Are the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Bound?

It’s a simple question. 

It’s enough to put dread into the hearts of Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins fans based on the utter domination of the division by the Eagles in recent years. 

The Eagles have won five division titles this decade, been to the playoffs seven times, and generally run roughshod over the NFC.  And let’s not forget the success in the postseason, garnering five appearances in the NFC championship game, albeit only one Super Bowl appearance. 

Following the last two seasons in which the Eagles missed the playoffs and achieved wild card status, the conventional thinking is that the Eagles are poised for a big run, especially after their headliner offseason. 

The Eagles are a sexy, trendy pick to get back to the ‘Bowl. 

Here’s why they won’t:

The Additions of Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews Are Overrated

The Eagles struck quickly in free agency to sign Stacy Andrews, an athletically talented tackle from the Bengals.  Andrews had started the majority of the previous two seasons at right tackle.  The Bengals were 30th in the league last year, giving up 51 sacks, or an average of nearly 10 per lineman. 

While not all of these are attributable to Andrews, it isn’t far-fetched to suggest that, while talented, he is not an elite or even good lineman yet.  The company line being sold by the Eagles is that re-uniting him with his brother, Shawn, will make both of them better players. 

There is also speculation that Stacy will move inside to guard while Shawn moves outside to tackle.  What would possibly make fans believe this is anything but a recipe for the unknown?  You are introducing two players to positions they are unfamiliar with at the NFL level (although Stacy did start five games at guard for the Bengals). 

Shawn, while sporting a trio of Pro Bowl appearances, has suffered through injuries and depression.  The Eagles also traded one of their first round picks to solidify the left tackle position after letting Tra Thomas walk in free agency. 

Peters, who has also appeared in multiple Pro Bowls, was largely ineffective last year for the Bills, giving up reportedly 11.5 sacks. 

It remains to be seen whether he will be motivated now that he has received the contract extension he had been desperately seeking.  Compounding all of this newness on the line is the aforementioned loss of Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, longtime stalwarts at tackle.  The absence of their veteran leadership can only add to the situation. 

If you were told that your team would lose its two longest tenured, veteran tackles, and you would have two new linemen coming off down years and two linemen starting at positions they have little to no experience at, what would thrill you about that scenario?

Is it possible that the Eagles will have a great line?  Sure.  But to assume it, in the face of all that’s been suggested, seems foolish.

McNabb’s “New” Weapons Are Very “New”

Last year the Eagles had a frequently productive offense capable of scoring on big plays while struggling with consistency and red zone effectiveness.  DeSean Jackson had a sparkling rookie year, and though he did not break the 1,000 yard mark, he proved his worth in the deep passing game. 

Kevin Curtis was injured more often than not and wasn’t able to contribute much.  Reggie Brown has been a below average starting receiver. 

LJ Smith was allowed to walk in free agency, leaving the unknown Brent Celek to assume his starting role at tight end.  Presumably, the Eagles are going to start DeSean Jackson and rookie Jeremy Maclin, relegating Kevin Curtis to slot duty. 

With Brian Westbrook’s age and durability issues, the Eagles also drafted LeSean McCoy.  Eagles fans assume he will split carries with Westbrook, creating opportunities for the exciting rookie while keeping the dependable veteran fresh. 

The problem with this logic is that the Eagles are a passing team, only running the ball 26 times per game on average.  There are not enough carries to have two feature ball carriers in this offense.

In addition, Andy Reid has shown reluctance to pull Westbrook from the game, having sparingly used Correll Buckhalter in past years despite the known problem of Westbrook's injuries. 

The Eagles will have starting receivers with one cumulative year of NFL experience, a tight end with under a full year of starting experience, two new offensive linemen, three of om are starting at new positions, and a backfield situation in flux between an electric but injury prone veteran and a rookie.  Is the hype really warranted?

The Defense Has Lost Key Veteran Leadership

Brian Dawkins was the face of the Eagles defense for over a decade, before he was unceremoniously allowed to depart in free agency to the Broncos.  While Dawkins' skills had eroded with age, he was still an effective safety, a capable blitzer, and the defender most intimate with the defensive scheme of Jim Johnson. 

No one currently on the roster has enough experience with the defense to replace his knowledge, nor do any have the respect of the entire defense as their leader. 

Sheldon Brown is the longest tenured starter on defense, and his quarrel with the front office over his contract would make him an unlikely candidate to sacrifice so much for the team.  The front seven include no one with more than four years of experience as a starter. 

The Eagles have a young, active defense that is far from a sure thing.  Jim Johnson’s unfortunate battle with cancer has left them without a defensive coordinator.  His 10 years at the post cannot be understated, as they replace him with Sean McDermott.