2007 Outlook:

The Eagles will hope that D-Mac can return to the MVP-like brilliance he displayed to begin the 2006 season. Following an injury, the Eagles struggled with replacement Jeff Garcia before rattling off a 6 game winning streak to close the season and clinch the NFC East title. The Eagles used their first draft pick on a QB this season, perhaps to prepare for life without McNabb, sooner than later. They also added Kelly Holcomb, a capable backup to provide some instant insurance. With the likes of Westbrook, Smith, and Brown leading the way for the offense, 2007 looks bright. The defense has managed to bring in some solid contributors as well and will help this club be one of the better defensive units in the league under the guidance of long time coordinator, Jim Johnson.

2007 Draft Review:

The Eagles used their first pick this season on the future at QB in Kevin Kolb out of Houston. Kolb was a good player in college, but many question his ability to transition to the pro level. Who are we to question Andy Reid? The man has been able to survive in an unforgiving business for a long time now. Victor Abiamiri later in the second round was a strong pick and TE Brent Celek, the fifth-round pick, has some solid skills. Overall, trading out of the first round and reaching a bit for Kolb makes this a poorer than normal draft for the Eagles. Draft Grade: C

Key Acquisition:

Takeo Spikes comes over from Buffalo to help return the Eagles defense to dominance. The Eagles had the 26th ranked rushing defense in the NFL last season and their linebacker support was a lot of the reason. Spikes had a good career in Buffalo and still has the juice and leadership to provide a solid stop gap option for the Eagles D. He will allow the defensive backs to sit a little longer on play actions making the entire defense more solid and worthy of consideration on your fantasy draft day.

Key Departure:

Eagles former Wide Receiver Donte Stallworth was key to the early season success of Donovan McNabb. He is gone. Replacing him will be Kevin Curtis, who we question as having the ability to be a No. 2 WR. Curtis is solid, but he is best served as a slot receiver. With Stallworth missing and the lost ability to stretch the defenses, the backs will be able to play up, which will limit the production from Brian Westbrook. Perhaps the Eagles will use the speed of Bethel Johnson to stretch defenses, but he has yet to prove that he is capable of being an every down player. The loss of Donte could hurt this club quite a bit.

Offensive Preview:

The entire season for the Eagles rests on the health of Donovan McNabb. A healthy D-Mac and this team is the one to beat in the solid NFC East. He will open up the passing game with Brown and Smith allowing Westbrook to get his swing passes and rushing yardage. Conversely, if McNabb befalls yet another injury, it could be a very long season for the Philly faithful as Jeff Garcia is no longer around to be the savior. We all know how Eagles fans can be too. One more straw from McNabb may be all they will take before they begin clamoring for young Kevin Kolb to replace the All-Pro. We won't speculate, lets just say that with McNabb, this offense will be special once again and lead the team to a solid season.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

With the return of Jevon Kearse and some key off season additions, the Eagles defense will surely improve upon their 26th ranked rushing defense. Cornerbacks Lito Shepperd and Sheldon Brown give the Eagles two of the best edge men in the game and Takeo Spikes enters to improve upon a porous linebacker squad. All in all, the season should be a positive movement and Jim Johnson has to be excited. Any defensive football fan has to love Johnson as the old-timer just continues to stifle offenses with his persistent blitz packages. Steady kicker, David Akers, returns once again and will be a solid addition to your fantasy club. Look for the Eagles defense to return to a #1 defensive unit this season worthy of a pick in the 8-9th round of your fantasy draft.

Season Prediction:

The Eagles offense will be one of the best in the league. If their off season additions can come in and learn the system and old injuries do not befall key members of the team, this could be the team to beat in the NFC. Andy Reid took some personal time to deal with some off-the-field issues this year and we believe it actually did him some good as he has really shown a revived spirit thus far in mini-camps. Reid is one of the best coaches in the NFL, maintaining the approval of the historically vicious Philly fans for seven years now. The Cowboys will give the Eagles a run for their money, but the Eagles will be able to hang, finishing in a tie for the NFC East title.

Projected Finish

11 Wins, 5 Losses (2nd in the NFC East)

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