Eagles year end ranks

by JasonB on Dec 31, 2008 9:44 AM EST in News Comment 51 comments

With the regular season over, I figured it would be worth checking out where the Eagles finished in some categories.

Defense

The story this year really has to be the defense. This unit was has really become one of the best in the NFL. They ended up as the 3rd overall ranked defense in football and the #1 defense in the NFC.

They had the #3 pass defense in the NFL and #1 in the NFC. The run defense was 4th best in the NFL and 2nd best in the NFC behind the Vikings.

The best part is that this defense is incredibly young with only one free agent this offseason. The free agent also happens to be the only starter over 30, Brian Dawkins. We've got the makings of a dominant unit for years to come.

Stewart Bradley led the team in tackles with 108. Darren Howard ended the year with 10 sacks to lead the team. Amazingly, with only one double digit sack guy the Eagles defense still ended up with the 3rd most sacks in all of football.

Brian Dawkins led the team with 6 forced fumbles and Asante Samuel led the team in INTs with 4.

Offense

The offense was up and down but ended up having a pretty good year on the whole. They ended up ranked 6th in the NFL in scoring with 26 points a game. Hopefuly in the future they arrive at 26 ppg by being more consistent and not scoring 6 points one week and 40 the next...

Desean Jackson led the team in receptions(62) and receiving yards(916), while also finishing 2nd in the NFL among rookies in both categories(behind Denver's Eddie Royal). Both were Eagles rookie records. Jackson also added almost a hundred yards rushing on 17 attempts.

Brian Westbrook finished tied for the 4th most TDs in the NFL. Donovan McNabb finished 7th in passing yards with a franchise record 3,916.

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Not to look too far ahead

but draft and free agent wise, I’ll agree our needs are pretty clearly on the offensive side of the ball, except for maybe a safety to replace Dawk. We definitly need a young RB to replace the still spectacular when healthy Westbrook, he’s just not going to last all that much longer. And we may lose one or both of our tackles, which can be hard to replace (I still think Runyan will stay, though). With our 2 low 1st rounders, I can see picking up a new RB and a raw OT, and using the mid level picks we have to either fill out the OL or trading for the same.

Unlike many, I don’t see the WR being a huge need area. It’s nice to have one dominating WR, but they don’t grow on trees, and they don’t always work out. Remember how much grief Reid got for not going after Williams? How’s that working out for you, Dallas? Hope you enjoy all 3 of your picks this next draft.

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Bear Bryant

by NJBammer on Dec 31, 2008 9:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I can see picking up a new RB and a raw OT

I don’t think we pick a RB that early but definitely an OT. I agree we need a RB but I think that comes in the 3rd or 4th.

(I still think Runyan will stay, though)

I hope so.

except for maybe a safety to replace Dawk.

His name is Demps.

I don’t see the WR being a huge need area.

+ 1

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Demps...

I don’t see him replacing Dawk.
He has been marvelous on ST’s, however he is not the Stud we are looking for a Safety.
I think he fits in a ST’s and Dime situations for 2 more years then will start somewhere else and we draft a stud…..
Just my thinking.
Love what he does though.

by EagleGreeninMD on Dec 31, 2008 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreeing with the OTs and RB depending on who they can get, but Eagles need another tight end and fullback. Don’t need to even use a high pick on those.

Defensively, we’ll have to see where the secondary is after the season, but gotta remember that the secondary MUST be solid for Johnson’s blitzing schemes to work. Depth is a must here, so if Ikegwono doesn’t work out, having another backup to compete for Lito’s bench spot couldn’t hurt.

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 10:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah..

While WR may not be the greatest need, I still wouldn’t mind seeing another playmaker here to replace GLew…
Sorry Baskett, but I wouldn’t mind seeing a taller WR who could jump in the end zone.

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Baskett

is 6’4’’ lol. How tall do you want anohter WR 7 feet?

