High Hopes for Eagles

Victor J. RukavinaJun 25, 2009

Having my heart broken every year for 31 years straight, am I setting myself up for another fall? I have high hopes for the 2009 Eagles, as I did in 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and so on. After making the playoffs last year in an unlikely manner, the Eagles seem to have the potential to improve at many positions. I like the moves that were made in the off season. Having 3 pro bowl players on the offensive line has to generate some good feelings. If Jon Runyon returns to the team, and I hope he does, the "O"-line should be a force to be reckoned with. Given the dual responsibilities of protecting Donovan McNabb and opening up holes for the magnificent Brian Westbrook this group has the potential to excel. There are plenty of wide-outs going to camp, I believe after all has been shaken out, what will remain will be a group of pass catchers that are fast and reliable. I am expecting a remarkable season from Donovan and his core of receivers. I really like Brent Celek at tight-end. He had a great post season and should improve every game. Cornelius Ingram should be a capable back-up to Celek. Rookie LeSean McCoy and the unproven Lorenzo Booker hopefully will be up to the task of backing up the aforementioned Westbrook. Having an experienced fullback in Leonard Weaver should be a great asset.

The fans (including myself) of Philadelphia are almost over the Brian Dawkins issue. He had a golden opportunity to provide for himself and his family and wisely took advantage of it. We all will miss him and what he brought to this team. Someday I hope to see him back in the organization in some capacity. The team has to look to the future at some point and I think Andy Reid does a fine job in that phase of his responsibilities. That being said, the defense has a talented group of players on the defensive line and they should fare well. I have always liked the Eagle's line-backing core. They are young, fast and smart. I expect that they will get better this year and keep improving every year. The defensive back field has lot of potential and talent and there will be fierce competition for roster spots and playing time here. Special teams are solid. The punting game is adequate. Our field goal kicker is among the best in the league, and both kick-off and punt returners are very good.