TGS 2007 Football Preview Bonus: Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA - It’s been an uncomfortable offseason for Eagles HC Andy Reid. And, unlike Phillies’ manager Charlie Manuel, it didn’t involve getting into a near-fight with WIP radio’s controversial sports talk host Howard Eskin (left). Although Eskin and many Eagles fans were quick to put Reid on the grill, much as they did after his questionable clock management issues in the Super Bowl two years ago, following his curious decision-making in the final minutes of the playoff loss at New Orleans. With under two minutes to play and trailing 27-24, Reid decided to punt on a 4th-and-15 (after lining up to go for it on 4th-and-10 before a 5-yard penalty) from his own 40-yard line, and the Eagles never saw the ball again. Curious, indeed. But it was also minor stuff compared to the family matters Andy had to tend to a few weeks later, when he took a 5-week leave of absence and contemplated retirement after the drug-related arrests and rehabilitation of oldest sons Garrett & Britt.

Reid’s (left) difficult offseason then continued into the draft, when the Eagles took University of Houston QB Kevin Kolb with their first selection. Immediately, WIP and other media outlets wondered what that meant about the future of QB Donovan McNabb, recovering from yet another injury-marred campaign but apparently still the face of the franchise after the team avoided a possible QB controversy involving last year’s effective reliever, Jeff Garcia, who moved to Tampa Bay. McNabb himself told WIP he was “shocked” when he heard the draft news, although Reid has subsequently assured all that Donavan is still the man. Just another quiet offseason in Philly.

McNabb’s wherewithal, however, is cause for concern. He’s missed significant time in three of the past five seasons, including the last two, and is coming off an ACL tear suffered a year ago. His once-dynamic scrambling ability had already been curtailed somewhat prior to the latest knee injury. McNabb (right) was, however, enjoying perhaps his most productive campaign (2647 YP and 18 TDP thru 9+ games) when he was KO’d last November 19 vs. Tennessee. With A.J. Feeley, journeyman Kelly Holcomb, and rookie Kolb all on the roster, there is sufficient cover, although we’re not convinced any of those could step in and perform as Garcia did (62% completions, 10 TDP & only 2 picks down the stretch LY) if McNabb goes down again. Elsewhere, there’s a familiar look. Especially with most of the skill-position weapons, the only change of note being ex-Ram WR Kevin Curtis arriving via free agency to take the place of Donte’ Stallwroth, who fled for New England. Some NFC East sources believe 3rd-year WR Reggie Brown could be ready for a breakthrough campaign after catching 89 passes the past two seasons and emerging as something of a deep threat LY when hauling in 8 TDs. TE L.J. Smith, who caught 50 passes LY, is a unique threat with more speed than most at his position. Although we suspect much of the offense will still focus on the versatile Brian Westbrook, remarkably productive again in ‘06 as both a runner (1217 YR) and receiver (77 catches). Don’t be surprised, however, if longtime backup Correll Buckhalter (if he can stay healthy) and 3rd-round pick Tony Hunt from Penn State spell Westbrook a bit more often. Reid also appears satisfied with a veteran OL after not pursuing any upgrades in free agency or the draft.

There were more offseason gyrations on the defensive side, however, and for good reason. The platoon plummeted to 26th against the run a year ago, and longtime d.c. Jim Johnson has reluctantly decided that it’s time to adjust. Specifically, altering his preference for quicker, “gap-shooting” linemen in favor of more specialized elements, such as Bears FA DT Ian Scott, an effective run-clogger in the middle, and ex-Colts DE Montae Reagor, a designated pass rusher. We’ll see if last year’s number one choice, DT Brodrick Bunkley, is ready to move into the starting lineup, and if the oft-injured Jevon Kearse can ever be a factor again. Adjustments were also in order for an aging (and ineffective) LB corps, and Reid went for a quick fix by acquiring vet Takeo Spikes (a bit of a gamble, perhaps, considering his recent injury history) to start at an OLB position. Vet MLB Jeremiah Trotter, however, has become a liability in pass coverage, so don’t be surprised if backup Omar Gaither (who looked good in spot duty LY) supplants him in the lineup, meaning there could be three new LB starters from ‘06. Some believe Reid gambled unnecessarily by leaving the 2ndary mostly alone in the offseason, considering FS Brian Dawkins will be 34 in the fall and star CB Lito Sheppard’s history of injuries (that's Lito at left; he missed 6 games in ‘05 and 5 in ‘06).

Bottom line...The Eagles aren’t a “safe” playoff pick anymore, and it’s not just because McNabb’s durability has become a major issue. The once-robust defense has also started springing leaks, and Reid and GM Tom Heckert have resorted to free agency (as opposed to the draft) for immediate help. Further, other offseason developments indicate the end of Reid/McNabb era is now within sight, and the window appears to be closing fast in Philly. If “Dang it” Andy thought the WIP callers were rough after the playofff loss at New Orleans, wait until he hears them if the Birds miss the playoffs altogether.

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