NFL Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Additions:
G Danny Watkins (draft)
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (FA)
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (trade)
DE Jason Babin (FA)
WR Steve Smith (FA)
DL Cullen Jenkins (FA)
QB Vince Young (FA)
RB Ronnie Brown (FA)
T Ryan Harris (FA)
DT Derek Landri (FA)


Key Departures:
QB Kevin Kolb
LB Ernie Sims
S Quintin Mikell
G Max Jean-Gilles
LB Stewart Bradley 


Report:
The Dream Team looks to be a force on offense. QB Michael Vick, after a spectacular comeback season, will look not to regress. Vick is a dual threat quarterback. The Eagles may need him to be with the holes in the offensive line. In a preseason game against Cleveland there were many holes and the offense couldn't get into rhythm. The running game relies on RB LeSean McCoy and pick-up Ronnie Brown. McCoy is more of a speed and elusive back, while Brown will be asked upon in short yardage situations. Vick has talented targets at his disposal. WR DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are always threats to catch it deep. Third WR Jason Avant is an underrated player and is usually open on the field. TE Brent Celek has good hands, but Vick doesn't use him that much.   

Some positions of the defense have great depth and should be good. Philadelphia grabbed Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins to put more pressure on the quarterback. They will join Trent Cole and Mike Patterson, and will battle Jaqua Parker and Antonio Dixon for starting spots. Linebacker looks a little low on players and talent. Linebackers Moise Fokou and Jamar Chaney will team up with rookie Casey Matthews. The Eagles are also very deep at cornerback. CB Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were acquired during the offseason and will join Asante Samuel to make a three-headed monster at corner. Safety is another position they might have to look at. Jarrad Page will have to hold down the position until Nate Allen returns from injury. Kurt Coleman is the other starter, after Quintin Mikell left during free agency. 


The Eagles will send out two rookies at kicker and punter. Alex Henry is going to have to replace longtime Eagle David Akers. P Chas Henry will start in place of one the best punter in the league last year. KR DeSean Jackson showed what he can do in New York when he won the game for them. 


Review:
The Eagles certainly were the winners of the free agency period. Their pick-ups were talk of the time, but people aren't focusing on their weaknesses. The offensive line and run stopping down the middle must step up if a Super Bowl is a possibility. Philadelphia can win their division and a Super Bowl is not out of the realm. 


Division Finish: TBA