Philadelphia Eagles Offense In For a Play-Calling Overhaul In 2009?

It has been said time, and time again in the city of Philadelphia: " Andy Reid need improve his play calling!" While most times that phrase includes words not suitable for this piece.

Since 2004, the Eagles playcalling has pretty much been one sided, and lately, it has been predictable. Although, Reid's play calling has powered the Eagles to top ten rankings in offense since 2006. But the lack of a running game has led to the Eagles' red zone struggles and inconsistency of scoring. 

But, that one sided attack, may be one sided no longer. Here is a preview of the possible changes we could see in Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg's play calling in 2009.

More even pass/run ratio

For the first time since 2003, the Eagles have depth at running back. They signed hybrid fullback/running back Leonard Weaver in free agency and drafted former Pittsburgh standout LeSean McCoy in the second round of the draft.

Weaver gives the Eagles the ability to move the chains in short yardage situations (insert: Buckhalter and Hunt failing four times in Chicago). Weaver also has big play ability in the pass game. He catches the ball well on screens and has the quickness and speed to move the ball after the catch. 

McCoy on the other hand is more like the oft-injured Brian Westbrook. He is a slasher back who has the vision and explosiveness to break games open. Like Westbrook, McCoy is also a threat to beat you as a receiver.

With Weaver and McCoy in the fold, Andy Reid should have no doubts about his running game, which SHOULD lead to Reid utilizing them consistnetly. 

More production from the screen pass:

In years' past, Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg have utilized the screen game as well as anyone in the NFL. But in 2008, they saw little success in that department. It could have been for two reasons: 

1. Shawn Andrews, one of the leagues' top guards being sidelined with back issues. 

2. Brian Westbrook was far from 100 percent in 2008.

But with that said, the screen did have its highlights. Brian Westbrook broke one 71-yards for a back-breaking touchdown that ended the Vikings' season in the Wildcard round of the playoffs.

With the additions of Weaver and McCoy to go along with a healthy Brian Westbrook, there is no reason the Eagles should see production in the screen game. 

Running back is not the only position that will see some touches on the screen. With the speed the Eagles possess at wide receiver, the big play is a definite possibility should Reid and Mornhinweg decide to utilize it.

DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jeremy Maclin and on occasion Hank Baskett, can all turn the little screen play into six points.

More potent passing attack:

I know what you're saying, how can the Eagles passing attack be more potent. By potency I mean consistency.

While the Birds' were one of the leagues highest ranking passing attacks, they lacked consistency in the red zone and throwing the ball deep. Most of their big plays came from DeSean Jackson or Kevin Curtis running a slant rather than the few times Hank Baskett breaking a long one.

Though, in the playoffs McNabb, Jackson and Curtis had more success down the field than the regular season.  

Remember 2006? Donte Stallworth and Reggie Brown were a deadly combo for the deep ball throughout the year. They were making big plays down-field on a daily basis.

You would have thought that by adding DeSean Jackson last year, that the Eagles would be firing the ball deep consistently...wrong.

But by adding another threat in Maclin to go down field, Reid and Mornhinweg should open the playbook and look to make big plays down the field on a consistent basis.