

Brent Celek, Cornelius Ingram

Analysis

Brent Celek showed huge potential last season as a pass-catching tight end. In the playoff loss to Arizona, he recorded 10 catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

Celek is heading into his second season, and he currently has the starting spot on lockdown. But Cornelius Ingram will provide competition. Ingram appears fully recovered from the torn ACL he suffered a year ago, and he possesses immense talent and potential.

But like Jeremy Maclin, Ingram played in a spread offense in college, which meant he often lined up in the slot instead of in the trenches.

Ingram has to adjust to lining up with his hand on the ground and getting off of the line of scrimmage. He will also have to learn the playbook.

Predicted Outcome: Celek wins the starting job, but Ingram may close in on him next year if he lives up to his potential.

Right Guard and Right Tackle

Probable Starter: To be Determined

Candidates

Shawn Andrews, Stacey Andrews

Analysis

Both Shawn and Stacey Andrews will start, the only question is where. They both can play either guard or tackle.

Shawn Andrews played tackle in college, but the Eagles decided to put him at right guard alongside Jon Runyan when they drafted him. Runyan probably isn't going to be brought back(he's still a free agent) because of his injury, which opens the door for Shawn to return to his natural position.

Shawn missed most of last season after hurting his back and battling with clinical depression. He's since recovered, but missing time last season might make the switch to right tackle a bit harder.

His brother Stacey was signed from the Bengals this off season, and he was originally thought to be the right tackle, where he played last season. But he is also capable of playing guard, as he has played left guard for the Bengals in past years.

Stacey tore his ACL late last season, but Reid has confidence that he'll be at training camp.

As of right now, Shawn is the right tackle and Stacey is the right guard, but that could change barring any decision by the coaching staff.

Predicted Outcome: The Eagles lined Shawn up at right tackle at the post draft mini camp, so it appears he will be the right tackle and Stacey will be the right guard.

DEFENSE

Free Safety

Probable Starter: Sean Jones

Candidates

Sean Jones, Quintin Demps

Analysis

The loss of Brian Dawkins in free agency left an open void at free safety. Quintin Demps, the second year man from Texas El-Paso, will compete for the starting spot with Sean Jones, who was signed to a one-year deal from Cleveland.

Jones, who missed the first four games of last season with a knee injury, will have to first show that he is healthy, and then learn the playbook to earn the starting spot. He compiled gaudy numbers on a bad defense in Cleveland, including a 111 tackle season in 2006. He is also third in the entire NFL over the last three years with 14 interceptions.

Sean Jones played strong safety in Cleveland, so it remains to be seen if he is capable of making an adequate switch to free safety. The Eagles probably won't take Quintin Mikell off of the field, so if Jones wants to start, he will have to compete against Quintin Demps.

Demps is being given the first look at free safety by the Eagles coaches, and he currently sits atop the depth chart. Jones will have to improve his coverage skills and adjust to the Eagles scheme, and if he does that, he should be the starter.

Predicted Outcome: Sean Jones learns the playbook and makes the switch to free safety and makes a big impact on an already strong defense.

Outside Linebacker

Probable starter: Akeem Jordan

Candidates

Akeem Jordan, Omar Gaither

Analysis

Akeem Jordan overtook Omar Gaither midway through 2008 and then played well down the stretch and in the playoffs at the weak-side linebacker spot. Jordan is going into his second year after being undrafted, and he has spent the off season getting stronger.

Gaither was benched because he was a bit slow and didn't shed blockers very well. However, he wants to win his starting spot back, and lost 10 pounds so that he could play quicker and faster.

Jordan has the upper hand right now because of his play at the end of last season, but he will have to hold off Omar Gaither.

Predicted Outcome:Akeem Jordan wins the job and continues to improve upon his stellar play. Gaither will still be granted some playing time, as he is versatile enough to play both middle and outside linebacker. But Jordan should win the starting spot.

Left Defensive End

Probable Starter: To be determined

Candidates

Juqua Parker, Victor Abiamiri

Analysis

Juqua Parker has started at left defensive end for the past two seasons, but Abiamiri could win the job in training camp. They both split reps with the first string defense at the post draft mini-camp, and that figures to continue through training camp.

Abiamiri definitely has the most potential, considering he was a former second round pick. He is bigger and younger, and the coaching staff expects him to play well. Staying healthy has been an issue with him, though, since he has already racked up several injuries in his short career.

Parker is more of an energy guy who would be better suited to come off of the bench instead of start. He lost steam as the season went on last year, probably from receiving too much playing time.

Predicted Outcome: Whichever of these two start, they will both get plenty of playing time, considering that Jim Johnson likes to rotate his defensive linemen. But if Abiamiri stays healthy and impresses in training camp, then he will be the starter.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kick Returner

Probable starter: To be determined

Candidates

Quintin Demps, Ellis Hobbs

Analysis

Demps' 1,314 return yards were second in franchise history. However, he is in danger of losing his job to Ellis Hobbs, whom the Eagles acquired from the Patriots on draft weekend for two fifth round picks. Hobbs had 1,281 return yards, and from a talent perspective, he's neck-and-neck with Demps.

Predicted Outcome:If Demps starts at free safety, then Hobbs will likely return kicks, as kick returners often have a hard time focusing on two positions. If not, then Demps will return.

