The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the few teams who manage to field a competitive squad each season while others go through the ups and downs that are associated with the salary-cap era. And it's really no huge secret how they do it. They remain solid year after year, in the trenches.
Head coach Andy Reid recognizes the importance of quality linemen on both sides of the ball, and he does a good job of keeping fresh talent coming in despite what others perceive as bigger areas of need.
What's New?
Former Rams wide receiver Kevin Curtis was brought in to be a deep threat on offense, filling the role held last season by Donte' Stallworth. Having shown promising stretches while in St. Louis, some think Curtis is ready to have a breakout season.
The Eagles also picked up some veteran talent on defense in the form of linebacker Takeo Spikes and defensive tackles Montae Reagor and Ian Scott.
NFL Draft Picks
2nd Round - Kevin Kolb, QB Houston
2nd Round - Victor Abiamiri, DE Notre Dame
3rd Round - Stewart Bradley, OLB Nebraska
3rd Round - Tony Hunt, RB Penn State
5th Round - C.J. Gaddis, S Clemson
5th Round - Brent Celek, TE Cincinnati
6th Round - Rashad Barksdale, CB Albany
7th Round - Nate Ilaoa, FB Hawaii
Who's Gone?
A lot has been made of the Eagles' decision to allow QB Jeff Garcia to walk, but A.J. Feeley is more than capable of running the offense if called upon. Of bigger concern should be the losses on defense of LBs Shawn Barber and Dhani Jones, CB Roderick Hood, S Michael Lewis, and DT Darwin Walker.
Also, on offense the team lost its most explosive deep threat in Donte' Stallworth, who joined the Patriots as a free agent.
What Needs to Change?
Quarterback Donovan McNabb needs to stay healthy Granted, the team has performed well in his absence in years past, but the Eagles chances of getting to, and winning the Super Bowl are much greater if McNabb is close to 100%.
Under Pressure to Perform
Donovan McNabb - Having played just 19 games over the past two seasons, McNabb has got to show more durability. Because of his inability to make it through an entire season, the team decided to draft Houston QB Kevin Kolb in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Most likely Kolb won't be ready to challenge McNabb until 2008 at the earliest, but if McNabb has problems staying healthy again this year, he could be on his way out.
Kevin Curtis - With Donte' Stallworth no longer on the team, the pressure is on Curtis to become the team's deep threat on offense. He has the speed to get the job done, but I'm not sure he's ready to be the Eagles' No. 1 receiver. Fortunately, Reggie Brown may step into that role and take some of the pressure off Curtis.
Takeo Spikes - Brought in to help shore up the linebacking corps, Spikes has the versatility to play all three positions. Most likely he will start on the weak side for the Eagles. In his prime, he was an effective pass rusher, which is key for Jimmy Johnson's scheme. But injuries have taken their toll. Regardless, he should still give the Eagles defense a shot in the arm.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 2nd (381.4)
Rushing Offense - 11th (124.0)
Passing Offense - 3rd (257.4)
Overall Defense - 15th (328.1)
Rushing Defense - 26th (136.4)
Passing Defense - 9th (191.7)
Prediction - The Eagles will remain a solid club again this season and will battle the Dallas Cowboys for supremacy in the NFC East. Expect a tight race that comes right down to the wire between these two clubs.
Record: 11-5 and first place in the NFC East.
