As the season quickly approaches, once again Eagles fans cling to the hope of that elusive Super Bowl Title. And once again, the Eagles will be fielding a very competitive team. Are they good enough to go all the way? We shall see. But let's take a quick look at the difference between this year and last years team.
Last year the offense was pass oriented until Donovan McNabb went down with an ACL injury. Our WR's were solid. They were second in the league in plays over 25 yards. So the big play threat was there. Jeff Garcia came in and promptly led the team to five more victories and into the playoffs.
We established a running game led by Brian Westbrook's 1000+ yards rushing. The OL played all 16 games. Shawn Andrews earned his first (of many to come) Pro-Bowl berth. They simply manhandled defenses.
On the defensive side, the Eagles couldn't stop the run last year. It was their major downfall. The DL and LB's were manhandled last year. Running Backs had a field day on occasion. The pass defense was normal. Good solid play from the CB's and S's. A few blown assignments early in the season that led to the benching of Michael Lewis. Shaun Considine took over and was playing out of position. He was manhandled on occasion stopping the run.
This year, McNabb is back. The passing game looks as potent as last year. Gone is Donte Stallworth. Enter Kevin Curtis. Jason Avant has been getting many looks this year, and seems poised to break out.
The running game gets a boost from Tony Hunt, the rookie from Penn State. He will more than likely get the ball in short yardage and goal line situations. Westbrook will still receive the majority of the carries. Buckhalter too will see plenty of action. With Shawn Andrew's status uncertain for the time being, look for Max Jean Giles to impress the coaches. He will play in place of the injured Andrews.
Gone from the Defense is Lewis and LB Dhani Jones. CB Rod Hood also left. Takeo Spikes is the biggest defensive acquisition. The Eagles traded Darwin Walker for Spikes earlier this year. He brings leadership and enthusiasm to the team. Also new to the Eagles are DT's Ian Scott, a solid run stopper, and Monte Reagor, a solid pass rusher. Second year man Brodrick Bunkley has impressed coaches and fans alike with his play in preseason. He is being counted on this year to be part of a much improved D.
Chris Gocong takes over for Jones at SAM. Placed on IR last year, Gocong had a chance to digest Jim Johnsons playbook. It's paying off as he has looked solid so far. The sudden release of MLB Jeremiah Trotter was a shocker to many players and fans alike. Omar Gaither has some shoes to fill. But obviously the coaching staff knows what they are doing.
Considine has bulked up and conditioned himself for the SS spot. William James steps in for Hood. Hanson is back and one of the rookies (Barksdale or Graham) will round out the CB's. Lest we forget Dawkins. The All-Pro FS is nursing an injury now, but will be ready to play in the season opener.
The return game was non-existent last year. That changes this year with Jeremy Bloom. The former Olympic skier has all the tools to be not only a solid return man, but a solid WR's also. David Akers is still one of the top Kickers in the league. But the real battle is the Punter. Sav Rocca has a booming leg and is physically imposing at 6'5 265. If he manages to beat out Dirk Johnson, he will be one of the biggest punters ever.
Overall this team has a great mix of youth and veterans. There are a few roster spots up in the air still. Some young players are impressing the coaching staff to the point that it will be difficult to make cuts. The core of the team is still intact from last year. The offense should again be a top 5 offense. The defense has improved from last year. A division title is not out of the question. A conference title is not out of the question. But winning the Super Bowl........ anything is possible.
--YankeeBoy1046
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