Philadelphia Eagles Have Inside Lane to Super Bowl

After a wild offseason, there is no better team in the NFL than the Philadelphia Eagles.

With a first-round loss in last year’s playoffs, the Eagles are determined to make a serious run at a Super Bowl this season.

The team’s already potent offense has taken strides forward, and the team will benefit from the talent and depth brought in through the draft and free agency.

Another year to develop and gel with star weapons DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper, Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy has been good for Pro Bowl quarterback Michael Vick, but the Eagles wanted to give him more toys to play with.

Philadelphia went out and got former New York Giants receiver Steve Smith, Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown and Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young to add depth and talent to the already stellar offensive squad.

While the offense was one of the best in the game last season, one glaring weakness was on the offensive line. Not only did the Eagles draft a starting right guard in Danny Watkins, but they brought in free agent Ryan Harris to either take the right tackle spot or push Winston Justice to earn it.

With an offense ready to explode, the Eagles front office had to add the same kind of firepower to the defensive side of the ball.

First, the Eagles went hard at the draft for defensive players that could start in the NFL. They came out of it with middle linebacker Casey Matthews and safety Jaiquawn Jarrett, both of whom look to be on the fast track to starting.

In a free agency period filled with stellar defensive talent and tentative approaches by other GMs, the Philadelphia Eagles decided to make a splash like the franchise had never seen before.

The Eagles' biggest free-agent move came with the signing of former Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who the team will partner with Asante Samuel and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie (acquired in a trade for backup quarterback Kevin Kolb) to form the best secondary in football.

However, what makes this secondary even more dangerous is the improvement on the defensive line—a group that didn't pressure enough quarterbacks last season.

Philadelphia brought in legendary defensive line coach Jim Washburn, as well as free agent studs Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin to ensure a quality pass rush with great run-stopping ability.

With the defense as talented as the offense, the Philadelphia Eagles will expect nothing but the best. They will finish the season 12-4 and have home-field advantage throughout the NFL playoffs.

After that, it's Super Bowl or bust!

Check back for more on the NFL world as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s Football Page to get your fill of the NFL.

Follow Donald Wood on Twitter @Donald_Wood