NFL 2000 Preview - NFC East
By: James AlderDateline: August 13, 2000
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that appears to be headed in the right direction, but they still have a few holes to fill before they become true contenders. They have a couple potential young stars in Donovan McNabb and Duce Staley that could be the foundation for their offense for the next few years. Another key addition or two could turn the Eagles into playoff contenders.McNabb will take the reigns at quarterback this season after sharing playing time with Doug Pedersen during his rookie year. Right now he is more dangerous to opponents with his feet than with his arm, but if he can develop into an efficient passer he will bring back memories of a young Randall Cunningham to many Eagle's fans. Pedersen will serve as McNabb's backup this year and Koy Detmer will probably be the third string.
The receiving corps for the Eagles are definitely not among the better groups in the league. Last year Torrance Small was the team leader in receiving with a modest 655 yards, but not a single other receiver in the bunch broke the 500 yard mark. This is an area that needs a big upgrade to help McNabb in his development.
Another area that needed a big upgrade was the offensive line, and some relief is on the way with the signing of right tackle John Runyan from the Tennessee Titans. Runyan, who started 48 consecutive games for the Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers, was a key for the Titans in opening holes for running back Eddie George. When asked how he could help the Eagles, Runyan replied, "The biggest thing I bring to the game is the physicalness and the nastiness that you need to have on the football field". Eugene Chang will replace Jeff Delenbach at right guard and the Eagles' coaches say they are impressed with the physical play of left tackle Tra Thomas.
At running back Duce Staley will once again shoulder the load, but Philadelphia needs to come up with a solid runner that can take some of that load away from Duce. Staley appeared to wear down at the end of last season and did not have a 100 yard performance after week ten. Darnell Autry has returned from a one year retirement in hopes of winning that back up job, but whether or not he will come through is questionable.
The Eagles do have one of the better defensive secondaries in the NFL. Bobby Taylor will take over as the starter at strong safety for Tim Hauck, but all other starters should remain the same.
Another weakness for the Eagles last season was the pass rush. Mike Mamula led the team in sacks last year with eight and a half, but at times the pressure on the quarterback was anemic and the secondary was forced to cover the receivers for too long.
Outside linebacker Carlos Emmons was added to the help boost the talent at linebacker. He provided the Pittsburgh Steelers with six sacks last season, and should fit in well with the Eagles' blitzing scemes. Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter led the club with 120 tackles last year. Look for him to take another step forward this year as one of the leaders of this aggressive defense.
Philadelphia appears to be a team on the rise, but I think the glory days are still a year or two away.
Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Washington Redskins
How Will They Finish?
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