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2005 Team Report: Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterbacks
Starter: Donovan McNabb
Starting QB: Donovan McNabb enjoyed his best season in 2004, both statistically (64% completion, 3,875 yards, 31 TDs, 8 INTs) and in the win-loss column, leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl and a narrow three-point defeat at the hands of the dynastic New England Patriots. McNabb has always been a playmaker, and recognized as one of the league's best quarterbacks (five consecutive Pro Bowls), but the addition of Terrell Owens a season ago raised McNabb's game to a new level, a level he's in the position to match in 2005 as the team returns intact for yet another championship run.
Backup QB: For the second year in a row, longtime backup Koy Detmer faces competition for the #2 job. This season, his competition comes from Mike McMahon, the former Detroit Lions quarterback who signed a 2-year deal this offseason. McMahon is significantly more athletic than the undersized Detmer, is more mobile and has a stronger arm. However, Detmer knows the Eagles offense inside and out, has always been a more accurate passer, and is PK David Akers' longtime holder. The most likely scenario is that Detmer retains the QB2 moniker on game day as long as McNabb is healthy. Should McNabb be sidelined for a considerable period of time the Eagles would probably give McMahon the shot at starting.
Running Backs
Starter: Brian Westbrook
Starting RB: A season ago, with Duce Staley gone to Pittsburgh, Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter were supposed to share the load and provide the Eagles with a balanced one-two punch. However, Buckhalter suffered a season-ending knee injury late in the preseason, and Brian Westbrook's role went from important to indispensable. Some worried that Westbrook wouldn't be able to handle a heavy workload given his size and injury history, yet he finished fourth in the NFC with 1,515 yards from scrimmage, caught 73 passes and scored nine touchdowns. One could argue Westbrook was as important, if not more so, than Terrell Owens in terms of the Eagles' offensive execution. In 2005, Westbrook is again positioned to be the team's primary playmaker. Look for the team to use him in a variety of ways, as a runner out of the backfield, lined up in the slot and out wide on occasion to capitalize on defensive mismatches. Westbrook is playing this season under a one-year tender as a restricted free agent. He wants financial security in the form of a long-term contract, but his agent and the Eagles' personnel department have been unable to find common ground. Backup RBs: With Correll Buckhalter's 3rd season ending knee injury in five seasons, the Eagles acquired Lamar Gordon off waivers to go along with rookie Ryan Moats and diminutive Reno Mahe. Gordon, a one-time 1st round pick of the Rams, fond himself looking for work after failing in his bid to claim the Dolphins starting job a year ago. Gordon has great size (6'1", 215 lbs.) and speed, but his measurables haven't translated to consistent onfield production. Moats, the Eagles third round selection from Louisiana Tech, is often compared to Westbrook for their builds and running styles. He would've likely served as a change-of-pace back and return option in 2005, with an eye toward being Westbrook's possible replacement in 2006. But with Buckhalter's injury Moats could have a much larger role.
Fullback: Josh Parry, a converted linebacker, took over for the injured Jon Ritchie last season and was effectively a sixth offensive linemen. Parry has the same straight ahead battering ram style of Ritchie, and the team felt there was little to no drop off. After a spirited training camp battle, Parry held off Ritchie and will remain the team's starting fullback in 2005.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Terrell Owens, Greg Lewis
Starting WRs: It took Terrell Owens all of four games to exceed the touchdown production of the entire receiving corps from the 2003 season. Owens proved every bit the difference maker the Eagles had hoped for, amassing 77 receptions for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. Owens' 2004 season was punctuated by a broken ankle in Week 15. While most pundits expected that to end his season, he defied medical logic and played effectively (9 receptions for 122 yards) in the Super Bowl. After a tumultuous offseason that included hiring Drew Rosenhaus and taking shots at Donovan McNabb, Owens reported to training camp and it looked like things were starting to normalize. But then he was suspended for a week and has been a nonstop fixture on the airwaves making his (rather illogical) case. Eagles management has been steadfast in their refusal to redo his seven-year contract after just one season, nor do they intend to trade or release him. Oh boy. As long as Owens in on the field (admittedly a bigger if than we had bargained for), he should again be among the league's best receivers. With the season-ending loss of Todd Pinkston, slot receiver Greg Lewis moves into the starting lineup. Lewis, a sure-handed if slightly undersized third-year receiver had earned a larger role in the team’s passing game after the depature of Freddie Mitchell, but no one, Eagles brass included, can be sure that Lewis is ready for a full-time starting role. Backup WRs: Greg Lewis was supposed to be the team's slot receiver, but after sliding into the starting lineup, the team took a hard look at rookie Reggie Brown and veteran Billy McMullen this preseason. Although both had their moments, the Eagles moved quickly to sign Darnerian McCants upon his release from the Washington Redskins. McCants, limited to a part time player in D.C., has shown a propensity to make catches in the red zone, and will provide the Eagles with depth and an option should Brown no rise to the occasion early in the season. The Eagles selected Brown, a productive and highly touted rookie from Georgia, in the early part of the second round, and he will be worked into the rotation with an eye toward starting in 2006 if not before. Billy McMullen, a former third round pick, has struggled to work into the rotation but has a slight edge over the other roster invitees for the team’s fifth receiver spot.