Punt Returner

Probable starter: Jeremy Maclin

Candidates

Jeremy Maclin, Desean Jackson

Analysis

Desean Jackson figures to put more focus in playing receiver this year, since he is McNabb's primary target. That would leave the punt return job to Maclin, who eagerly wants to get on the field in any way he can.

Predicted Outcome: Maclin wins the job and provides a spark as a punt returner.

Remaining Holes On The Philadelphia Eagles

Derek Moore — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:52:46 -0400

The Eagles have been widely applauded for their off season moves.

They added talent, youth, and filled several needs on offense.

However several holes still exist- just like any other NFL team, the Eagles have weaknesses. A lot of questions will have to be answered between now and February if the Eagles are to live up to their Super Bowl potential.

Leadership on defense—who replaces Brian Dawkins?

Talent-wise, the Eagles didn't lose much when Brian Dawkins signed with Denver. Despite a pro bowl season, Brian's age was starting to show and he was becoming a bit of a liability in pass coverage.

Signing Sean Jones means they won't lose any production on the field. And if Sean Jones doesn't play free safety, second year man Quintin Demps should be ready to come in and start.

What they did lose was a legend and an icon that will be forever remembered as an all time great in Philadelphia.

His game day stats can be matched, and even beaten. But his leadership, both in the community and in the locker room, can not be replaced.

Dawkins was a finalist last year for the Walter Payton man of the year award, and was well respected for his character and class.

Dawkins also possessed a great ability to motivate. Despite being soft spoken off the field, he was the undisputed leader on defense.

Right before the start of games, his teammates would always circle around him as he barked out yet another pre-game pep talk.

Someone has to step up and assume this leadership role. The Eagles are Donovan McNabb's team now, but a leader on defense may be needed as well, especially since they are a very young unit.

The most likely candidates are Stewart Bradley, Trent Cole, Brodrick Bunkley, or perhaps Quintin Mikell. One of those four will probably take the torch from Dawkins.

Lack of Depth at Running Back

After losing Correll Buckhalter in free agency, the Eagles needed an immediate backup to Brian Westbrook.

They addressed this in the draft by taking LeSean McCoy, and he should be a fine compliment to Westbrook as they both have similar skill sets.

But as of right now, Lorenzo Booker is third on the depth chart behind McCoy and Westbrook.

He was a huge disappointment last year and rarely saw the field because he could not pass block- something a running back has to do a lot of in Andy Reid's offense.

If he can't get on the field this year, then that would leave a gaping hole on the depth chart.

This could cause issues for the eagles, as Westbrook is injury prone and has never played a 16 game season, while Lesean McCoy is just a rookie.

McCoy has big potential, but the Eagles might want to get another back just in case. Behind McCoy and Westbrook the Eagles have several unknown players- namely Eldra Buckley, and Kyle Eckle (who currently is listed as a fullback).

Those players can't be counted on if both Westbrook and McCoy go down, making depth at running back a big need.

If the worst case scenario happens, and Westbrook and McCoy both go down for an extended period, then the Eagles will have serious problems at running back.

Perhaps Leonard Weaver would step up to play running back, as he did several times in Seattle. Other than that, the Eagles wouldn't have very many options.

Blocking from the Tight End Position

L.J. Smith is gone, and Brent Celek figures to be the starter.

Celek showed huge potential in the NFC championship by catching 10 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown in the previous playoff game against New York.

Celek has earned high praise as a pass catching tight end, but he didn't do a very good job blocking last year. Over the off season he has worked hard to improve his blocking- something he hopes will carry over to the field.

Cornelius Ingram is currently the number 2 tight end, and he is also considered a weak blocker.

He is coming from a spread offense, which meant he often lined up in the slot instead of the trenches. Not only does he have to learn how to get off of the line, but he also has to block better.

Before he injured his knee last year, he devoted a majority of his practice time to improving his blocking. He even sent tapes of these practices to NFL coaches for the draft so that they could evaluate his improvement, as he did not play in a single game last year.

While he was injured, he added weight and did everything he could to gain upper body strength. If he continues his hard work, then he should be able to block on an NFL level.

Matt Schobel, the third tight end, rarely sees the field and probably won't contribute as a pass catcher or a blocker.

The Eagles need Celek and Ingram to improve their blocking. If they don't then the Eagles might suffer a little bit on offense, as tight ends sometimes assist offensive lineman in blocking pass rushers.

This may not be a huge problem, as the Eagles have a very good offensive line. But Celek and Ingram still need to block well in the running game.

A True No. 1 Receiver

Most teams don't have a guy like Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, or Terrell Owens. But those three can make a pass happy offense (like the Eagles often have) unstoppable.

Eagles fans begged for Anquan Boldin, the disgruntled Cardinals receiver. But in the end the Eagles drafted Jeremy Maclin, an exciting prospect from Missouri.

If DeSean Jackson improves on his stellar rookie season, then he could very well be a "true number one receiver". Maclin also has that potential, though he doesn't figure to reach it for a few years.

Rounding out the Eagles starting receivers is Kevin Curtis, who was injured last season but in his first season as a starter recorded 1100 yards- making him a solid number two.

In short, a top level receiver might not necessarily be a need, but more of a work in progress. Guys like Anquan Boldin would just make a more immediate impact.

