I want to take a break from the game analysis series that I have been doing and take this oppurtunity to break down the NFC East. I'm not talking about simply predicting how the schedule will play out or the final standings of the NFC East, either. What we will do here is assign a number grade to each player projected to make the 53 man roster from each of the four NFC East teams. With the number grade, rationate will be provided for assigned grades. These grades only reflect this year's ratings. For example, Reggie Brown is rated as a "3", but the expectation here is that Brown will eventually become a "4". We will see how each of the team's units compare by adding up the total number of points from each player in that unit. The first installment will cover the Eagles quarterbacks and running backs.
Quarterback
Donovan McNabb (5)
This time last season, McNabb scoring a "5" in these rankings would have been a slam dunk. This season, however, coming off a season ending injury and losing Terrell Owens are both causes for a debate over the quarterback's rating. The feeling here is that McNabb will handle the pressure of this season quite well and rebound nicely from his disasterous 2005 campaign. McNabb is still the best quarterback in the NFC, not Matt Hasselbeck. Carson Palmer (if healthy), Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady are the only quarterbacks in the NFL that should be ranked ahead of him. This is a critical season for Donovan McNabb, one in which he must prove himself all over again, but until further notice McNabb's entire body of work warrants this ranking.
Jeff Garcia (3)
Jeff Garcia provides a quality backup option for the Eagles should Donovan McNabb get hurt, something that the team lacked last season with Mike McMahon. Garcia, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, isn't the player that he once was, but is a more than servicable backup. Despite lacking a big arm, Garcia is an accurate passer, thus making him effective in the west coast offense. The short to mid-range passing game is Garcia's strength as a quarterback. Despite entering the 2006 season at 36- years old, Garcia can still make plays with his legs.
Koy Detmer (1)
Detmer knows the system, but beyond that the Eagles third string quarterback doesn't bring much to the table for his team. Detmer lacks both the arm strength and size to be an effective quarterback in this league. It is over for Koy Detmer. It's just a hunch at this point that the Eagles will retain him, but that is a mistake. Certainly, I'm not saying that Timmy Chang is the answer, either, but the Eagles need to go in a different direction here.
Quarterback rating: 9 Points
Running Backs
Brian Westbrook (3.5)
Some may argue that this ranking is too low for Westbrook, but until he can show the ability to stay healthy a full season, he does not deserve a "4" ranking. Brian Westbrook is one of the more versatile running backs in the league and is a headache for defensive coordinators around the league. He is a solid ball carrier, but Westbrook's real strength lies in his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Although Donovan McNabb's success directly correlates with his team's success, Brian Westbrook may be just as important to the Eagles fortunes this season.
Ryan Moats (2.5)
Ryan Moats showed both hard running and big play capability in his rookie year with the Eagles. Now, Moats most show that his rookie season was not a fluke and take his game to the next level. Moats has the ability to run for 500 yards for this team if he receives 8-10 carries a game. That's a big if, however. Moats must show a dramatic improvement in both catching the football and blocking in order to warrant a higher rating and really take his game to the next level.
Bruce Perry (2)
Perry was very good in a limited oppurtunity returning kicks last season. He also ran the ball effectively in his handful of carries in 2005. Perry has a chance to be a little bit of a sleeper here. Drafted in the 7th round, the former ACC player of the year will have a chance to play a large role in the Eagles offense this season. Perry is a decent blocker and is thought to be as much of a "big back" as the Eagles have. Perry has the ability to gain somewhere between 300-450 yards if Moats and Westbrook stay healthy and is used as a third running back. Here is another player that could warranty a higher rating at season's end, but right now this is what he gets.
Reno Mahe (1)
Jack of all trades, master of none. Mahe is an OK blcoker, can catch the ball, and knows the scheme. He lacks ability though, so he warrants this grade. How many more years is this guy going to find a way to stick around on the roster?
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Game Three: 9/24 @ San Francisco
In my last entry, I noted that the previous week's game against the Giants is one of the more difficult games on the schedule to get a feel for. The third game of the season, however, seems about as predictable as a game can be nearly two months before it is played. We will get back to this in just a moment.
The Eagles will head to San Francisco for their third contest of the season to take on the 49ers. Mike Nolan's team struggled immensely last season, posting a record of 4-12. One of those losses came at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles prior to their mid-season tailspin, 42-3.