Tight Ends
Starters: L.J. Smith
Barring an unexpected change of mind, longtime Eagle Chad Lewis is retiring after a nine-year career. That elevates L.J. Smith to the starting role, although most NFL observers recognize that Smith was already the team's best tight end finishing the 2004 season with 34 receptions for 377 yards and five touchdowns. Smith is an able blocker, but his real talent lies in his ability to make plays as a receiver. As a rookie, Smith had the tendency to botch easy plays as he was looking to make plays on the ball before properly securing it, but last season he became one of the team's best red zone options. The backup TE position remains in flux. Steve Spach won the training camp battle for top backup honors, but he's nowhere close to Smith's class. Veteran Mike Bartrum rounds out the TE corps, as the team's long snapper. Place Kicker David Akers : Akers has ranked in the top ten in kicker scoring for five consecutive years (the second best streak in the NFL). His FG accuracy has been above 82% every one of those years. He is accurate from long range and had an exceptional number of longer kicks last year (15 of 18 from 40-49 yards, and 2 of 3 from 50+ yards). He's also strong on kickoffs with a dozen touchbacks last year. Kick and Punt Returners Kick Returners: Roderick Hood, Reno Mahe, Dexter Wynn The Eagles will very likely be without their leading KR from last year, J.R. Reed (33 returns, 23.1 avg), who suffered a severe leg injury during an offseason fence climbing accident. CB Roderick Hood (Eagles second leading KR last year with 15 returns, 22.4 avg) ill take over the top KR position. Potential backups include CB Dexter Wynn and/or RB Reno Mahe. If the defense limits opponents' scoring again kick return opportunities will be few (the Eagles ranked only 28th in total kick return yards last year). Punt Returners: Dexter Wynn, Reno Mahe, Brian Westbrook Two years ago, the versatile Brian Westbrook had 2 TDs on punt returns and an impressive 15.3 yard averages. The team avoided using him on returns last year (although he did handle all the punt returns in the Super Bowl) due to his increased RB duties. They missed him in this facet of the game. Reno Mahe averaged only 5.7 yards returning punts the first part of the year. After he was injured, Dexter Wynn took over and faired somewhat better - averaging 10.8 yards. As long as Westbrook remains a workhorse on offense, Wynn and Mahe will probably continue to share the punt return duties. Offensive Line
Projected Starters: RT Jon Runyan, RG Shawn Andrews, C Hank Fraley, LG Artis Hicks, LT Tra Thomas
If guard Artis Hicks can continue to make improvements (he should thanks to a strong work-ethic), and if 2nd-year guard Shawn Andrews can rebound from the broken arm he suffered as a rookie to become the dominant force he appears capable of being, the sky is the limit for this unit. The two veteran tackles, Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas, are wonderful bookends and do a good job in both the passing and rushing games. Both players have great size and experience and are tough, aggressive players. Thomas missed camp recovering from a blood clot in his leg but is being counted on to anchor the line yet again. Center Hank Fraley isn't an elite player but has done a sound job for the club. The depth is decent but not exceptional. How well this group plays simply depends on how quickly Andrews can become the man on the inside of this line. Expect a small learning curve and then strong play from this group throughout the last half of the season. Team Defense Last year Philadelphia became the talk of the NFL offseason when they signed two of the highest profile free-agents on the market, WR Terrell Owens and DE Jevon Kearse. By opening their wallet, they not only shed their persona of being a frugal franchise but they also became the early favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. While the moves paid dividends with a fourth straight trip to the NFC Championship game and a birth in the Super Bowl, the Eagles have to realize that there is still work to be done. How do you do continue to improve once you've come so close to reaching the pinnacle? The first step is re-signing key free-agents, which the Eagles have done in bringing back MLB Jeremiah Trotter. The team's depth has improved so markedly that they were willing to part ways with DT Corey Simon, DE Derrick Burgess and DE Hugh Douglas because there were younger, able options at their disposal. Philadelphia finished better than average in 2004 in almost every major defensive category - tenth in total yards allowed, 12th in passing yards allowed, 16th in rushing yards allowed, and second in sacks, but they ranked only 22nd in turnovers created. Defensive Line