A Short Yardage Running Back

This is more of a "want" than a need, but considering how badly the Eagles struggled in short yardage situations last year, a big back would be helpful.

Last season the Birds were notorious for coming up one yard short.

At Chicago, they were stuffed three straight times at the one yard line, which cost them the game.

Against New York, a late comeback was thwarted when Brian Westbrook was stopped on a 4th and 1.

Part of this was the result of inadequate run blocking.

Offensive tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas were in their mid thirties and could no longer create holes for the running game. Dan Klecko also played poorly at fullback, and tight ends L.J. Smith and Brent Celek didn't block very well either.

This was addressed by adding Jason Peters, Stacey Andrews, Leonard Weaver, and getting Shawn Andrews back healthy.

But a bigger back would still help in short yardage situations.

The humiliating struggles in short yardage might provide motivation for next year, as the Eagles are on a mission to win their first Super Bowl.

None of these weaknesses are glaring ones. The Eagles are a very complete team and should do well even if they run into a few bumps in the road. If everyone plays up to their potential, the Super Bowl is not just a possibility- but an expectation.

Questions I Would Ask Donovan McNabb, The Class Of The NFL

Derek Moore — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:49:16 -0400

Donovan McNabb has been criticized in every way imaginable over the course of his decade long career.

His time in the league has been highlighted by plenty of controversies- most of which McNabb didn't even bring on to himself.

The Terrell Owens saga?

Entirely one sided. Not once did McNabb take a jab back at T.O.

Rush Limbaugh?

An absolute racist. That had nothing to do with McNabb. Limbaugh made an embarrassing statement that frankly made no sense at all.

Rush, the media never overrated McNabb because they wanted "a black quarterback" to succeed. You just didn't want him to succeed because he was black.

Way to justify being a racist, Limbaugh.

That wasn't the last time McNabb had to deal with the issue of race. Whyatt Mondesire, president of the NAACP's Philadelphia chapter in the Philadelphia Sun, once wrote a column scolding McNabb for not running enough.

Here is an excert from that column:

"In essence Donny, you are mediocre at best. And trying to disguise that fact behind some concocted reasoning that African American quarterbacks who can scramble and who can run the ball are somehow lesser field generals than one who can summon up dead-on passes at a whim, is more insulting off the field than on."

Hmm, ok Whyatt. So you are saying that McNabb is a racist for trying to pass the ball to much instead of running more? That actually insults you? Maybe he just wants to be known as a better passer.

Since you know, he is a quarterback.

So what if he doesn't want to be labeled as a "scrambling" quarterback? That label and stereotype often gets unfairly thrown at African American quarterbacks . So I'll say again... maybe he just wanted to be a better passer?

No, McNabb has to be racist.

Right?

Oh wait, I guess I'm racist too. I am an eighteen-year-old white kid writing about racial issues. Clearly I am offending not just Whyatt Mondesire, but the entire African American community.

Or maybe just Whyatt Mondesire.

In summary: McNabb has been called overrated because of his skin color once by a racist white guy, and then again by a racist black guy in the NAACP(just for "not running enough")

As a result, McNabb has stated on several occasions that black quarterbacks face more scrutiny than their white counterparts.

Is that racist? No. It's the truth. Especially in McNabb's case.

Have you not been reading this article?

Yet many in the media disagreed with McNabb's viewpoint on that particular issue. Casual NFL fans also complained that McNabb was to sensitive, which is ridiculous considering all of the things he has had to overcome.

McNabb also gets criticized for his play on the field.

Despite leading the Eagles to five NFC championships, a Super Bowl appearance, and having a career touchdown/interception ratio of 194/90 (mostly without decent receivers), McNabb has been labeled by many as a choke artist and an erratic passer.

Neither of those labels are correct.

Even the day he was drafted, he was booed unmercifully.

This of course had nothing to do with McNabb's ability- he was a highly touted draft prospect.

It all happened because a radio station in Philadelphia sent a bus load of Eagles fans to the draft, and had instructed them to boo any pick that wasn't Ricky Williams.

This past season, McNabb again made headlines. After the Eagles tied the Bengals, McNabb stated in the post game press conference that he "didn't know ties were in the rule book".

Alright, so that is pretty baffling.

But after McNabb made those comments, many writers and sports analysts in the media proved to me that they:

1) Don't know anything about sports

2) Don't deserve their high paying jobs and

3) Don't know anything about anything.

McNabb knew that the game would end on the first score. He just thought there were multiple overtime periods.

While it's pretty bad that he didn't know games in the NFL could end in a tie, it's definitely forgivable. And it in no way, shape, or form represents McNabb's football I.Q.

Bob Ford actually wrote a column titled: "Testing McNabb's NFL I.Q."

I just don't get it. McNabb's knowledge of the game should go unquestioned. He dedicated himself to hard work and studying, and has made himself one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

The week following his comments at Cincinnati, he was benched at Baltimore at the half.

He then lead the Eagles to win four of the next five games, and then won two more playoff games before losing in the NFC championship.

And that is a pretty good representation of what McNabb has done his entire career: Persevere, and with class.

From the booing on draft day to being benched at Baltimore, he has never hung his head.

He plays under a microscope in Philadelphia, and he makes headlines even when he has done nothing wrong. And he does it all with a trade mark smile on his face.

