8 Philadelphia Eagles Who Will Fly High in 2012

The Philadelphia Eagles are equipped with loads of talent on both sides of the ball. It's time for certain members of the squad, eight in particular, to step up and lead the team to the NFL playoffs.

Before the 2011 season started, the Eagles were coined as football's "Dream Team". Michael Vick signed a $100 million contract. Nnamdi Asomugha signed a $60 million contract. The team traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

The list goes on.

But the offense stalled with Vick under center. Andy Reid experimented with former offensive line coach Juan Castillo, allowing him to call plays for the defense. DeSean Jackson was unhappy with his contract.

2011 is behind us now.

This offense has had a full season together to find chemistry. Each young player has gained another year of experience. There's time left to fill needs on the defense. The pressure of fulfilling large contracts has settled. "Dream Team" claims have subsided.

Now, there are no more excuses.

But the roster is nearly identical. On paper, they're still one of the most talented teams in the NFL. Success will depend on key members playing to expectations.

In 2012, the Philadelphia Eagles will have us saying, "They are who we thought they were." Mostly, thanks to these guys.

Nnamdi Asomugha

Last season, Nnamdi Asomugha recorded 40 tackles and three interceptions. Both numbers are higher than his average.

The Philadelphia Eagles had a terrible time stopping the run in 2011. If the team can get better at linebacker, it will force offenses to throw more often.

Should that be the case, which is a solid bet, you can expect to see Asomugha's passes deflected and interceptions rise even more. His tackles, commendable already, should stay around the same.

He has the skills, he'll have the talent around him, he's had a year to adjust and a year to calm any nerves from signing a huge free-agent contract.

There is no reason Nnamdi Asomugha shouldn't have an even better season in 2012.

Jason Babin

Jason Babin is coming off the best year of his career.

Two things will contribute to 2012 being even better.

First, he'll want to continue his success. More so, he should want to add to it.

Second, Babin returns to the same team for back-to-back years for the first time since the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Not only that, he returns to Philadelphia where the tough-to-please fans seem to love him.

Comfortable in his surroundings and with support from the fans, Jason Babin will be like a good scotch; better with age.

Brent Celek

A noticeable trend took place in 2012. It appeared to be the year of the tight end.

Many successful playoff teams rode the strength of big, strong tight ends who could block and catch. Most caught extremely well.

Brent Celek certainly isn't as big of a body as Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski. But at 6'4'', 255 lbs. with good hands, Celek is a tough, physical player to take down.

In 2009 he caught 76 passes for nearly 1,000 yards. After a down year in 2010, his numbers rose last season. It's clear, however, the offense was not clicking.

If the Philadelphia Eagles ride the trend and utilize Brent Celek more, he should have an outstanding season. He certainly has the talent to do so.

Trent Cole

While his 11 sacks were impressive, defensive end Trent Cole had a down year. In fact, 2011 was one of the worst years of his career.

It wasn't age. He's only 29.

Maybe it was injuries. He did miss two games due to a nagging calf.

I'll go ahead and be the first to declare it a fluke.

He's got a fantastic combination of strength and speed already. Cole just needs to stay on the field and truly lead the defense.

Next season he'll be healthy and will be an even bigger force to deal with.

DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson was an up-and-coming superstar who put fear into many head coaches. That is, until 2011 happened.

The wide receiver held out for a bigger, longer contract. His performance last season was mundane, and worse, his work ethic was called into question.

Come 2012, Jackson will have plenty of motivation.

He's rumored to be receiving the franchise tag for next season, earning him $9.5 million. The tag provides multiple positive situations for Jackson.

First, he improves his salary, up from $769,960. He can't possibly complain about $9.5 million, can he?

Next, he scores a one-year deal. In this one year he should be motivated enough to go absolutely berserk on the field in hopes of scoring the long-term deal he's dreaming of (whether in Philly or elsewhere).

Otherwise, the franchise tag allows the Philadelphia Eagles to consider trading Jackson for draft picks. If that happens, Jackson could benefit from a change of scenery and have a stellar season for someone else.

Oh, and he's still only 25.

Jeremy Maclin

Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson have the potential to be the best one-two punch in the NFL.

In only his third year, Maclin was quietly consistent last season.

In 2012, he'll be even better. There are zero distractions and he won't be forced to be the guy.

Maclin was on his way to getting better before 2011 caused every member of the Philadelphia Eagles' stats to dip.

At just 24 years old and with another year of adjusting to the league, Maclin will easily return to form. In 2012, he should be able to pass the 1,000 yard receiving mark.

LeSean McCoy

LeSean McCoy carried the load for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

McCoy will only be 24 years old in 2012. Just entering his prime, he's already rushed for more than 1,000 yards in two of his three seasons as a professional.

Why would the trend end?

Simply put, it won't.

Even if his stats drop, which they should if the Eagles find a rhythm and spread the ball around more effectively, he'll still put up great numbers.

Numbers such as 1,150 yards, 12 touchdowns and no fumbles are nothing to scoff at.

Riley Cooper

By now I'm sure you're thinking, "You've given me all such obvious, recognizable names." You're absolutely right. The players on this list should have amazing seasons because they are some of the best around the league.

But here's your dark-horse candidate: Riley Cooper.

Cooper is a lot like Green Bay Packer Jordy Nelson. Both players are on a roster stocked with options. With so many weapons to choose from, defenses have a difficult time covering everyone.

Lining up with or behind Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jermichael Finley and James Jones, Nelson netted over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Sure, Cooper only had 315 yards and one touchdown in 2011. But he played in just six games.

Keep Cooper in the slot and he can be the next Jordy Nelson. Or better, he can beat Nelson to being the next Wes Welker.

When the Philadelphia Eagles' offense (and team for that matter) start firing on all cylinders in 2012, everyone will be rewarded.