Last Years Record 11-5
Wins: Panthers, Chiefs, Buccaneers, Redskins (2x), Giants (2x), Bears, Falcons, 49ers, Broncos
Losses: Saints, Raiders, Cowboys (2x), Chargers,
Biggest Playmaker DeSean Jackson
WR, California, Drafted #49, 3rd year
Jackson is the definition of a playmaker. Last year he put it all together. He had 1,156 yards receiving, an outstanding 18.6 YPC and 9 TD’s. He is unbelievably quick and agile, and a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
Impact Player Brent Celek
TE, Cinncinati, Drafted #162, 4th year
Celek quietly had a great year for the Eagles. He was 4th, behind Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, and Jason Witten with 971 yards for a tight end. He led the Eagles in receptions and had 8 touchdowns, yet was left off the pro-bowl roster. Look for Celek to have another stellar season and maybe get some well deserved national exposure.
Biggest Offseason Addition Ernie Sims
OLB, Florida St., Drafted #9, 5th year
The Eagles acquired Sims, a former 9th overall pick in the 2006 draft, for just a 5th rounder this offseason. You would think that Sims must be a bust for the Eagles to get him at such a low value, yet he put up 100+ tackles in his first 3 years, and his production only dropped off last year because he was bothered with injuries. Sims is a guy that can make plays from sideline to sideline and he should come in and help out right away. The Eagles biggest problem last year was finding consistent starters at linebacker, so picking up Sims for only a 5th rounder was a huge pick up.
Biggest Offseason Loss Donovan McNabb; Briann Westbrook
QB, Syracuse, Drafted #2, 12th season; RB, Villanova, Drafted #91, 8th season
With the loss of these two guys it seems like the Eagles are losing their whole identity. McNabb and Westbrook have been the face of the franchise for a long time now and it will be just weird to see the Eagles play against Donovan and the Redskins this year. I am sure Eagles fans are excited to see some new, younger guys, but one day they will appreciate how much McNabb and Westbrook did for their team.
Most Interesting Loss Kevin Curtis; Shawn Andrews
WR, Utah St., Drafted 74th, 8th year; OG, Arkansas, Drafted 16th, 7th year
Neither of these players have made an impact in the last two years, but both are interesting losses. Both have been plagued by injuries for the last two years, were released by the team this year, and had pro-bowl caliber ability. In his first year with the Eagles Curtis amassed 1,110 yards receiving and 77 receptions. Unfortunately he got injured the next two seasons. Having him in the slot last year would have made a pretty amazing receiving core. It is the same story for Andrews, except at one point he was considered one of the best guards in football. In the 2008 season he suffered from depression and then went on the IR for the next two years with back injuries. Both guys are great cases of ‘what if’s’ for the Eagles.
Biggest Draft Steal Ricky Sapp
DE/OLB, Clemson, Drafted #134, Rookie
Sapp was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school and had all the talent to become a great pass rushing threat. He never produced like anyone thought he would but still ended up having 17 sacks in his college career. He has so much talent that he could be a guy that puts it all together at the NFL level and could be a huge steal for the Eagles.
Biggest Draft Reach Brandon Graham
DE, Michigan, Drafted #13, Rookie
Graham was a guy I really liked, and after seeing him dominate the Senior Bowl I was convinced he should be a first rounder. Before that point he was a guy that was considered a second round pick, but then the hype started building and a snowball effect took place a little too much. Graham was worth picking up in the 20-32 range, but I think because he became a little too over hyped and the Eagles ended up trading up and drafting Graham with the 13th pick. It was not a great value pick especially with Jason Pierre-Paul and Derrick Morgan, two better prospects still available.
Offseason Grade B
The Eagles brought in 13 new draft picks, some more guys that can rush the passer and Ernie Sims to help out at linebacker. They had a very solid offseason but did not really make any huge splashes and let their starting QB and RB go.
X-Factor Kevin Kolb
QB, Houston, Drafted #36, 4th season
It is surprising to see that the Eagles have so much confidence in a guy that has only started 2 games in his NFL career. The whole city is putting a lot of pressure on Kolb to come in and perform better than McNabb did right away so it will be interesting to see how he handles it.
Name You Should Know Trent Cole
DE, Cincinnati, Drafted #146, 6th season
This is a name everyone should absolutely know. He is one of the best defensive ends in the NFL and has 42 sacks in the last 4 years, yet he is never been in the conversation for best defensive ends with guys like Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers or Jared Allen.
Rising Star LeSean McCoy
RB, Pittsburg, Drafted #53, 2nd year
McCoy had a great rookie season averaging 4.1 YPC and racking in 40 receptions. He should be a guy that can end up replacing Brian Westbrook.
Offensive Outlook B-
The biggest question mark is how Kevin Kolb will perform in his first year as a starter. The Eagles have done a good job of surrounding him with a lot of young talent. Jermey Maclin and DeSean Jackson can only get better, the offensive line is led by one of the best left tackles in the game in Jason Peters, and don’t forget that they have Michael Vick and his ability to run the Wildcat.
Defensive Outlook B-
Defensively the Eagles look very strong on the defensive line and with Asante Samuel at cornerback. The biggest question still has to be the linebackers. Ernie Sims was a big addition but Stewart Bradley and Moise Fokou only have 21 games starting experience between them. The same can be said about their secondary, as they have some young talented guys without a lot of experience.
Special Teams Outlook A-
With Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson as possible punt and kick returners you have to be pretty happy about your chances of a good return every time. P Sav Rocca and K David Akers both have some pretty good legs.
Projected 2010 Record 8-8
From what I have seen from Kevin Kolb, he looks like a great QB. But I am not going to go ahead and equate a couple of good starts to a guy being able to put it together and have a great year. The Eagles should at least be a very fun team to watch this year.
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