Philadelphia Eagles Looking for Answers this Preseason

Who will start at free safety and middle linebacker? Will the offensive line become healthy and develop chemistry by Sept. 13?  How much can be expected of the rookies?

The preseason may determine the answers to these questions and more.

After 12 years, Brian Dawkins is being replaced as the starting free safety and undisputed emotional leader of the defense.

With all due respect to one of the greatest Eagles ever, Dawkins was aging and his play was declining. The new starting free safety may be an upgrade in terms of ability.

Dawkin’s successor has yet to be named. The competition between Sean Jones and Quintin Demps may come down to the last preseason game.

Jones, a former Cleveland Brown who was signed as a free agent, is a big hitter and a playmaker. He recorded a career high 111 tackles in 2006, and has had 14 interceptions over the past three seasons. He faces a very big transition because the Eagles utilize their safeties very differently than the Browns do. In addition to learning a new playbook, he is practically learning a new position. Word out of camp is that he has impressed.

Heading into the preseason, Demps is the man to beat. He is entering his second season in the league and did a nice job as a supplement to Dawkins last season.

Stewart Bradley was expected to be the new leader on defense this year, but he tore his ACL last week and is expected to miss the whole season. Joe Mays and Omar Gaither will compete to replace him.

Gaither has shown what can do. He was the starter a few years ago. He is skilled in coverage and plays smart. He lacks size though and often fails in run support.

Mays has the inside track. He was impressive in training camp and the preseason last year. He has shown potential as Bradley’s backup and may be a pleasant surprise if he can continue to progress as a player. He is a hard hitter with a nose for the ball.  

A time share that would name Mays the starter but bring Gaither on the field for third down passing situations is also being considered.

The Eagles could use better play at left defensive end to complement Trent Cole. Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons, and Bryon Smith are all young and talented. Look for someone to step up this preseason and set themselves apart.

The offense is bringing in some exciting rookies. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is a game breaker with blazing speed and good size. He has a chance to contribute as a big play threat this season. Running back Lesean McCoy is a shifty and agile runner who has drawn comparisons to Brian Westbrook. He is expected to play an important role in the offense this year as a much needed supplement to Westbrook.

Cornelius Ingram was supposed to contribute this year, but recently tore his ACL. The team will need to find a second tight end quickly. They will be auditioning several during the preseason games.

The offensive line will need to get its act together before the regular season begins. For the first time in eight years, William Thomas and Jon Runyan are not the Eagle’s starting tackles.

Free agent Jason Peters is expected to replace Thomas on the left. He was dominant in 2007 and is known as one of the league’s most talented tackles, but allowed 11 and a half sacks last year and has missed most of camp with minor injuries. If he gets back on track, he should be an upgrade over an aging Thomas.

Shawn Andrews is expected to change positions from right guard to right tackle, replacing Runyan. When healthy, he is one of the league’s most talented offensive linemen, but he is recovering from back surgery and mental health issues that ruined his season in 2008.

Stacy Andrews, Shawn’s brother, was signed to replace Nick Cole at right guard. He is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, but is said to be fully healed. If Shawn can’t play, Stacy could play right tackle, creating a position battle at guard between Max-Jean Gilles and Nick Cole. Todd Heremans and Jamaal Jackson are returning at left guard and center.

The offensive line has gotten younger and appears to be one of the most talented in the league. They need to develop chemistry and stabilize their health concerns. If they do, they should be one of the best in the league. If they are unable, they may take a big step back as a unit. So far, the projected starting line has yet to even practice as a unit.

The Eagles head into this preseason with a lot of unanswered questions. How well they answer these questions will play a large role in determining how high they can fly.