2007 Philadelphia Eagles

Not only do the Philadelphia Eagles have the most complete roster in the NFC East, they have one of the most complete teams in the NFC and just might have what it takes to make the Super Bowl in 2007.

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Despite a nice run to end the 2006 regular season under journeyman QB Jeff Garcia, the Eagles were set on getting franchise QB Donovan McNabb back in the saddle for the 2007 season. He is the perfect fit for head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhingweg’s hybrid West Coast attack. There version of the familiar offense allows plenty of room for McNabb’s famous improvisations and includes taking more chances down the field then the New York Jets’ West Coast offense does for example. With Brian Westbrook getting the opportunity to be a go-to guy in McNabb’s absence last season, the Eagles will surely have to tailor their game plan to get more touches for him as well. But with a healthy McNabb we can fully expect Reid to return to his pass-oriented style which calls for about 20 percent more pass plays than running plays.

The thing that really makes this Eagles’ offense work is its impenetrable veteran offensive line. All five of these durable meat eaters played all 16 games last season, and made Jeff Garcia look like a Pro Bowler. The Eagles also have the depth to go deep into the playoffs, but they do have perhaps one weak spot. The loss of deep threat Donte Stallworth will be a minor set back unless another speedster can emerge to stretch the defense.

Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is perhaps the most attack oriented coordinators in all of football. He puts constant pressure on opponents by blitzing nearly every down from all levels of the defense. Because his speedy physical corners can handle man coverage, it allows Johnson to keep the blitzes coming because he doesn’t have to worry about his boys being beaten deep. Surprisingly, the run defense was ranked just 26th last season. The Saints really exposed the Eagles run defense in the playoffs. I don’t look for this to be quite as big of a problem in 2007 as it has more to do with scheme than lack of personnel.

The Eagles’ boast the league’s most potent offense by far and they have the horses to right their wrongs against the run on the defensive side of the football. Keeping these things in mind and counting on a healthy McNabb, we like the Eagles to rule the roost in the NFC East in 2007. And I don’t think anyone would call this team a sleeper if they made an appearance in Super Bowl XLII. So while all of your friends and co-workers are making their calls on the Bears, Colts, Patriots, Chargers, etc., you can give them a little more in depth look by throwing the Eagles at them as Super Bowl contenders.

By Jeff Alexander – 7/18/2007

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