Eagles '07 preview
The Eagles' success this season depends on the health of quarterback Donovan McNabb. Or does it? McNabb, coming back from a torn ACL, has started just 18 of the team's last 32 regular-season games. In those, the Eagles were 9-9. In the 14 games he missed because of injury, the team was 7-7.
Not much of a difference, huh? Because McNabb has been injured four of the past five seasons and his status to start the season is unknown, maybe the Eagles' success depends on their backup quarterback. Or, more realistically, it could depend on running back Brian Westbrook, who showed at the end of last season he can carry the team, and the defense, which must be better than it has been the past two years.
GAME PLAN
Offense: When McNabb went out for the season last year, coach Andy Reid turned the play-calling duties over to coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and the offense became more balanced in terms of pass/run ratio. Westbrook also became more involved as both a runner and receiver and nearly reached 2,000 total yards. The team's West Coast attack always will lean more toward throwing the ball than running it, but if the Eagles stay around 55-45, as opposed to 65-35, they will have more success.
Defense: Coordinator Jim Johnson always has put more emphasis on pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers than he has on stopping the run. After the team fell to 26th in the league in run defense, that might have to change somewhat. Johnson still will preach pressure, but look for some run blitzes and stunts to be thrown in to help cover the deficiencies against the run.
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS
The Backup QB: A.J. Feeley, who returned to the team last season after stints in Miami and San Diego, will be McNabb's top backup. Feeley has been a perfect fit in Reid's system; he is 7-1 as an Eagles starter and has posted efficient numbers that complement a balanced attack. Feeley doesn't have an exceptionally strong arm but runs the system well and is accurate on short- and medium-range passes. The team drafted McNabb's heir apparent in Kevin Kolb, who ran a spread offense at Houston. Reid says Kolb will adjust easily to the pro set.
RB Brian Westbrook: Westbrook has developed into the perfect back for the system. He can run and catch. His blocking is just OK, but complaining about that is like complaining that your supermodel wife isn't that good a cook. When McNabb was out last season, Westbrook became the team's offensive leader. In the past, the coaching staff questioned his durability and seemed overly concerned about overusing him. He erased most of those doubts by staying healthy and producing in a big way.
RT Jon Runyan: The line became better – even dominant – as the offense became more balanced. Runyan is a model of dependability and durability. He played at a Pro Bowl level again last season, especially as a run blocker. Speed rushers still gave him some trouble, but he has improved dramatically against them.
OLB Takeo Spikes: Spikes, acquired from Buffalo, could play any of the three linebacker positions, but it looks as though he'll start on the weak side. In his prime, Spikes was perfect for what Johnson likes to do – he diagnoses plays as well as anyone, goes to the ball quickly and can blitz and cover. However, an Achilles' tear in 2005 has taken away much of his effectiveness.
VINNIE IYER'S TAKE
Even if McNabb is not 100 percent, Reid's savvy coaching and Westbrook's explosive running will keep the playoffs within reach. Prediction: 9-7 (second in the NFC East).
FALL FORECAST
The offense needs to remain balanced between the pass and the run; for that to happen, Westbrook must get the ball more. On defense, the team must get production from defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley up front to improve against the run, and the linebackers need to produce some big plays to make Johnson's system work.
All told, there is enough talent on both sides of the ball for the Eagles to be in the mix for a playoff spot and perhaps win their fifth NFC East title in six years.
Mark Eckel covers the Eagles for the Trenton (N.J.) Times and Sporting News.
