The Eagles' defensive line was the team's most significant dilemma final season

This year's staff is going to be reminiscent from the Eagles teams that reached 3 consecutive NFC championship contests in advance of ever arrived inside the "City of Brotherly Appreciate."
If head coach Andy Reid can come across a better stability amongst rushing and passing the ball, the Eagles will not be as predictable as they have been last season when most people in the stadium knew when Reid was gonna run the ball.

Those Eagles teams that reached those NFC championship tilts just before Owens arrived had been aggressive and very well coached, but the important big difference in between then and now is the rest of the Birds' division - along with the NFC on the complete, has enhanced by leaps and bounds. No longer can the Eagles count on 5 or six division wins just about immediately.

Even so, I don't expect the Eagles to go away quietly, as Reid has sculpted this group for your lengthy haul. The Eagles also possess the game's most desirable defensive coordinator in Jim Johnson and a lot of Pro Bowl caliber players on defense.
The Eagles primary issues this season are; Cam they throw the ball correctly with no clear minimize "No. 1?" And, can they run the ball successfully sufficient to help keep defenses honest?
If the Eagles response these inquiries positively, they could see themselves in another NFC title tilt. If not, it could possibly be yet another long offseason in Philly.

Quarterbacks
I've often liked and his ability to win video games, but, I'm going on record at the moment to say that McNabb's biological clock is certainly beginning to tick.
Whilst McNabb is ripped frequently by about half from the supporters in Philadelphia zx6r fairings, each of the man has performed is manual the Eagles for the playoffs every single season he continues to be the full-time starter except final season when he was injured with a unpleasant "sports hernia."

If McNabb can stay wholesome, the Eagles may want to when once again, be a genuine contender for your NFC Championship - if he finds a person to catch his usually errant throws, that's. If McNabb ought to go down, the Eagles have veteran, Jeff Garcia, a former Professional Bowler himself, waiting while in the wings.

Operating Backs
I certainly really enjoy Brian Westbrook. Simply just place, he's a contemporary version from the Rams' Marshall Faulk. Westbrook may be a threat that can score from anyplace about the discipline, the two, operating the ball and obtaining.
Yet, the Eagles will need a large back to mix with Westbrook and get the hard short yards when crucial.
Backups, Bruce Perry and Ryan Moats are related backs to Westbrook - tiny and speedy. In the event the Eagles don't address their have for any "big back," they may very well be in trouble.

Broad Receiver/Tight Finish
With Owens gone now, the Eagles shall be forced to rely on guys like Reggie Brown, Greg Lewis, Jabar Gaffney as well as preseason's largest surprise, Hank Baskett, all respectable receivers, but none, what I would contact a genuine "game breaker."
If considered one of these receivers can phase in to the upper echelon with the league's very best pass catchers, then the reply on the Eagles' prayers is going to be answered. If not, we could all be forcefully reminded on the days of Charles Johnson and Torrance Minor.

Offensive Line
The Eagles have a highly competent offensive line - albeit, one that's aging, but nevertheless, competent nevertheless.
Tackles, William "Tra" Thomas is coming off back surgical treatment but is still considerably better than common and Jon Runyan, is still a top-notch offensive lineman whilst he clearly isn't what he put to use to get.
Todd Herremans and Shawn Andrews will begin at guard with Hank Fraley taking part in center. Jamaal Jackson and Winston Justice will even perform crucial roles in supplying depth along the offensive line.

Defensive Line
The Eagles' defensive line was the team's most significant dilemma final season, providing up rushing yards like they had been going from style. Reid yet, has retooled the line and ought to get some vastly improved play - when the members of this unit can keep healthy which is.

The Birds went out and signed veteran defensive end Darren Howard to start at left end and his presence has presently been observed from the preseason - and should preferably help right finish, Javon Kearse get towards the quarterback considerably more also.
The Eagles also drafted yet another defensive lineman (Brodrick Bunkley) for the 2nd consecutive 12 months with their very first round draft select and can include him in to the mix with DE, Darwin Walker, DT Mike Patterson along with Sam Rayburn and Ed Jasper.
What was a weakness for that Eagles last season now looks as though it can be a power. All the same, I hold the correct to reserve judgment until eventually at the very least mid-season.

Linebackers
Middle linebacker, Jeremiah Trotter, who has regained his status because the team's unequivocal defensive leader after a quick two-year remain together with the Washington Redskins, as soon as once again prospects the Eagles linebacking core.
Former Eagle, Shawn Barber, who experienced some mild success in Philly in his to begin with stint, is back and underachieving veteran, Dhani Jones, man's Trotter's other side. Mark Simoneau will back up Trotter, although Justin Ena will provide depth off the bench.

Defensive Backs
I realize the Eagles secondary looked atrocious at times final season, but I'm a firm believer that every commencing member of this unit will return towards the Professional Bowl degree they displayed in 2004.
Safeties Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis are the two significant hitters who may also defend the pass and cornerbacks, Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard are most likely as fine a pair of young corners as there exists during the total league.
That has a small significantly more pressure from their defensive line, I assume this bunch to bounce back enormous time.

Particular Teams
The Eagles have one of the top kickers on all of football in David Akers, who was injured for that far better part of final season. Punter Dirk Johnson has also been incredibly competent and steady also. I'm nevertheless not offered on Reno Mahe because the punt returner while I'll admit that he has positive hands.
Likewise, I'll reserve judgment for the Eagles kickoff returners too. All I realize is it appears like it has been decades due to the fact an Eagle last took a kickoff to "the house."

Coaching
Head coach Andy Reid had an totally terrible season in 2005. Saying it any other way will be to inform a lie. Even so, I nonetheless assume Reid has what it takes to win it all.
If Reid could get back to a a little more balanced play-calling mindset in which the Eagles run the ball considerably more efficiently in 2006, then the Eagles can - and can - be back amongst the most effective teams in the NFC.
If Reid resorts for the all-out aerial assault (which absolutely didn't remind virtually anyone of Air Coryell) the Eagles applied last season, then the Eagles could end up the after once more.