It didn’t take me long to remind myself that I’m a strong, hulking, alpha male. I lifted heavy luggage for my beautiful girlfriend, sprinted back to the apartment to eat lucky charms out of tupperware, turned the television to the NFL network and all of the sudden, it’s 11PM. The tupperware’s still in the sink, and aside from a brief break to watch the Red Sox / Tigers ballgame, the television hasn’t moved from channel seventy-seven.
Now, considering that hefty schedule, you can probably understand why I’ve been thinking about the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have suffered some fairly serious injuries (here and here) but even still, the Philadelphia Eagles will be the most enjoyable franchise to watch on a weekly basis.
The Eagles are bucking the established trend of building a squad that “travels.” It’s cold in Philadelphia, or so I hear; so you’d expect a power running team built to wear opponents down. The Eagles instead have decided to build the kind of team that’s unbeatable in Madden: Agility’s praised at the skill positions, physicality on the lines, and aggression on defense.
The offensive line is amongst the best in the league barring injury. Herremans and the brothers Andrews are already dinged up, but when healthy they combine with Jason Peters, Winston Justice and Jamaal Jackson to form an intimidating line that’ll definitely open up some holes. The only question is whether or not this line will be able to move well enough to facilitate the screen-game.
McNabb is still McNabb, and there’s nothing new here. McNabb’s still capable of rushing for first downs, but the game breaking dashes are probably history. It’s McNabb’s targets that are interesting.
When the Eagles drafted Cal’s DeSean Jackson in the second round of last year’s draft, it was a gamble that yielded immediate dividends. So why not add another game-breaker to compliment Jackson and White-Lightening? Thus, the 19th overall pick became Mizzou standout, Jeremy Maclin. Reggie Brown and Jason Avant both have some talent, but more importantly have some bulk, not much, but at least some.
Finally, the Eagles have arguably the most versatile running back in Brian Westbrook and his rookie impostor, LeSean McCoy. McCoy seems to have everything required to be a Philly running back, and the expansive playbook won’t be curtailed by his entrance into the ballgame.
This is the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense. Routes based on track-speed and agility, with Westbrook and McCoy sneaking underneath. Any team that attempts to gain access to McNabb’s Chunky Soup will invite the screen pass. The Screen Pass to Westbrook, to Maclin, to McCoy, to Jackson — To Celek? Probably.
As defensive backs get larger to cover tall, jump ball threats at WR, they also become less fluid. Philadelphia’s wide-outs are going to be twisting and turning their hips, tying them into knots, while racking up the YAC. Opposing teams are going to try and press the receivers, but Philadelphia’s line should be able to keep McNabb upright long enough for them to get open. Neither Westbrook nor McCoy are suited to go between the tackles, but both will have success doing so.
The defensive unit is equally as exciting and will be soaring around the field, as we’ve come to expect. Normally, the departure of both your heart and your soul is a bad thing, but Brian Dawkins’ release may prove to be beneficial. Dawkins was starting to exhibit the signs of old-age, and the trio of Quintin Mikell, Quintin Demps and Sean Jones should provide some interesting options. Sean Jones has always been a favorite of mine since his days as a Georgia Bulldog, and his skill-set is a perfect fit for an aggressive Eagles defense.
Philly’s corners are the best in the business, given the scheme they play in. The linebacking crew without Bradley is going to be in for a long season. If Bunkley and Patterson continue to mature they’ll provide a solid push up the middle with sack-specialist, Trent Cole, taking the high-road upfield; All of which should lighten the load on the linebacking corps. Chris Gocong, who was repeatedly drafted in the top-10 in EA Sports’ colossal failure “NFL HEAD COACH,” will occupy the strong side linebacker with Jordan and Gaither fighting for the weak-side spot. God only knows who will fill Bradley’s MLB position, but a warm body will do.
Everything will depend on the two defensive tackles and their progression as hard-nosed football players. If opponents attempt to exploit any particular level of this defense, the remedy will certainly entail more blitzing.
I’m not saying the Eagles will win the Superbowl, or even the NFC East, but they’ll definitely be the most enjoyable to watch. If opponents thought the Eagles used the screen to set up the intermediate-to-deep pass last year, just wait until September.
Edit: It appears as though Michael Vick has signed with the Eagles. Hopefully, with everything I’ve previous stated, you can see the infinite possibilities at Andy Reid’s disposal. With Donovan McNabb, Mike Vick, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, and Kevin Curtis all running around like wild-men, there is little doubt that the Eagles will be the most exciting team in the league.
Before the Vick signing, I figured the Vikings with Percy Harvin could compete with the Eagles for excitement, but now it’s not even close.