Starters: DE Jevon Kearse, DE Darren Howard, DT Darwin Walker, DT Mike Patterson
Starting DL: The Philadelphia Eagles offensive struggles in 2005 were well documented, including the T.O. sage, Donovan McNabb's injury and the team missing the playoffs a year after making it to the Super Bowl. What all of this helped cover up is the fact that the Eagles just didn't play very well on defense, ranking 23rd overall after being a regular member of the top 10 during the previous five seasons. One area where their futility was most evident is team sacks, having averaged 48 from '00-'04 and picking up just 29 in '05. When the Philadelphia Eagles made DE JeVon Kearse the highest paid defensive lineman in league history, signing him as an unrestricted free-agent entering the 2004 season, they were expecting to receive the player that averaged 12 sacks during his first three years in the NFL. While relatively healthy, Kearse has been very un-freakish during his two years in Philadelphia, averaging 32 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks. He turns 30 this year meaning that his best is likely past, although I'm not ready to write him off just yet. He retains a quick first step, speed around the edge and a watchful eye from opposing offenses. The addition of a complementary defensive end, something that he hasn't had the luxury of in Philly, may be just what he needed to re-track his career. That complement arrives this year in the form of Darren Howard. Oft-injured during the past three seasons in New Orleans, Howard was valuable enough to play under the franchise tag a year ago, but not valuable enough to keep Will Smith and Charles Grant from becoming bookend cornerstones of the franchise. Like Kearse, Howard too turns 30 later this year and should be playing with a chip on his shoulder, trying to resurrect a career that's scattered with Pro-Bowl play in the past. A solid run defender as well as a pass rusher, Howard has the ability to slide inside on third downs to maximize the Eagles pass rush potential. There is an issue with his knee that may come to light, it's forced him to miss time in each of the past two seasons, but he (and obviously the Eagles) doesn't think that it'll be a problem. On the inside, Darwin Walker returns for his sixth season, fifth as a starting defensive tackle. He's not a huge tackle by today’s standard (6'3 294) but he gets a good push inside (21.5 career sacks) and can slide outside on occasion to bulk up the Eagles run defense. Hollis Thomas opened last year lining up next to Walker, but it looks like his days in Philadelphia may be numbered. The Eagles appear to be shopping the 10 year vet to anyone looking for a 300 pound gap plugger. Hollis actually lost his starting job in the final month of 2005 to Mike Patterson, a rookie first round pick who appears to be a star in the making. Nicknamed "Baby Sapp", coming out of USC, Patterson had some very Warren Sapp-like moments during his first season. In his seven starts, Patterson recorded 24 solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Very respectable numbers for any defensive lineman, let alone a rookie defensive tackle. At 6'0 292 he has a great first step and an ability to penetrate the backfield that DC Jim Johnson looks for in his linemen. Backup DL: Even with the players that the Eagles have lost over the last two years (Derrick Burgess, ND Kalu, Corey Simon), they continue to field quality depth along the line. On the end, the primary backups will be Trent Cole and Jerome McDougle. Many fantasy hearts were broken when Philadelphia signed Darren Howard because there were many who jumped on the Trent Cole bandwagon. Undersized at 6'2 260, the rookie 'tweener started the final seven games of the season and picked up 26 solo tackles with five sacks during a three game stretch. With his size he's better suited in a situational role, keeping him from getting run down in the running game. Jerome McDougle has recovered from gunshot wounds that forced him to miss the entire '05 season. A first round pick in 2003, McDougle has played in just 19 during over his two active seasons with very little impact. Not much is expected from him this year and his time has all but run out in Philly. Providing depth inside will be Sam Rayburn and Ed Jasper. Previously an undrafted free-agent in 2003, Rayburn didn't have near as much success last year as he had in 2004 (28 solos, 6 sacks) but the coaches like his ability against the run and at penetrating the pocket. Jasper turned 33 this year and is on the downswing of his career, nothing more than rotation filler at this point.
