Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Season

I don't normally take part in the prediction business. 

However, I am willing to take a stab at making five bold predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles in the upcoming 2011 season. 

These are guesses based solely on gut feelings about a season that is still very much in doubt of starting on schedule. 

Without further delay, here are my five predictions for the Eagles in 2011.

Lesean McCoy and Dion Lewis Will Terrorize Opposing Defenses

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ni

LeSean McCoy had a breakout season in 2010 as the featured running back in the Eagles offense. 

In the 2011 draft, the Eagles selected McCoy's teammate at Pittsburgh, Dion Lewis. 

Lewis is a smaller, shiftier back who can catch the ball out the backfield with the best of them. 

The combination of McCoy and Lewis has the potential to be deadly to opposing defenses when game planning against both dynamic backs. 

The Offensive Line Will Be Vastly Improved

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Danny Watkins, #22 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

On draft night, I was in complete shock over the Eagles' selection of Baylor guard Danny Watkins. 

However, upon reflection, it was the best move possible for this team.  Michael Vick needs superior protection in order to stay on the field and off of the trainer's table. 

By protecting his blind side with a linemen like Watkins, the Eagles offense will have many more opportunities to let Vick control the offense. 

Not to mention, under the tutelage of offensive line guru, Howard Mudd, this line could vastly improve upon their porous 2010 performance.

Desean Jackson Will Be Disgruntled and Play with a Chip on His Shoulder

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

DeSean Jackson wants to get paid. 

It is no surprise that he hired super agent Drew Rosenhaus as ammunition in his fight with the Eagles front office to get the money that he thinks he deserves. 

His character has shown me that he understands that he will not get what he wants by pouting. 

Jackson will go out and do his job to show the front office that he is worth every penny that is coming to him. 

Rosenhaus is just the muscle, but Jackson has the brains to perform like he is one of the top paid receivers in the game.

Coach Juan Castillo Will Improve the Defense

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PHILADELPHIA - 2008: Juan Castillo of the Philadelphia Eagles poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Getty Images)

Juan Castillo did wonders with the offensive line in his time as the coach of that unit. 

It is apparent that he knows how to motivate his guys to play and that they trust in whatever he tells them. 

Its that confidence he instills in his players that makes him an outstanding coach in the NFL. 

Aside from the fact that this is the first time he has ever coached a defense on the pro level, the intangibles are there for Castillo to be successful in his new position. 

Michael Vick's 2010 Resurgence Will Continue

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles scrtambles against B.J. Raji #90 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (

It has been questioned whether or not Michael Vick can repeat his 2010 performance in 2011. 

It appeared that teams did indeed figure him out towards the end of the season.  However, Vick has become a student of the game and less of a reckless athlete.

Given the time and opportunity, Vick can be what he was at the beginning of 2010, as well as the dynamic playmaker he can be. 

With another year under his belt in Andy Reid's offense, Vick will continue to grow in this offense in which the sky is the limit for his successes.