What's really saddening is how McNabb's toughness is rarely talked about. Instead he is commonly labeled as injury prone, as he has had three season ending injuries.

But there is little mention in the media about his physical and mental toughness. Most people don't even remember that he broke his ankle in a 2002 game against the Cardinals and then threw four touchdowns, all while being carried down the field.

That sure beats Michael Jordan's flu game. Or Willis Reid's heroics. And basically every other "athlete playing with a sickness/injury" story I've ever heard of.

McNabb is my favorite athlete and I hope he gets remembered more for his perseverance and play on the field rather than all of the controversy unfairly laid on his shoulders.

With that said, I would love to interview McNabb. I think he is a class act and a great football player. Here are some of the questions I would ask him:

1) What was the biggest off the field issue you've had to overcome since you've been in the NFL?

2) What are your expectations for next season?

3) Are you excited about the opportunity to play with Jeremy Maclin?

4) Do you still feel like you have something to prove to all of the skeptics that doubt you?

5) If you could pick one thing in your career so far that you wanted people to remember over everything else, what would it be?

6) How much longer are you planning on playing?

7) Do you have any regrets?

8) What was your reaction to Brian Dawkins signing with Denver?

9) How do you think people should perceive Donovan McNabb, or are you ok with how most people look at you?

10) If you win the super bowl, what is the first thing that you are going to do?

That would be a great interview, because Donovan McNabb is the class act of the entire NFL. He does not get the respect he deserves.

Someone email this article to Rush Limbaugh and Whyatt Mondesire. They both could use a lesson on class.

Biggest Changes in the Philadelphia Eagles' Play-Calling for 2009

Derek Moore — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:33:34 -0400

Eagles fans have long criticized Andy Reid's pass happy philosophy. Last year he left some fans scratching their heads(many beating their heads) after a completely unbalanced offense produced a tie to the lowly Bengals, a blowout at Baltimore, and a hideous 10-3 loss at Washington.

While there doesn't figure to be any major changes in the Eagle's offensive playbook this season, there might be a slight shift in play-calling due to personnel changes, especially on offense.

Long time players such as Runyan, Tra Thomas, and Buckhalter are gone. But new faces such as Jason Peters, Stacey Andrews, Leonard Weaver, Jeremy Maclin, and Lesean McCoy should allow the Eagles to run a more balanced(but still pass first) offense, as well as being more consistent overall from week to week.

Play-calling might also change up a bit on the defensive side of the ball. Jim Johnson plans to coach despite being diagnosed with cancer, and he will still run the same aggressive brand of defense.

But added depth in the secondary might convince him to change up the rotations as well as use different personnel packages.

Here is a closer look at how the newcomers will effect the play-calling on both sides of the ball:

Offense:

Run the Ball More In General(miracles happen)

The Eagles only ran the ball 427 times in 2008, compared to 606 passing attempts.

That ratio figures to be more balanced this season, and here's why:

Despite late season success running the ball against Arizona and New York, the Eagles had a very ineffective ground game. Especially in short yardage situations.

They only averaged 4.0 yards per carry for the season. The only teams to do worse were the Rams, Bears, Lions, Steelers, Bengals, Cardinals, 49ers, and the Colts.

The Cardinals, Colts, and Steelers, along with the Eagles, were all playoff teams, with the Steelers winning the Super Bowl. So obviously yards per carry isn't an exact indicator of team success.

But all nine of those teams have one thing in common: None of them had a very good run-blocking offensive line.

Not even Indianapolis or the Super Bowl champion Steelers.

And especially not the Eagles.

Shawn Andrews missed most of last season, and that killed the interior running game. Offensive tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas were also in their mid thirties, and they couldn't create holes for the ground game like they used to.

Both Runyan and Thomas were still great pass blockers, because pass protection relies heavily on technique. They just could no longer make holes for Westbrook.

In addition to that, Dan Klecko, who was converted from defensive tackle to play fullback, struggled for most of the year. Tight ends L.J. Smith and Brent Celek couldn't block very well either.

Take all that into consideration, and it's easy to see why Big Red abandoned the run so many times last year. It also explains all of Westbrook's nagging injuries. Running backs usually get hurt if they don't have decent blocking in front of them.

Don't believe it?

Look at the nine teams listed again. What were their situations at running back last year?

A lot of those teams lost their starters to injuries.

An argument can be made that running back is an often injured position, but better blocking helps prevent injury. It reduces the amount of hits and especially the hard hits a running back takes.

The Eagles did a great job addressing their run blocking needs this off season.

They acquired Jason Peters, an all pro left tackle, from Buffalo. They also signed Stacey Andrews from the Bengals and fullback Leonard Weaver from the Seahawks.

Shawn Andrews is also coming back from injury, which will aid the run game.

Reid will still continue his pass first philosophy. But this year he will run the ball a lot more than he usually does, because he has the personnel to do so.

More Halfback Screen Plays

The screen play has always been a staple in Andy Reid's offense, but last year there was a dramatic drop-off in the number of called screen plays.

Once again, Westbrook's nagging injuries and the lack of physical blocking from fullbacks, tight ends, and offensive tackles were probably the main reason the Eagles rarely called screens.

