2011 Playoff Preview: Philadelphia Eagles
Regular Season Record: 10-6
Seed: 3, NFC
2010 Team Leaders: Passing: Michael Vick (3018 YDS, 9th NFC); Rushing: LeSean McCoy (1,080 YDS, 5th NFC); Receiving: DeSean Jackson (1056 YDS, 6th NFC)
If there was one comeback story that got everyone’s attention in 2010, it’s Michael Vick’s ascendency back into the national spotlight (for good reasons). But it’s not that he was playing first string football, but playing it well, leading one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Unfortunately, the reason their six losses is due to their defense, specifically a secondary that gave up 31 touchdowns in the air. For them to advance far into the playoffs, they’ll have to shore the defensive backfield up with quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees on the horizon.
2010 Philadelphia Eagles Football Information:
Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles will be watching a vastly different team than they've seen for much of the past decade. Both Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook are gone and have been replaced by younger, but untested players. Despite the players' inexperience, expectations are high for coach Andy Reid to finally bring a championship to Philadelphia.
After leading the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl, McNabb was dealt to the Washington Redskins during the offeseason. Strong-armed Kevin Kolb now takes over the offense and will be surrounded by a number of talented players. Receiver DeSean Jackson is one of the best deep threats in a league, and running back LeSean McCoy had a break out season last year filling in for the injured Westbrook. Jeremy Maclin and tight end Brent Celek will also provide Kolb with some reliable targets in his first full season as a starter.
The defense experienced less off season changes than the offense, which will be a good thing as the Eagles had a solid squad last season. Defensive end Trent Cole is coming off a 12.5 sack year and should anchor the defensive line. Former New England Patriot Asante Samuel will hold down the left side at corner back, and veteran Ellis Hobbs will be on the right side and will be looking to rebound after missing the second half of last season due to injury.
2009 Philadelphia Eagles Football Information:
2009 is going to be an exciting year for the Philadelphia Eagles. They came tantalizingly close to winning the NFC Championship Game and going to the Super Bowl in 2008. Now they return the core of their team for the 2009 campaign that might have Philly fans partying in downtown Miami at the end of the Eagles season. The 2009 Eagles are going to rely on their veteran one-two punch on offense of Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is one of the top running backs in the entire NFL and McNabb is a quarterback who continues to play at a high-level after many experts had written him off. Joining them on the offense are explosive wide receiver DeSean Jackson and steady, reliable kicker David Akers. On defense Head Coach Andy Reid will rely on a host of talented players to make the Eagles D go. Cornerback Assante Samuel is one of the top players on the Philly defense, so he'll be counted on to be a difference maker. If the Eagles defense plays up to their potential and the offense is clicking, then look out for Philadelphia in 2009.
2008 Philadelphia Eagles Football Information:
The Philadelphia Eagles will be an exciting team to watch this year; led by franchise QB Donovan McNabb they will be working together to make another run at the NFC title. The Eagles are only a few years removed from a trip to the Superbowl in Jacksonville, so there are many pieces of the team that are ready to contribute to a strong season in Philly. Some believe the success of the team will rest on the often injured body of McNabb, so it will be interesting to see if Donovan can stay healthy and what the future holds for this team. One thing you can be sure of is that beautiful Lincoln Financial Field will be teeming with hard-core Eagles fans that will cheering on this great franchise.