6 Reasons the Philadelphia Eagles Should Be Optimistic Heading into OTAs

It's spring. Flowers are sprouting, trees are solid green and ladies are in skirts. The sun is out, birds are singing, bees are trying to have sex with them—as is my understanding—and there is absolutely no limit to what the Philadelphia Eagles can accomplish.

It won't be spring forever, so let's take advantage of the unadulterated optimism that has invaded the Philadelphia football world for the second time in as many years. 

With their organized team activities launching today at the Nova Care Complex in Philly, we bring you six reasons to be optimistic about the 2012 Philadelphia Eagles.

1. This is the most talented roster in professional football

On paper, it's not fair. When quarterback Michael Vick is healthy and on top of his game, he's the most uniquely talented and dangerous player in the game. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, both under 26, might also be the best young 1-2 wide receiver punch in football.

They probably won't have the services of All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters this year, but the offensive line is still very talented. Evan Mathis? Best guard in the game. Few centers have brighter futures than the one that lies ahead for Jason Kelce.

How talented is this team? I legitimately forgot to mention 2012 NFL touchdown king LeSean McCoy until now. The 23-year-old is already one of the top three backs in the league.

On defense, the front seven alone features three former All-Pros with a combined six Pro Bowl appearances. Then there's Nnamdi Asomugha, who'll go down as one of the best cornerbacks of the decade, manning the back end alongside athletic marvel Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Those two have a combined eight Pro Bowl and All-Pro credits to their names.

2. This is the deepest roster in the NFC East

I know what you're saying to yourself: "Self, this is really exciting. But what if some of these guys suffer short- or long-term injuries?"

Never fear, because this is a team that has insured itself in as many spots as possible.

Behind defensive line starters Jason Babin, Trent Cole, Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson are two recent first-round draft picks in Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, plus a rookie second-rounder in Vinny Curry. 

Beyond Ryans and potential rookie sensation Mychal Kendricks at linebacker, there are three potential starters in Brian Rolle, Casey Matthews and Jamar Chaney. I know I used the word "potential" a little too often there, but that's why this team is stacked on paper. Better than not being stacked at all, right?

There isn't a lot of experience beyond Vick or McCoy, but few teams have the depth to cover their studs at those positions. Jackson and Maclin complement and spell each other. And on the line, Demetress Bell, Todd Herremans and King Dunlap are there to soften to blow brought on by the injury to Peters.

Depth isn't really tangible, but it's clear that Howie Roseman and Andy Reid have found more of it than any team in the division, and maybe any team in the sport.

3. DeMeco Ryans knows how to tackle opposing players

Only the Buccaneers missed more tackles than the Eagles in 2011, according to Football Outsiders. And I'm pretty sure Tampa Bay stopped actually attempting them after about Week 9. 

Ryans, who comes from Houston and takes over at middle linebacker, is a two-time Pro-Bowler and a steady tackler. The 27-year-old wasn't suited for Houston's 3-4 defense, which made him expendable. But before that transition and an off 2010 season marred by injury, Ryans recorded at least 112 tackles in each of his first four seasons as a pro.

Hopefully, his presence will rub off on a team that famously missed 13 tackles in one game last season.

4. The defense has a full offseason to jell

Sure, chemistry is overrated, but the Eagles didn't have enough time to get acclimated after making substantial post-lockout changes last summer. There's no reason 30-year-old shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha won't return to his All-Pro form and continue to build a Hall of Fame résumé in 2012. 

It also didn't help that first-year defensive coordinator Juan Castillo appeared to be in over his head as he worked to transition a defense containing a handful of new starters in 2011.

As a result of the rushed preparation process, the defense gave up at least 24 points and 330 yards in four of their first five games. And then, during the final four weeks of the season, they gave up fewer than 12 points per game.

5. The rookie class is ready to contribute right now

That defense will get even better now that they've added four quality defenders in the first four rounds of the draft. Kendricks, a second-round pick out of California, will probably start. He'll spread the field as a run-and-pass defender, but he can also rush the quarterback.

Cox and Curry might not have to contribute much early, but both are considered to be starting-caliber prospects, and fourth-round corner Brandon Boykin should have a chance at winning the nickel role.

6. Nobody is preoccupied with contract qualms

This could be perceived as a potential problem, because nothing lights a fire under a player like a contract year. That said, it'll be nice for a team vulnerable to distractions to not have to stress over whether DeSean Jackson, Trent Cole or LeSean McCoy will show up for offseason activities or training camp. 

It's crucial that a veteran-laden team comes together as soon as possible to get that chemistry level up, and now that guys like Jackson, Cole and McCoy have been taken care of with long-term contract extensions, every single member of the team's core is financially satisfied and secure for several years to come. 

That should increase morale while sharpening the team's focus. 

Don't worry, Philadelphia sports fans, we'll be back 10 minutes after the season opener with 34 reasons to be pessimistic.