The feeling here is that Mike Nolan will eventually become a very good NFL Head Coach and turn around a 49ers franchise that has fallen on hard times in recent years. Nolan added offensive coordinator Norv Turner to his staff, whichfrom a scheme standpoint should improve the 49ers on that side of the ball.
At this point, the 49ers appear to have had one of the better drafts in April of the 32 NFL teams. They used their first-round draft choice (6th overall) to select TE Vernon Davis. The superior-talent out of Maryland should prove to be worthy of his high draft selection. He is a tight end with phenomenal speed, he can block, and will provide a big play threat for the 49ers offense from a position where it is uncommon to do so. San Francisco also upgraded their defensive line in the draft, using their second first-round draft choice (22nd overall) on former NC State DE Manny Lawson.
Notable free agent signings include former All-Pro Dallas offensive guard Larry Allen, who will be entering his 13th season as a pro. They also replaced wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who departed for the Redskins, with underrated Antonio Bryant.
Still, while the final score will almost certainly not read with a 39-point discrepancy as it did in Week 2 of last season, the expectation here is that Philadelphia will knock off the 49ers for the second straight year. While the team doesn't have extra incentive to win this game like the season's first two contests, this one should play out favorably for Philadelphia based on talent alone.
Expect for the Eagles to go into San Francisco and throw the ball all over a talent-depleted defense and run the ball just as effectively, if they choose to do so. The Eagles offensive line has a clear advantage in this game and should have it's way with San Francisco's front four. The Eagles certianly do not possess the most lethal offense in the league, they have plenty of talent at the skill positions and at the line of scrimmage to put up somewhere in the neighborhood of 24-30 points.
On the other side of the ball, rookie Alex Smith, nor his offensive line, are not a match for a very much improved Eagles front four. Smith, the former first-pick overall in the 2005 draft, will be entering his second season and needs to play better immediately after struggling to show much in his rookie season. Frank Gore is a little-known running back, but by the end of the 2006 season the thought here is that the former University of Miami tailback will open some eyes around the league. Still, a very inexperienced offense such as San Fransisco's should struggle against Philadelphia's blend of youth and veteran experience on defense. Both the Eagles secondary and front four should have a clear advantage in this football game.
With that said, the expectation here is that the Eagles will win this game somewhere in the area of 7-13 points despite playing on the road, improving their record to 3-0.
At this point, you are probably wondering if I believe that the Eagles will run the table this season. The answer, in short, is no. This team will run into some problems as the season progresses, but at this point I see them heading into their October Monday Night Football showdown with the Packers undefeated.
Final Score 26-17
Up Next: Home Vs. the Green Bay Packers (Oct 2nd)
The Eagles will head to San Francisco for their third contest of the season to take on the 49ers. Mike Nolan's team struggled immensely last season, posting a record of 4-12. One of those losses came at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles prior to their mid-season tailspin, 42-3.
The feeling here is that Mike Nolan will eventually become a very good NFL Head Coach and turn around a 49ers franchise that has fallen on hard times in recent years. Nolan added offensive coordinator Norv Turner to his staff, whichfrom a scheme standpoint should improve the 49ers on that side of the ball.
At this point, the 49ers appear to have had one of the better drafts in April of the 32 NFL teams. They used their first-round draft choice (6th overall) to select TE Vernon Davis. The superior-talent out of Maryland should prove to be worthy of his high draft selection. He is a tight end with phenomenal speed, he can block, and will provide a big play threat for the 49ers offense from a position where it is uncommon to do so. San Francisco also upgraded their defensive line in the draft, using their second first-round draft choice (22nd overall) on former NC State DE Manny Lawson.
Notable free agent signings include former All-Pro Dallas offensive guard Larry Allen, who will be entering his 13th season as a pro. They also replaced wide receiver Brandon Lloyd, who departed for the Redskins, with underrated Antonio Bryant.
Still, while the final score will almost certainly not read with a 39-point discrepancy as it did in Week 2 of last season, the expectation here is that Philadelphia will knock off the 49ers for the second straight year. While the team doesn't have extra incentive to win this game like the season's first two contests, this one should play out favorably for Philadelphia based on talent alone.
