Let's face it. We've been in this same exact situation with the Eagles five other times in less than eight seasons. This team appears perched to win a division and make a deep playoff run....ho hum. We've been there and done that. We've seen teams fall short of the Super Bowl numerous times after having great regular seasons. I think the question in all our minds is what makes this group different than those other teams that have failed in the ultimate quest to win a Super Bowl.
Initially, the easy answer is that we have never seen an Eagles team this explosive, with this many offensive weapons at their disposal. Sure, the 2004 team with TO and B West in their primes was pretty dominant, but they didn't have a TE, #2 WR, FB, jack of all trades back up QB and slot WR like this team. Our offense is ridiculously deep and when McNabb and the O line come to play, they will put points up on anybody. I don't give a shit if the '85 Bears line up against us, the Birds will put up 24 points. Only the Saints in the NFC compare to our offense.
However, where this team differs from the prior Andy Reid led Eagles is on the other side of the ball. In prior years, the defense was the back bone of the team. Not this year. Even last year's defense was rock solid in the second half of the year. This year, all I know is that this defense can beat bad QB's and that's about it. Unfortunately, with Brees, Warner, Rodgers, Warner and Romo likely to make the playoffs, the Birds are going to face pretty decent quarter backs the rest of the way. Although, this current Eagles' defense does create turnovers and we all know that they are the true equalizers. Overall, I don't have a lot of faith in this group. Matter of fact, I think they could use an upgrade at DE, OLB, CB and FS for next year.
In short, this team is flawed. However, the real question is whether their defensive flaws will ultimately doom them or like the 2008 Phis, can they hide their flaws and cover them up long enough to win a title.
Currently, I don't think they can. I believe ultimately the warts will show up and the defense won't hold up and wind up causing the Birds to get knocked out of the playoffs.
I sure hope I'm wrong, but I'm having a hard time believing in Antonio Dixon, Joe Mays, Sean Jones and Co.
3 comments:
You failed to mention Favre as the other quarterback making the playoffs in the NFC. But at least Warner will be there twice.
Jeff, that's why (a) I need an editor and (b) shouldn't press "send" after falling asleep four times
thank you...you just "reverse jinxed" us!! The run will culminate in Miami this year...you heard it hear first!!
Oh, and Merry Christmas too!! Glad to see your back, haven't had a chance to comment much, but have been reading. Hope all is well!!
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