Philadephia Eagles: Most Over-Hyped NFL Team in 2009?

Like the Dallas Cowboys of 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles are being proclaimed by the pundits as preseason favorites to win the NFC. Also like the Boys of '08, these prognostications are based on hype rather than substance.

While the Eagles did make it to the NFC title game last year, they were still a nine-win team that squeaked into the playoffs. I say "squeaked" because the Eagles didn't come roaring into the playoffs. They lost in Week 16 to the Washington Redskins 10-3. Playing for their playoff lives, they could only muster three points against a Redskins team with nothing but pride to play for.

And now comes 2009. Nobody seems to remember anything about the 2008 season except that the Eagles ended up in the NFC title game. So, with the addition of a tackle that had a mediocre season in 2008, a couple of unproven rookies, and a castoff cornerback from the Patriots, the "experts" are ready to hand over the NFC title to the Eagles. No, seriously?

The Eagles offense may or may not be slightly better than 2008. Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy are unproven, and could end up being boom or busts. Nobody knows. The addition of Jason Peters may be an even trade for the loss of Tra Thomas, but Peters only had a so-so season last year. Westbrook looks to be injury-prone, and I don't believe he can be counted on to carry a heavy load anymore.

As for the defense, it can only be worse with the loss of Dawkins. He has been the emotional leader of the defense for years, and that type of intangible attribute must be accounted for.

And then there is Donovan McNabb. Can he really be counted on for anything but inconsistency? He looks great at times, but he looks like he completely loses focus at other times.

Within the brutal NFC East, there will be no easy ride for the Eagles. Despite what some sportswriters are giving the Eagles before the season starts, they have as much of a chance to finishing last in the division as they do first.

But, by some miracle, if the Eagles were to win the NFC, does anyone think they would have a prayer against a team like Pittsburgh or New England in the Super Bowl? No, they would be embarrassed.