Quote:
|
Originally Posted by BrudLee
The Eagles are the Eagles of 2003, when they won the conference title. Unfortunately for them, they're three years older and slower where they can't afford it. Westbrook got exposed as one-dimensional last year, the defense looked atrocious, and McNabb is coming off of a season-ending injury - with no one of substance to throw to. The aura of Andy Reid took a big hit last year, when the coach didn't have the likes of Dave Campo, Jim Fassell, and an overmatched Steve Spurrier to push around.
|
First, I can tell by the results of the poll that I'm not going to have many in agreement with me on the Eagles. But I still think they're a lot better than people realize.
First, Westbrook isn't one-dimensional. I think people forget how great he is at returning punts, which he did an amazing job of two years ago. Of course the Eagles won't use him there because he's too valuable. But it is testament to his abilities. I think Westbrook only seemed one-dimensional last year because TO was out much of the season, McNabb was either coming up lame or out last season, Tra Thomas was out last season, and the interior linemen sucked last season. Westbrook was basically dealing with one of the worst surrounding casts in football last year. Now is he the kind of guy that's going to rush for 5 yards per carry? No. But he can be quite effective with a solid line and better support.
And Andy Reid got a bad rap for last year. None of that stuff was his fault last year, it was almost completely attributable to injury. The players who were injured for the Eagles last year practically reads like a pro bowl roster. They'll be so much better just because of players returning from injury. Carolina had a down year after making the Super Bowl, but they bounced right back to the NFC title game last year. I expect the Eagles to be our main competition.
But I also think we'll beat them.