2008 Philadelphia Eagles Predictions & NFL Picks
June 14, 2008
The Eagles will challenge to try and get back to the top of the NFC East after taking a step back in 2007. They were the only team in their division to fall short of the playoffs. Donovan McNabb called for more weapons in the offseason, but the Eagles did little to satisfy his wants. There is more pressure on McNabb in 2008 than ever before as he tries to deliver on his promise of a Super Bowl victory. We give you our 2008 Philadelphia Eagles predictions as well as a team preview below.
Offense:
2007 was the first year back from knee surgery for McNabb. He likely came back too soon and looked very uncomfortable in the early going. The Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb for some insurance this season and he may get his shot if McNabb gets injured once again. In the backfield the Eagles have Brian Westbrook to carry the load. Westbrook remains one of the most underrated players in the league. He gained a league-high 2,104 yards from scrimmage last year. Andy Reid loves Westbrook so much that on draft day he tried to pick up a copy of him. The Eagles traded up to get Lorenzo Booker out of Miami. Booker will compete with second year man Tony Hunt for playing time.
The question looms in Philadelphia as to whether or not McNabb has been provided with sufficient receivers throughout his career. This year it’s clearly the latter as Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis and the rest of the Eagle’s putrid receiving corps combine for one of the worst in the league. Curtis was at least productive in his first season as an Eagle, catching 77 passes for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns. Brown was expected to be the go-to receiver, but he was a colossal disappointment last year. Jason Avant, Hank Baskett and rookie DeSean Jackson will all be competing for playing time. Tight end L.J. Smith will be the X-factor, who’s season was hampered by injuries last year. Smith has long been one of McNabb’s favorite targets in the red zone.
Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews is back this season and it’s yet to be seen whether they will move him to tackle or not to replace either John Runyan or Tra Thomas. Runyan and Thomas are aging and don’t have much left in the tank. Jamaal Jackson will come back at center while left guard Todd Herremans is another story. Much of the pressure McNabb faced came from either the left or middle of the line. Max Jean-Gilles, Scott Young and Winston Justice are all veterans who have been groomed to step into the starting lineup when called upon.
Defense:
Defensive end was a definite bright spot for the Eagles last year. Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard cost a pretty penny, and the problem was that the production came from Trent Cole and Juqua Parker, not the big-name acquisitions. Kearse was released and replaced by Oakland’s pass rush specialist Chris Clemons. Second-year man Victor Abiamiri gives the Eagles a fourth end to rotate in. It gives the Eagles the versatility to switch to a 3-4 alignment in certain situations. Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson emerged as solid starting tackles to compliment these great ends.
The Eagles finally seem to have the linebacker position in good graces. They young corps of backers stepped up big last year. Stewart Bradley showed big-play potential at middle linebacker at the end of his rookie season. Omar Gaither moved to the outside where he’s clearly more comfortable. Chris Gocong is a great pass rusher on the other side. Akeem Jordan was a special teams animal and showed he can play linebacker when called upon as well. The Eagles should only be better at linebacker this season.
The best player on the market in the secondary signed with the Eagles in the offseason. Asante Samuel comes over from New England to be that shutdown corner the Eagles were looking for. It gives the Eagles some trade bait as well as Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard is clearly not happy with his contract. Free safety Brian Dawkins turns 35 during the season, but can still get the job done as the Eagles’ biggest playmaker on defense. Sheldon Brown is solid at right corner. Quintion Mikell emerged to snatch up the starting strong safety spot while Sean Considine was injured last year. Hard-hitting J.R. Reed will compete for a safety spot as well.
Info Plays 2008 Philadelphia Eagles predictions
Philly is getting younger which attributed to their inconsistency last season. But these young studs to come into their own this season and the Eagles could make a run at the NFC East title. But with a shaky offensive line and the Eagles’ failure to add a big playmaker at receiver, Philadelphia won’t be able to put up enough points offensively to keep their defense off the field. Their defense is solid as a rock this year, but they can only carry this team so far. Philadelphia finishes 1-game behind the N.Y. Giants and 2-games behind the Dallas Cowboys as the Eagles have to settle for third in their division.