Expect for the Eagles to go into San Francisco and throw the ball all over a talent-depleted defense and run the ball just as effectively, if they choose to do so. The Eagles offensive line has a clear advantage in this game and should have it's way with San Francisco's front four. The Eagles certianly do not possess the most lethal offense in the league, they have plenty of talent at the skill positions and at the line of scrimmage to put up somewhere in the neighborhood of 24-30 points.
On the other side of the ball, rookie Alex Smith, nor his offensive line, are not a match for a very much improved Eagles front four. Smith, the former first-pick overall in the 2005 draft, will be entering his second season and needs to play better immediately after struggling to show much in his rookie season. Frank Gore is a little-known running back, but by the end of the 2006 season the thought here is that the former University of Miami tailback will open some eyes around the league. Still, a very inexperienced offense such as San Fransisco's should struggle against Philadelphia's blend of youth and veteran experience on defense. Both the Eagles secondary and front four should have a clear advantage in this football game.
With that said, the expectation here is that the Eagles will win this game somewhere in the area of 7-13 points despite playing on the road, improving their record to 3-0.
At this point, you are probably wondering if I believe that the Eagles will run the table this season. The answer, in short, is no. This team will run into some problems as the season progresses, but at this point I see them heading into their October Monday Night Football showdown with the Packers undefeated.
Final Score 26-17
Up Next: Home Vs. the Green Bay Packers (Oct 2nd)
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Game Two: 9/17 vs. NY Giants
While it's difficult to get an accurate read on any game that will be played in over two months from now, this game is even more difficult to assess than others on the schedule. The Giants will visit Lincoln Financial Field for the Eagles Home Opener. This is another important game for the Eagles, a team widely considered among national media to be the cellar-dwellers of the NFC East. Not only will the Eagles want to come out and make a statement in front of their home crowd, but they will also want to show that they are good enough to win games against division rivals, something that they were unsuccessful with in six tries last season.
The Eagles stayed close with the eventual NFC East Champions in 2005, even without Donovan McNabb, but went on to lose both contests. The Giants upgraded their defense significantly in the offseason, adding linebacker LaVar Arrington along with Sam Madison and Will Demps to an improving secondary. If the Eagles young offensive line is as good as advertised, they should be able to contain the talented Giant defensive ends. The Giants should defend the pass well this season, so if Andy Reid is true to his word and wants to run the ball more in 2006, than this would probably be the game to do it. I suspect they will find some balance and rhythm offensively, scoring in the area of 17-21 points.
On the other side of the ball, Eli Manning is not all the way there yet. Manning is both young and talented, but it's obvious that he is not quite as good as some "experts" make him out to be. This space wonders how much life is left in the aging legs of running back Tiki Barber, but the guess here is that this certainly won't be the season in which his play declines. Barber is still as explosive as ever and will figure to give the Eagles fits running the football. Jeremy Shockey obviously provides a viable threat in the middle of the field, but the key to this game is containing Barber. The Eagles will have to make Eli Manning beat them and with the Eagles deep and talented front four and playmaking secondary, I like their chances.
I will preface this prediction by saying that I feel the Eagles will ultimately go 3-3 against their division opponents this season, likely splitting the season series with each of the three teams in the division. In three years of play at Lincoln Financial Field, including postseason contests, the Eagles have compiled a 19-9 home record. Since this is another statement game for Philadelphia and because it is at home, I will go with the Eagles in this one.
Final Score: 21-20
Up next: 9/24 @ SF 49ers
The Eagles stayed close with the eventual NFC East Champions in 2005, even without Donovan McNabb, but went on to lose both contests. The Giants upgraded their defense significantly in the offseason, adding linebacker LaVar Arrington along with Sam Madison and Will Demps to an improving secondary. If the Eagles young offensive line is as good as advertised, they should be able to contain the talented Giant defensive ends. The Giants should defend the pass well this season, so if Andy Reid is true to his word and wants to run the ball more in 2006, than this would probably be the game to do it. I suspect they will find some balance and rhythm offensively, scoring in the area of 17-21 points.
On the other side of the ball, Eli Manning is not all the way there yet. Manning is both young and talented, but it's obvious that he is not quite as good as some "experts" make him out to be. This space wonders how much life is left in the aging legs of running back Tiki Barber, but the guess here is that this certainly won't be the season in which his play declines. Barber is still as explosive as ever and will figure to give the Eagles fits running the football. Jeremy Shockey obviously provides a viable threat in the middle of the field, but the key to this game is containing Barber. The Eagles will have to make Eli Manning beat them and with the Eagles deep and talented front four and playmaking secondary, I like their chances.