Assuming that Stacey Andrews moves to right guard, Shawn Andrews and Jason Peters will give the Eagles an athletic tandem at tackle that will allow Reid to call as many screens to Westbrook or McCoy as he wants.

More Play Action Passes

Last season the Eagles lacked a good running game, which hurt the effectiveness of the play action pass. It also hurt the vertical passing game.

Westbrook now has a revamped offensive line along with a good fullback, and he should have gaping holes to run through. That means defenses will pay much more attention to the running game, which in effect opens up the play action pass.

Considering the Eagles have three speedy receivers in Curtis, Maclin, and Jackson, the Eagles should have a lot of success throwing it deep this year.

And, if safeties respect the deep ball, then that will open up the running game and the short passing game (quick outs, curls, drags, screens, bubble screens etc.)

Last year Reid often tried to use the short passing game in order to supplement the run, but this didn't always work, especially if a defense dropped seven defenders back into pass coverage.

All in all, the Eagles will still be a pass first team. But this year they will have much more all around success and be more balanced, both in the running game and the passing game.

Defense:

More Nickle and Dime Packages

With all the depth the Eagles have in their secondary, Jim Johnson should use more nickle and dime packages.

Right now the Eagles have five serviceable corner backs. Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are the best starting duo in the NFL, and Ellis Hobbs should be great as a nickleback.

Or perhaps Jack Ikegwuonu lives up to his potential and becomes the nickle corner. Hanson also played well when Lito was benched last year, but this year he figures to be buried on the depth chart.

The Eagles could potentially have a very dangerous dime package as well, especially if Ikegwuonu is up to speed. If they brought in four corners and two safeties, they would have Samuel, Brown, Hobbs, Ikegwuonu, Sean Jones, and Mikell all on the field at the same time.

There is not another team that could even come close to matching that dime package.

One interesting possibility is for Johnson to put Demps, Jones, and Mikell on the field all at the same time. An offense wouldn't know whether or not the extra safety was going to be blitzed or simply drop back into coverage.

The loss of Brian Dawkins was a big blow to the Eagles, as he was commonly the eight man brought into the box. But Sean Jones can assume that role, as one of his strengths is making plays at the line of scrimmage.

All of this depth in the secondary should help when playing a pass happy team like the Saints in week two.

It definately helps the Eagles schematically, as they ask their corners to do a lot of pressing and man to man coverage. Having a high amount of quality corners will aid that philosophy.

More Blitzes for Gocong

For those who don't know much about Chris Gocong, he plays strongside linebacker, and he has made a lot of progression in his two years as a starter.

He is a converted defensive end, and making the switch from the trenches to linebacker is not an easy one. Linebackers have to be instinctive, especially in the Eagles complicated defense where players often have multiple assignments.

As a defensive lineman, Gocong could just attack upfield. But when he made the switch to linebacker, he had to learn how to read plays, and how to play the run and the pass.

When the ball snaps, instead of just mauling an offensive lineman, he has to read what is called a key(basically looking at what the offensive lineman do).

If the offensive lineman fire out of their stance, it is probably a run. If the guard pulls, usually it is a run. And if the offensive lineman retreat into pass protection, it is most likely a pass play(but could also be a draw). And so on and so forth.

All of this happens in seconds, and Gocong has to process this information as well as remember the defensive play, where he is supposed to go, and where he is on the field.

Gocong has done a good job making the switch to linebacker, and has played great against the run. But his cover skills have been questioned, as well as his pass rush ability.

At the start of the season, Gocong struggled in covering tight ends. Teams were spreading their tight ends out in space to counter the Eagles aggressive style of defense.

But Gocong gradually improved his coverage skills, and Johnson changed a few things schematically, such as dropping the safeties into a zone coverage more often instead of blitzing them constantly.

He also did not provide enough of a pass rush when he was blitzed. He definitely has to improve on this aspect of the game.

One area where he played well all season long was against the run. Gocong was a very consistent run stuffer, and he is one of the reasons that the Eagles defense has been considerably better against the run the past few years.

Anyways, this will be Gocong's third year as a starter. He should have progressed in all of the above areas. And if that's the case, Johnson will probably blitz Gocong more so that he can provide more of a pass rush.

One play Jim Johnson could call for Gocong is called an Under Smash. This is a common fire zone scheme used in the NFL, though the Eagles did not run this play very often last year.

In an Under Smash, the strong side linebacker (Gocong) lines up right next to a defensive end, and sometimes they line up with their hand on the ground. Gocong should have no problem with this, as he is a former defensive end.

When the ball snaps, the defensive end on the other side drops back into coverage, while the strong side linebacker, middle linebacker, and the other 3 defensive lineman attack the quarterback.

To see a diagram of this play, click here:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n80/artoftroy/4-3%20Under%20Blitz%20Diagrams/Slide6UnderSamandMikeBlitz.jpg

Obviously this is just one play. But it fits in well with what the Eagles do, and it will give Gocong an opportunity to rush the passer, something the Eagles coaches want to see from him.

Look for Gocong to record several more sacks next season.

Special Teams

The Eagles should be great in the return game this season.

Whether it's Ellis Hobbs or Quintin Demps returning kicks, and whether Desean Jackson or Jeremy Maclin return punts, the Eagles will have very good special teams.

