NOTE: I'd like to send my condolences to the family of Jim Johnson during this rough time. He will be missed.
It was certainly surprising to see the Eagles run the gauntlet in the NFC playoffs. It was even more surprising to see them play in a strong effort in the NFC Title game. The Eagles should be good to go for the 2009 season...right?
If you buy into the belief that Jeremy Maclin is the missing puzzle piece for Donovan McNabb and the Eagles offense, then you believe the Eagles can make it to the Super Bowl. Maclin on one side and DeSean Jackson on the other should make the Eagles offense an explosive one...right?
It's possible. Last year, Jackson led the Eagles in receiving, just missing out on a 1,000 yard season. Jackson does need to grow a bit, as will Maclin. Outside of Kevin Curtis, there aren't many strong receivers on this team. Hank Baskett has 71 career receptions in three seasons and Jason Avant has five touchdown receptions in three as well.
That's not to say either Baskett or Avant couldn't have a breakout year, though. However, unless Harold Carmichael or Cris Carter walk through the doors at the Linc, don't be surprised if there's no 1,000 yard Eagles receivers for the 2009 season.
The big question will be, will Brian Westbrook stay healthy for the season? With the offseason surgery, who knows. However, if Westbrook is still hurt going into the season, rookie LeSean McCoy will indeed be picking up the class. The pressure will be on McCoy if it arrives to that scenario. FUN FACT: Westbrook needs only 818 yards to become the Eagles all-time rushing leader.
The Eagles of the Andy Reid era are known for their defense, engineered by their late defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson. In 2008, the Eagles finished in the top 10 for defense. This was for a second straight season. Without Jim Johnson at the helm, who knows how this defense will be in 2009. They won't have Brian Dawkins in the safety spot, that's for sure.
This team indeed does have the potential to make a Super Bowl run. But potential doesn't bring a Lombardi Trophy to the City of Brotherly Love.
Now time for those yearbook style questions you've all been hankering for.
Most Offensive Player (Offense MVP): DeSean Jackson
Most Defensive Player (Defense MVP): Asante Samuel
Coolest Twitter Page: Macho Harris
Best New Guy (Team Rookie of the Year): LeSean McCoy
The Linc or the Vet: The Linc by 200,000 miles
Coolest Names (Top 3 and not including Macho Harris): Chris Gocong, Jack Ikegwuono, Leonard Weaver
Most Likely To Succeed (Team MVP): Donovan McNabb
In 2009, the Eagles will go: 10-6
We'll close out the week on Friday by previewing the Baltimore Ravens. Next week will be a bit more random in terms of team previews.
Showing posts with label Jim Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Johnson. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Divisional Showdown: Eagles at Giants
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants- Sunday at 1 PM ET on FOX
So we have a divisional showdown to determine who goes on to the NFC Title game. These are two very good teams. This season, it is all about the Giants. The defending Super Bowl champions have had an excellent 2008 season. They're a terrific defense, even without Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Brandom Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw had a good year, with Jacobs and Ward both running for over 1,000 yards.
Earth, Wind and Fire (the backs not the band) are the key for the Giants. The three backs combined for 2469 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing. The key is Jacobs. He's the star of the trio. The Eagles will do everything in their power to stop them.
The Eagles were considered goners by a lot of people. Both Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid were politely asked by the Philly fans to get the hell out of town. The Eagles played excellent football down the stretch, even with a heartbreaking one-yard short loss to the Redskins, to pick up the sixth playoff spot in the NFC.
The Eagles found themselves in the playoffs after thrashing the Cowboys 44-6. Over the weekend, the Eagles knocked off the Vikings in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Now the ultimate showdown is on.
The key for the Eagles is their offense. Once again, the Eagles are a top 10 offense for this season. McNabb in fact threw for 3916 yards, a career high. He also completed 345 passes this season, also a career high. McNabb is going to Brian Westbrook early and often. Westbrook is by far the Eagles biggest threat.
One factor that also needs to be considered is the battle of teacher and pupil. I of course mean the battle between Jim Johnson (Eagles Defensive Coordinator) and Steve Spagnuolo (Giants Defensive Coordinator). These two will be ready to go at each other on Sunday.
PREDICTION: The match-up between the two is at 1-1 for this season. The Eagles won the last time these two faced each other in the playoffs. I like and have respect for both teams. This has the chance to be a great game. However, I'm picking the Giants to beat the Eagles.
Tomorrow, I start with a preview of the AFC games.
So we have a divisional showdown to determine who goes on to the NFC Title game. These are two very good teams. This season, it is all about the Giants. The defending Super Bowl champions have had an excellent 2008 season. They're a terrific defense, even without Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Brandom Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw had a good year, with Jacobs and Ward both running for over 1,000 yards.
Earth, Wind and Fire (the backs not the band) are the key for the Giants. The three backs combined for 2469 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing. The key is Jacobs. He's the star of the trio. The Eagles will do everything in their power to stop them.
The Eagles were considered goners by a lot of people. Both Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid were politely asked by the Philly fans to get the hell out of town. The Eagles played excellent football down the stretch, even with a heartbreaking one-yard short loss to the Redskins, to pick up the sixth playoff spot in the NFC.
The Eagles found themselves in the playoffs after thrashing the Cowboys 44-6. Over the weekend, the Eagles knocked off the Vikings in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Now the ultimate showdown is on.
The key for the Eagles is their offense. Once again, the Eagles are a top 10 offense for this season. McNabb in fact threw for 3916 yards, a career high. He also completed 345 passes this season, also a career high. McNabb is going to Brian Westbrook early and often. Westbrook is by far the Eagles biggest threat.
One factor that also needs to be considered is the battle of teacher and pupil. I of course mean the battle between Jim Johnson (Eagles Defensive Coordinator) and Steve Spagnuolo (Giants Defensive Coordinator). These two will be ready to go at each other on Sunday.
PREDICTION: The match-up between the two is at 1-1 for this season. The Eagles won the last time these two faced each other in the playoffs. I like and have respect for both teams. This has the chance to be a great game. However, I'm picking the Giants to beat the Eagles.
Tomorrow, I start with a preview of the AFC games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
