2006 Philadelphia Eagles Preview
This year’s Philadelphia Eagles team will be reminiscent of the Eagles teams that reached three consecutive NFC championship contests before Terrell Owens ever arrived in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
If head coach Andy Reid can find a better balance between rushing and passing the ball, the Eagles won’t be as predictable as they were last season when everyone in the stadium knew when Reid was going to run the ball.
Those Eagles teams that reached those NFC championship tilts before Owens arrived were competitive and well coached, but the major difference between then and now is that the rest of the Birds’ division – and the NFC on the whole, has improved by leaps and bounds. No longer can the Eagles count on five or six division wins almost automatically.
However, I don’t expect the Eagles to go away quietly, as Reid has sculpted this team for the long haul. The Eagles also have the game’s best defensive coordinator in Jim Johnson and several Pro Bowl caliber players on defense.
The Eagles main issues this season are; Cam they throw the ball effectively without a clear cut “No. 1?” And, can they run the ball effectively enough to keep defenses honest?
If the Eagles answer those questions positively, they could find themselves in another NFC title tilt. If not, it could be another long offseason in Philly.
Quarterbacks
I’ve always liked Donovan McNabb and his ability to win games, however, I am going on record right now to say that McNabb’s biological clock is definitely beginning to tick.
Although McNabb is ripped constantly by about half of the fans in Philadelphia, all the man has done is guide the Eagles to the playoffs each season he has been the full-time starter except last season when he was injured with a painful “sports hernia.”
If McNabb can stay healthy, the Eagles should once again, be a legitimate contender for the NFC Championship – if he finds someone to catch his sometimes errant throws, that is. If McNabb should go down, the Eagles have veteran, Jeff Garcia, a former Pro Bowler himself, waiting in the wings.
Running Backs
I absolutely love Brian Westbrook. Simply put, he is a modern version of the St. Louis Rams’ Marshall Faulk. Westbrook is a threat that can score from anywhere on the field, both, running the ball and receiving.
However, the Eagles need a big back to mix with Westbrook and get the tough short yards when necessary.
Backups, Bruce Perry and Ryan Moats are similar backs to Westbrook – small and fast. If the Eagles don’t address their need for a “big back,” they could be in trouble.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
With Owens gone now, the Eagles will be forced to rely on guys like Reggie Brown, Greg Lewis, Jabar Gaffney and the preseason’s biggest surprise, Hank Baskett, all decent receivers, but none, what I would call a legitimate “game breaker.”
If one of these receivers can step into the upper echelon of the league’s best pass catchers, then the answer to the Eagles’ prayers will be answered. If not, we could all be forcefully reminded of the days of Charles Johnson and Torrance Small.
Offensive Line
The Eagles have a very competent offensive line – albeit, one that is aging, but still, competent nonetheless.
Tackles, William “Tra” Thomas is coming off back surgery but is still better than average and Jon Runyan, is still a top-notch offensive lineman although he clearly isn’t what he used to be.
Todd Herremans and Shawn Andrews will start at guard with Hank Fraley playing center. Jamaal Jackson and Winston Justice will also play vital roles in providing depth along the offensive line.
Defensive Line
The Eagles’ defensive line was the team’s biggest problem last season, giving up rushing yards like they were going out of style. Reid however, has retooled the line and should get some vastly improved play – if the members of this unit can stay healthy that is.
The Birds went out and signed veteran defensive end Darren Howard to start at left end and his presence has already been noticed in the preseason – and should help right end, Javon Kearse get to the quarterback more as well.
The Eagles also drafted another defensive lineman (Brodrick Bunkley) for the second consecutive year with their first round draft pick and will add him into the mix with DE, Darwin Walker, DT Mike Patterson as well as Sam Rayburn and Ed Jasper.
What was a weakness for the Eagles last season now looks as though it could be a strength. However, I hold the right to reserve judgment until at least mid-season.
Linebackers
Middle linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter, who has regained his status as the team’s unequivocal defensive leader after a brief two-year stay with the Washington Redskins, once again leads the Eagles linebacking core.
Former Eagle, Shawn Barber, who experienced some mild success in Philly in his first stint, is back and underachieving veteran, Dhani Jones, man’s Trotter’s other side. Mark Simoneau will back up Trotter, while Justin Ena will provide depth off the bench.
Defensive Backs
I know the Eagles secondary looked atrocious at times last season, but I am a firm believer that each starting member of this unit will return to the Pro Bowl level they displayed in 2004.
Safeties Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis are both big hitters who can also defend the pass and cornerbacks, Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard are probably as fine a pair of young corners as there is in the entire league.
With a little more pressure from their defensive line, I expect this bunch to bounce back big time.
Special Teams
The Eagles have one of the best kickers on all of football in David Akers, who was injured for the better part of last season. Punter Dirk Johnson has also been very competent and consistent as well. I’m still not sold on Reno Mahe as the punt returner although I will admit that he has sure hands.
Likewise, I’ll reserve judgment on the Eagles kickoff returners as well. All I know is that it seems like it has been decades since an Eagle last took a kickoff to “the house.”
Coaching
Head coach Andy Reid had an absolutely terrible season in 2005. Saying it any other way would be to tell a lie. However, I still think Reid has what it takes to win it all.
If Reid can get back to a more balanced play-calling mindset where the Eagles run the ball more effectively in 2006, then the Eagles can – and will – be back amongst the best teams in the NFC.
If Reid resorts to the all-out aerial attack (which certainly didn’t remind anyone of Air Coryell) that the Eagles used last season, then the Eagles could end up the bridesmaid once again.