No more losing games because of special teams. The returners the Eagles have now are miles ahead of the former Eagles return men, like the slow footed Reno "he might get there someday" Mahe.

A rule change in the interest of player safety will make returning kicks more challenging, however. This year no more than two players can form a "wedge" on kickoff returns.

This means the Eagles might have to get creative with their blocking schemes, as will all the other teams in the NFL.

Maybe the Eagles will get really creative and put Quintin Demps and Ellis Hobbs back to return kicks at the same time. That sure would be interesting.

NFC East Preview for Philadelphia Eagles Fans: A Look at All Four Teams

Derek Moore — Sun, 10 May 2009 13:35:56 -0400

The NFC East has been widely considered the best division in football from top to bottom for the past several seasons. Over the last three years, the four teams in the division have had a combined eight playoff berths, with three teams qualifying in 2006 and 2007.

The No. 1 seed in the NFC has also come out of the East the past two years, with the Cowboys going 13-3 in 2007 and the Giants going 12-4 in 2008.

And get this—both the Cowboys and the Giants were upset as No. 1 seeds in the playoffs...by teams in their own division. Eli Manning and company upset the Cowboys in 2007 en route to their historic Super Bowl run, and then last season those same Giants (minus Plaxico Burress) were upset by the Eagles.

As a whole, this is by far the best division in football, with the NFC South coming in second.

Interestingly enough, these two divisions will play against each other this season—and that makes for a lot of intriguing match-ups.

It also means that the Eagles will be going through a brutal schedule. The divisional play alone will result in six tough games.

As of right now, the Eagles are considered by many to be a Super Bowl favorite after their brilliant off season moves. But in order to make it to the playoffs, they will have to make it through their own division first.

Lets take a look at all four teams, starting first with the Giants:

New York Giants

Offense

The Giants made a lot of noise last year in the regular season with their unstoppable running game. Their offensive line was highly regarded and considered the best in the league, and they paved the way for two-1,000 yard rushers in Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward. Ahmad Bradshaw also contributed as a big-play threat.

Besides the offensive line and fullback Madison Hedgecock all playing at a high level, what really allowed the Giants running game to excel was the presence of Burress.

He was not having the typical Burress-like season, but he was still the x-factor on offense for the Giants because he drew a safety over the top. This prevented teams from using eight-man fronts against the Giants.

And no defense could stop the Giants run game without putting eight in the box.

Everyone knows what happened with Burress—he shot himself in the leg, which ended the Giants' hope for a repeat. Teams could now stack the box because the Giants had no other threats on the outside.

This lead to the Giants losing four of the last five games—including the loss at home to Philadelphia in the playoffs.

Without a receiving threat, Manning struggled, and the Giants were not the same team. Manning did not even throw a single touchdown to a wide receiver in the last five games.

The Giants No. 2 priority coming into the off season (after releasing Burress) was to find a new target for Eli, as they were desperately lacking talent on the outside.

They were rumored to be in trade talks for Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin, but ultimately used the draft to acquire weapons for Manning.

In the first round, they drafted Hakeem Nicks and in the third they took Ramses Barden. Both are promising young receivers, though Nicks is expected to contribute more right away.

Other than that, the Giants are returning almost everyone on offense from the team that went 12-4 one year ago.

Ward signed with Tampa Bay, but Bradshaw will account for his absence. He filled in while Ward was injured and played spectacular football during the Super Bowl run two seasons ago.

The Giants offense has talent, but if Nicks can't step up, then they might be in serious trouble.

Defense

The Giants are loaded on defense. Steve Spagnuolo is gone, but Bill Sheridan is looking to continue the same aggressive scheme that Spagnuolo brought from Philadelphia.

The biggest addition to the Giants' defense is getting Osi Umenyiora back healthy. He is one of the best defensive ends in the league, and he gives the Giants the best and deepest defensive line in the NFL.

They go eight deep, along with a very good linebacking corps (Michael Boley definitely adds something to the mix) and a solid secondary. There are no holes on the Giants defense.

Predicted Finish: 11-5, second in the NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Offense

Terrell Owens is gone, and Roy Williams is the new No. 1 guy.

Getting rid of T.O. should fix the Cowboys problems on offense. He wasn't necessarily causing controversies like he was in Philadelphia and San Francisco. Actually, his past history just made him a victim and an easy target for the story hunters at ESPN (anybody else notice how Ed Werder always had a breaking news story on his hands?)

He did complain about not getting the ball enough, but those comments were said in frustration after a loss. Other than that, all of the other stories about Owens fighting with tight end Jason Witten and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett were all speculation.

Owens was hurting the Cowboys on the field, however. Romo was forcing him the ball—perhaps in response to those comments. For the year, Owens was targeted 143 times, but only had 69 catches. That means he caught less than half the balls thrown his way.

All of those forced passes—some thrown over the head of Owens while he was being doubled—probably cost the Cowboys the playoffs last year.

With Owens now gone, the Cowboys are hoping for a classic "addition by subtraction" improvement in the offense. The Giants have been excellent at this, as they rid themselves of selfish "me first" guys like Jeremy Shockey and Tiki Barber and then won a Super Bowl as a team.

And the Cowboys still have plenty of weapons. Roy Williams can be that No. 1 receiver, while Patrick Crayton is a good No. 2 option and excels in the slot. Witten is also the best tight end in the league, and they have a three-headed monster at running back with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice.