I will preface this prediction by saying that I feel the Eagles will ultimately go 3-3 against their division opponents this season, likely splitting the season series with each of the three teams in the division. In three years of play at Lincoln Financial Field, including postseason contests, the Eagles have compiled a 19-9 home record. Since this is another statement game for Philadelphia and because it is at home, I will go with the Eagles in this one.
Final Score: 21-20
Up next: 9/24 @ SF 49ers
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Playing the Schedule Game: 9/10 @ Houston
While talent, coaching, and roster depth are the three key factors that determine the success of a football franchise, there are certainly other intangibles that must be taken into consideration while attempting to predict how the 2006 football season will unfold for the Philadelphia Eagles. One of these said intangibles is the schedule. Sometimes a team's "A" game is simply not good enough against the more talented teams in the league and on some Sundays, a "C" game can be good enough to squeek by with a victory. Indeed it is foolish to predict a season's results three weeks before the pads go on for the first time at Lehigh University. Inevitably, there will be injuries, holdouts, and other circumstances that will dramitically alter the landscape of the NFL come September, but this space will give it a shot, anyway.
Let's break down the Eagles 2006 schedule, included with each game is the prediction and rationale (or lackthereof) behind the pick.
Sunday September 10th, 1PM Eagles @ Texans
Despite traditionally struggling under Andy Reid in season openers, many of those games were played against teams who would later reach the postseason. The Texans do not figure to be one of those such teams.
Under new Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Houston should be improved from the 2005 season on both sides of the football. They added center Mike Flannagan from Green Bay and veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds from Buffalo. Former Packers Head Coach Mike Sherman's influence as offensive coordinator along with improved talent should make the unit better than a year ago. Number one overall pick Mario Williams will be playing his first regular season game and should instantly be a good player for the Texans defense, along with second round draft choice LB Demaco Ryans from Alabama. Despite adding these youthful playmakers, the Texans defense lacks depth and is vulnerable.
Expect the Texans defense to struggle against Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and the other Eagles playmakers. This is a statement game for the Eagles, one in which they will want to silence the critics who say this team will sputter offensively without the presence of Terrell Owens. It would only be one win in the grand scheme of things, but it would do wonders for this team's morale.
With a revamped front four, Jim Johnson's defense should be able to create pressure on David Carr, whose offensive line is still suspect. Where there is pressure there are turnovers. This win would improve Andy Reid's opening game record to 3-5.
Final Score: 23-16
Coming Next: Home Vs. the New York Giants (Sept. 17th)
Let's break down the Eagles 2006 schedule, included with each game is the prediction and rationale (or lackthereof) behind the pick.
Sunday September 10th, 1PM Eagles @ Texans
Despite traditionally struggling under Andy Reid in season openers, many of those games were played against teams who would later reach the postseason. The Texans do not figure to be one of those such teams.
Under new Head Coach Gary Kubiak, Houston should be improved from the 2005 season on both sides of the football. They added center Mike Flannagan from Green Bay and veteran wide receiver Eric Moulds from Buffalo. Former Packers Head Coach Mike Sherman's influence as offensive coordinator along with improved talent should make the unit better than a year ago. Number one overall pick Mario Williams will be playing his first regular season game and should instantly be a good player for the Texans defense, along with second round draft choice LB Demaco Ryans from Alabama. Despite adding these youthful playmakers, the Texans defense lacks depth and is vulnerable.
Expect the Texans defense to struggle against Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and the other Eagles playmakers. This is a statement game for the Eagles, one in which they will want to silence the critics who say this team will sputter offensively without the presence of Terrell Owens. It would only be one win in the grand scheme of things, but it would do wonders for this team's morale.
With a revamped front four, Jim Johnson's defense should be able to create pressure on David Carr, whose offensive line is still suspect. Where there is pressure there are turnovers. This win would improve Andy Reid's opening game record to 3-5.
Final Score: 23-16
Coming Next: Home Vs. the New York Giants (Sept. 17th)
It's been awhile
I've decided to end the hiatus with the site. With less than three weeks to go before NFL training camps get set to begin around the country, I thought now would be an appropriate time to attempt getting this site off the ground. In the next few weeks the entries will be flowing. Stay tuned.
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