Linebackers
Starters: MLB Jeremiah Trotter, WLB Shawn Barber, SLB Dhani Jones
Starting LBs: The Eagles are all about giving second chances, with HC Andy Reid making a habit of bringing former Eagles back into the mix, and two of their starting linebackers have done just that. A rising star during his first stint in Philadelphia, MLB Jeremiah Trotter averaged 94 solo tackles with nine sacks and five interceptions from 99-01. One of the top young linebackers in the league, and he wanted to be paid as such. A franchise tag, later revoked, couldn't keep Trotter from seeking greener pastures although his heart remained with the Eagles. Signed back in 2004 after two seasons with the Washington Redskins, it was believed that he'd be limited to short-yardage and goal line duty, but to say that his return to Philly has been a success would be an understatement. Since returning to his role as starting MLB midway through the '04 season, Trotter has averaged over six solo tackles with two sacks and a pick in 23 games. At 29 years old, he is the heart and soul of this defense. The Eagles were hoping that Keith Adams would make the transition from special teams ace to starting weakside linebacker, but he was overwhelmed at 5'11 223 and is currently an UFA. Shawn Barber left the Eagles after the 2002 season regarded as one of the games best all-around linebackers, adept at the point of attack, rushing the passer and in coverage. He took his game to Kansas City, had a monster year in '03 (93 solos, 5 sacks), tore up a knee and spent the last two years mainly watching from the sidelines (11 games played with minimal impact). Released in the offseason, he found his way back to Philadelphia. Now 31 years old, it's left to be seen if he resembles the player that he once was, but he says that he's healthy and ready to give 100%. Dhani Jones returns for his third season as the Eagles starting SLB, a position which has produced an average of just 55 solo tackles with 5.5 sacks and three interceptions over the last six seasons (Carlos Emmons 00-03, Jones 04-05). Not good, in terms of fantasy, but that's more a reflection of the position that they play rather than their talent. At 6'1 240 the 28 year old Jones seems to get the job done whether he's on the football field or dancing in the streets. There's a chance he will be released this offseason in a salary cap move. Backup LBs: Depth at linebacker will be provided by Mark Simoneau and Matt McCoy. Simoneau has washed out as a starter (MLB in '03, WLB in '04) but remains a valuable asset with his experience and knowledge of the defense would Trotter or Barber falter. McCoy, a second round pick in 2005, struggled to pick up the defense and spent much of the year as a weekly inactive, appearing in just four games (special teams). His development is crucial with Shawn Barber's health issues. Both McCoy and Simoneau fit well into DC Jim Johnson's system (speed > size) but it's undetermined whether they can be productive players in this system. Another player in this system may be Greg Richmond, a practice squad player as a rookie in 2004 who missed last year with a herniated disc in his back. Before the injury he was opening eyes with his play in practice, working his way to a backup SLB job.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Lito Sheppard, CB Sheldon Brown, S Brian Dawkins, S Michael Lewis
Starting DBs: The secondary in Philadelphia is considered one of the top overall units in the game, stacked with big name personnel and big game potential. Cornerbacks Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown go hand in hand, both drafted in 2002 (Sheppard 1st round, Brown 2nd), both sitting aside for two years while incumbents Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor ran out their string and both taking opportunity by the horns when the time arrived, transforming themselves into one of the leagues most formidable CB duos. Excellent athletic ability, good coverage skills and willing run support. Sheppard has really improved his ball skills since entering the league, picking off eight passes over the last two years, but his season was cut short a year ago with a high ankle sprain that sent him to the IR after just 10 games. He expects to be ready for training camp. Sheldon Brown has become a complete cornerback, using his skills as a blitzer off of the edge to compile four sacks over the last two years while developing into one of the leagues best at defending the deep ball. He hasn't missed a game since entering the league, often playing through minor injuries, compiling a very impressive total of 27 passes defended in 2005. Strong safety Michael Lewis, another member of that 2002 draft class, took his game to new heights a year ago. A starter since his second season, Lewis hasn't missed a game in three years. Possessing a very impressive all-around game that includes size, speed, bone-crushing hits and better than average coverage skills, he posted a career high 91 solo tackles with a sack and two interceptions. Still only 26 years old, his ceiling appears to be limitless. Last but definitely not least is free safety Brian Dawkins. Hits like a linebacker, covers like a cornerback. That may not be true anymore of the 10 year vet as he approaches his 33rd birthday, but the stats don't lie. After building a career on a reputation that usually outweighed his production, he appears to be making up for it. Playing like a safety 10 years younger, Dawkins posted a career high in solo tackles (70), sacks (3.5) and passes defended (24). The emotional leader of this secondary, what Dawkins has achieved over the last couple of years is amazing. Can he keep it up? Backup DBs: The Eagle depth at cornerback hasn't changed much over the last few years, with one exception...the addition of Donald Strickland. A starter in Indianapolis during the 03-04 seasons, Strickland joined Philadelphia during the '05 season and stepped in as the #3 corner. A physical cornerback, he can match up well against larger receivers and has experience at safety. Rod Hood and Matt Ware round out the position, Hood a nice size speed combo, Ware with the size (6'2 210) to match up. Backing up Lewis and Dawkins at safety is Sean Considine, a rookie fifth round pick last year who ended the year on the IR with a shoulder dislocation. Tabbed as Dawkins' eventual replacement, he's yet to see time in an NFL game. J.R.Reed may also be in the mix at some point. A rookie special teamer in 2004 who appeared to be on the right track, Reed damaged a nerve behind his knee while jumping a fence last offseason and his long-term prognosis is uncertain.
Last modified: 2006-04-15 23:45:25
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