Getting Jones back healthy will instantly upgrade the offense. He will improve the running game, as well as adding consistency and a big-play threat that can bounce it outside and take it to the house.

That ultimately means fewer forced balls down the field from Romo, which will result in fewer turnovers.

Defense

Despite all the stars the Cowboys have on defense, there are still quite a few holes.

DeMarcus Ware is one of the best linebackers in the league, and Bradie James is pretty good, too. But Greg Ellis is now another year older, and Anthony Spencer is not living up to his potential as a former first-round pick.

The Keith Brooking signing also makes little sense....he's on the verge of retiring and has lost a lot of ability. Didn't Jerry Jones learn anything last year about signing older linebackers? Does Zach Thomas not ring a bell?

Dallas could be in line for some serious problems at linebacker, and that could doom their season.

Their secondary is also shallow in depth, and they need their starters to play well. Losing Adam "Pacman" Jones gets rid of an attitude, but also kills the talent level. Terrence Newman has to stay healthy, and former first-round pick Mike Jenkins has to step up and play.

Roy Williams (safety) was cut, and that definitely hurts the run defense. But Gerald Sensabaugh was signed from the Jaguars to take his place, and he had a pretty good season last year.

He stood out on a bad defense and made 70 tackles. He's got a great eye for the ball, and is an upgrade over Williams in pass coverage, where Roy was often criticized.

The Cowboys need their defense to play well, especially their younger players. If that happens, then they will make noise in the NFC East.

Predicted Finish: 10-6, third in NFC East

Washington Redskins

Offense

The Redskins offense got off to a fast start last year. Jason Campbell was managing the game as well as any other NFL quarterback, and Clinton Portis was an early MVP candidate.

But problems along the offensive line—age, injuries, and at times poor play—caused the offense to sputter at midseason, and the Redskins finished just 8-8, despite being an early Super Bowl contender.

The offensive line remains the Redskins' main issue. Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels and long time guard Randy Thomas are both coming off of major surgery, and both are another year older this year. There is little depth behind those two, especially Samuels.

The guy they make holes for, Clinton Portis, is only 28, but he could be seeing his career coming to an end very soon. He has already totaled 2,052 carries, and has endured a lot of wear and tear throughout his seven-year career.

He may have a few productive seasons left under his belt, but his production should drop dramatically by the time he reaches 30.

This year, he will have to stay healthy—something that will be hard to do if he is given more than 300 carries again (342 last year). He has been amassed more than 300 carries four times in his career, but head coach Jim Zorn may want to keep Portis fresh by giving carries to Ladell Betts to avoid another late-season collapse by the Redskins.

If that happens, Portis should have another great year. And Portis makes the 'Skins offense go.

Chris Cooley is a very good tight end, and Santana Moss is a great deep threat for Campbell. But Antwaan Randle El is not good enough to be a number two receiver. The former college quarterback is useful in gimmick plays, but he is not capable of pulling coverage away from Moss.

The Redskins need one of their two second-round picks from last year to elevate their play. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly were not factors last year, and if they don't improve this year, then that will be bad news for the Redskins.

Campbell is in a contract year, and it's now or never for the often-criticized quarterback.

Defense

The Redskins defense was their strength last year, as they ranked fifth overall. They also signed Albert Haynesworth to a monster deal in the off season, and they drafted defensive end Brian Orakpo out of Texas with their first pick in the draft.

Assuming Orakpo gets playing time, and Haynesworth dominates like he should, then the Redskins defense should be even better this year.

They are star laden with talent—Carlos Rodgers, LaRon Landry, DeAngelo Hall, Haynesworth, and London Fletcher make up the core.

Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels are also decent defensive ends, and Orakpo figures to factor into that group as well (though it has been rumored the Redskins may try to move him to outside linebacker).

The Redskins' defense gives them a chance in the NFC East, but on this list, they finish at the bottom of the bunch.

Predicted Finish: 9-7, fourth in the NFC East.

Philadelphia Eagles

Now it's time to analyze how the Eagles stack up in this tough division.

Offense

The Eagles ended up having a top-10 offense last season. But their offensive inconsistencies—especially in the red zone and in short-yardage situations—lead them to a disappointing 9-6-1 record that barely made the playoffs.

Many fans clamored for head coach Andy Reid's firing, and for the Eagles to go out and attain a No. 1 receiver like Anquan Boldin.

Reid definitely had his fair share of play-calling blunders last year, and a receiver like Boldin would improve the Birds' offense. But those two issues were not the main problem.

The Eagles main problem lay in the fact that they were completely one-dimensional.

It's not that Reid didn't call enough running plays. Because he didn't. The Eagles just flat-out could not run the ball at all, and this caused an embarrassment in short-yardage situations.

Brian Westbrook had nagging injuries all year long to his ankle, ribs, back, and knee. He has always been injury-prone, as he has never played in a full 16-game season.

But last year, all of his injuries can be attributed to the blocking in front of him. Offensive tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas were both in their mid-30s, and they could not create holes like they used to.

They were still great in pass protection, because pass protection relies more heavily on technique. Their run blocking was just no longer up to par, especially against athletic defensive ends, and that's why neither of them will be back next year.

