Grading the Eagles: Week 1

Week One of the 2009 NFL season is in the books. Many surprises came out of week one, but maybe none as surprising as the Eagles defensive performance over the NFC's No. 2 seed last year, the Carolina Panthers.  I will break down the Eagles and grade their performance, but it's going to be hard to find a grade less than an 'A' on this squad this week.

Lets start this off on the defensive side of the ball, since they were on the field first.

Defensive Stats - Quick Hits: Sacks - 5 INT-5 FF-2 TD-1

D-Line: A
The D-Line for the Eagles accounted for 3.5 sacks, and continually pressured all of the QBs that were in the game for the Panthers. The line stopped the running game by clogging all the holes, and kept two of the best RBs in the league to under 80 yards. This unit really played well, and look for this to be the cornerstone of the defenses success this year.

LBs: A

While still reeling from the loss of starting MLB Stewart Bradley, the Eagles LB corps stepped it up big time against the Panthers on Sunday. We saw the INT by Akeem Jordan, and we saw great run support from the entire group. Sean McDermott showed us all that he really knows how to use these LBs to get to the quarterback, and that he can bring the pressure from all around the defensive side of the ball. Don't expect the same type of performance from the LBs all year, but this group of young backers should be solid enough to keep the Eagles at least in the top 10 of total defense, if not top five.

DBs: A

How about a hand for the defensive backs? They had four picks, and dropped at least two more that should have been picked off. Sheldon Brown looked like a man possessed out there, seemingly putting his contract troubles aside and just playing football. The defensive backs didn't get involved much in the blitz game, but it didn't seem like they needed to. McDermott will get them involved when necessary, but why reveal all of your defensive looks while you're up 28 and dominating?  

This group of CBs, all the way down to the nickel and dime corners is the best in the NFL by a long shot.  Quintin Mikell and Macho Harris will play together well in the deep defensive backfield, with Sean Jones and Quentin Demps providing solid backups, who could start on many teams in the NFL.

Offensive Stats - Quick Hits: TDs-3 Players with at least 1 Rec-8 Rushing Avg: 5.78 YPC

O-Line:
The offensive line for the Eagles, missing two starters, played extremely well against a talented, but thinning D-Line for the Panthers.  A total of zero sacks were given up by the Birds this past Sunday. Winston Justice proved that he can play in the NFL, going head to head with Julius Peppers, who is still an elite pass rusher.  This line has the potential to be scary, especially with Herremans and Shawn Andrews coming back.  McNabb had all day to throw, and the RBs were able to average almost 6 YPC!

Grade: A

QBs:
McNabb played extremely well, making good decisions, and better throws.  His receivers had a couple of drops, but it ended up not mattering.  Unfortunately, McNabb did crack his rib on a late hit after a three yard touchdown run.  Kolb came in and looked...well, he looked like Kolb. He is really not the  future of the Eagles, as I do not feel he fits into our offensive scheme. Hopefully DMac-5 doesn't miss any time. If he does, its NO and KC that we play before the bye.  We can take a game from KC without McNabb, NO, not so sure about...

Grade: B (Averaging in Kolb's performance as well)

RBs:
Westbrook looked like his normal self again, and that is good news for Eagles faithful all around the country. Whats the better news?  LeSean McCoy looks like he will be able to live up to the hype.  Again, players rushing the ball averaged almost six YPC, and all three players out of the back field caught at least 1 pass.  Add into the mix DeSean Jackson and his ability to run the ball out of the wildcat formation, and you have a very nasty four-headed monster, and that doesn't even include Mike Vick.  Look for this group to continue to grow as the season progresses.

Grade: A

WRs/TEs:
Aside from a couple of key drops, I think the receiving group played pretty well in week one.  We didn't get to see Maclin or Brown catch the ball at all, but that will change. This group is very deep, and while that doesn't bode well for fantasy owners, it is great news for Donovan McNabb.  He now has playmakers all around him, and should be able to toss at least two TDs a week, all while keeping his INTs down.  Look for Brent Celek to be the big red zone threat he was in the NFC Championship game, and hopefully continue to build his skills as a blocker, as well as receiver.

Grade: B+

Special Teams:
DeSean Jackson with his 85-yard punt return for a TD (spurred by an illegal block in the back that wasn't called) was the highlight of the week for the Eagles Special Teams. This goes to show everyone just how explosive DJax can be.  He has incredible field vision, and his speed and quickness are unparalleled.  I could see him taking another two or three back this year, and hopefully more!  Sav Rocca punted well, placing 2/4 of his punts inside the 20, with a 49-yarder as his long for the afternoon.  Akers went 1/2 on FGs, but he made a 49-yard shot, which looked like it could have been good from 55+.  He was a perfect 5/5 in extra points.

Grade: A

Overall, the Eagles played what looked like Super Bowl football.  If they can continue to play at this high of a level, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Lombardi is not far from reach.  Hopefully we can live through the injury to Donovan and come out of our bye at at least 2-1, if not 3-0.  Look for more grades of the Eagles every week! Please comment and let me know how you feel!