All-Pro right guard Shawn Andrews also hurt his back in the second game and missed the rest of the season, and this killed the Eagles' interior running game.

Add to the fact that Dan Klecko, a converted defensive tackle, was playing fullback, and that tight ends L.J. Smith and Brent Celek weren't great blockers, either, and it's easy to see why the Eagles could not run the ball.

All of these problems have been addressed this off season. Smith, Thomas, and Runyan are no longer on the team. They have been replaced with Stacey Andrews, Jason Peters, and Cornelius Ingram.

These three are huge upgrades. Stacey Andrews figures to move to right guard in order to allow Shawn Andrews to play right tackle, where he was a star in college.

Peters puts the Eagles' offensive line over the Giants as the best in the NFL. Some mock the 11.5 sacks he gave up last year, but that was due in large part to his contract holdout. He missed all of training camp, and didn't report until right before the regular season.

Peters is a monster, and is so dominant in the trenches that Reid called him the best left tackle in the NFL. Eagles line coach Juan Castillo is one of the NFL's finest, and he should help keep Jason's head screwed on straight.

The Eagles also signed Leonard Weaver to a one-year contract. Weaver is one of the best fullbacks in the NFL, and is an enormous upgrade over Klecko

Weaver can do it all—block, run, catch passes—and he has a nasty stiff-arm. Need proof? Look here.

(Do not mess with Leonard Weaver)

All things considered, Westbrook should be in line for a great season next year, and is likely to be an MVP candidate.

McNabb now has plenty of weapons, along with a great group of receivers. DeSean Jackson is a star in the making, Kevin Curtis is more than capable of a 1,000-yard season, and Jeremy Maclin is very explosive and figures to fit in somewhere along the line.

Look for the Eagles' offense to fly high in '09

Defense

The Eagles had the third-best overall defense last season, and they are only going to get better. They have depth and youth everywhere- along with a star studded secondary and a deep defensive line rotation.

They lost a lot of leadership with the departure of Brian Dawkins to Denver, but there are other player ready to step up. Stewart Bradley is the most likely candidate to assume the leadership role on defense.

The signing of Sean Jones is an interesting one. Despite a down year last season, he is still considered to be one of the top safeties in the NFL. But it is unknown how he fits in right now on the Eagles.

Dawkins was a free safety, and he could very well be the replacement to Brian. But Sean Jones played strong safety in Cleveland, and Quintin Demps is currently penciled in as the starter at free safety.

If Jones stays at strong safety, he will have to compete with Quintin Mikell, who has been the best player on the Eagles defense for the past two seasons. Mikell shoudln't lose his starting spot, even if he has to compete with Jones.

Whoever starts between Mikell, Jones, and Demps, the Eagles should have the best secondary in the league. Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown give Philadelphia a great cornerback duo. Brown is currently upset with his contract, but he is expected to report to training camp.

The linebacking corps is now strong, with Bradley a likely candidate to end up in Hawaii. Chris Gocong and Akeem Jordan look to continue their improved play, and Omar Gaither will try to compete with Jordan to retain his starting spot that he lost at Baltimore. Most teams don't have a guy like Gaither on the bench, and he will be valuable in case of injuries, as he can play both middle and outside linebacker.

Three of the front four starters are already set, with Brodrick Bunkley, Mike Patterson, and Trent Cole all being Pro Bowl-caliber players. Victor Abiamiri will compete with Juqua Parker for the starting spot at left defensive end, with the coaches expecting Abiamiri to win the job.

Depth on the defensive line gives coordinator Jim Johnson flexibility, as he likes to rotate his lineman and keep them fresh. Chris Clemons really came on at the end of last year and figures to work into the rotation more.

Second-year man Trevor Laws also wants to contribute more as the third defensive tackle behind Patterson and Bunkley. Darren Howard is now 33, but he lead the team in sacks last year with 10.

When all is said and done, the Eagles, along with the Giants, have the potential to boost the top defense next season.

Predicted Finish: 12-4, first in the NFC East

Positional Ranks by team

These are the positional ranks of the four teams in the NFC East.

*Note: This is assuming that all players play injury-free and up to their potential, and it takes into account starters and bench players (with the exception of quarterback)

Offense

Quarterback

1) Philadelphia

2) Dallas

3) New York

4) Washington

Running Back

1) Philadelphia

2) Dallas

3) New York

4) Washington

Wide Receiver (wide receivers only)

1) Philadelphia

2) Dallas

3) Washington

4) New York

Tight End

1) Dallas

2) Washington

3) Philadelphia

4) New York

Fullback

1) New York

2) Philadelphia

3) Washington

4) Dallas

Offensive Line

1) Philadelphia

2) New York

3) Dallas

4) Washington

Defense

Defensive line

1) New York

2) Philadelphia

3) Washington

4) Dallas

Linebackers

1) Tie between New York and Philadelphia

3) Dallas

4) Washington

Secondary

1) Philadelphia

2) Washington

3) Dallas

4) New York

The Eagles will have a tough time in this division. They will have to finish at least 3-3 or 4-2 in divisional play in order to have a chance at winning the division. Their division record was 2-4 last season, and that will not cut it this time around.

As with any other year, if McNabb and Westbrook stay healthy, then the playoffs should be a given.