I wouldn’t mind seeing another WR either seeing as defenses still only put single coverage on our guys.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe Shawn Bradley or Manute Bol are available.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol… atleast the city of Philadelphia would get something out of those godforsaken contracts

But T.O. and his sideline histrionics wear on a quarterback. He's like the hot stripper you tried to clean up and convert into a real girlfriend. It's a lot of fun until the moment she has her second drink while out to eat with your parents. You unravel quicker than she does.

by foos05 on Dec 31, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, my writing wasn’t clear at all there.

It should have read “With apologies to Baskett, I wouldn’t mind seeing a taller WR who could jump in the end zone.”
Meaning that I’d love a tall target in the end zone that wasn’t Greg Lewis. 6’4" or not, I don’t think Baskett has the explosive jumping ability to get over defenders that a Plaxico does.

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

but they don’t grow on trees

Crabtrees maybe?

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 10:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly...

The Detroit Lions have the #1 pick….

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, with Millen gone a WR pick isn’t guaranteed. They have to take the best QB on the board I’d think.

Bleeding Green Nation - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Dec 31, 2008 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Lions will def be taking a QB. I would bet on that. Seriously, any takers?

The only other option is to trade down.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 31, 2008 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I was joking of course.
But I don’t know who Detroit takes. Bradford or Georgia’s QB?
Or would they dodge the QB entirely and try to rebuild their defense first? Or draft Andre Smith?

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i think they'll trade down

they found a way into the record books…they’re on to a good thing. by trading down, they could make the record for consecutive losses untouchable!

by eagleyosh on Dec 31, 2008 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

haha

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ahh… Detroit… The city where 1st round WRs go to die…

by foos05 on Dec 31, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Players I would love to see in Midnight green: keep in mind these are all sexy picks, not what Andy will do.

Brandon Pettigrew TE- Good hands, huge, and an excellent pass blocker.
Knowshon Moreno RB- Not the fastest, but runs with authority and had almost 800 yards after contact last season. He also has great hands out of the backfield
Jermain Gresham TE- Best pass catching TE in draft. Not as good an overall player as Pettigrew in my opinion.
Jeremy Maclin WR – I know everyone will disagree with this one, but he is another superstar talent who also happens to be a punt returner. Hes got decent size and exceptional speed an athleticism. Would allow Djax to work on being a WR.

As you can see, I have ignored the defensive side of the ball. If Andy spends a first round pick on another DT, I will be angry and surprised.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 31, 2008 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

+1 on Knowshon

He is a beast as a RB, i hope he doesnt leave, but the Eagles would be great with him developing under Westbrook

Who wants to play Leapfrog with Trent?

by anuj on Dec 31, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

On the Knowshon M

front. I went to HS w/ the guy and he was a human highlight film. He set all sorts of Jersey school records and Middletown South Football hasn’t been the same since he left. HIs coach there Antonucci has encouraged him to go to the draft. He does have injury issues but as everyone has seen now, he’s a poor mans AP. Not as explosive but def as relentless, shifty, and elusive. I would love for him to drop on the draft charts and be a G-Men next yr.

by ProudYankee on Dec 31, 2008 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

Andy reid has NEVER drafted a RB higher than the third. NEVER.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RB has never been a glaring need on this team like i think it is right now. When we drafted Westbrook we already had Duce Staley and Buckhalter. Using a first rounder to add a stud like Knowshon would be amazing, and address a glaring need for the Eagles right now. Its obvious Westbrook isn’t as effective when hes the lone back on this team.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 31, 2008 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

We won’t do it. How much do you want to put on it?

Talk about glaring need we have the most dangerous RB starting right now lol. It won’t happen bud. There’s certain positions we dont draft that high and RB is one of them.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Draft

The Eagles have not drafted safeties, linebackers, fullbacks, centers, kickers, or punters in the first round at any time in the past 30 years. They haven’t drafted a running back or tight end in the first round since the late 1980’s (Byars and Jackson), 20 years ago. This is a consistent team policy through several owners, many GM’s and coaches.

If you think that is going to change now, you are sorely mistaken.

People pining away for first round picks in those positions are wishing for an NFL that has not existed since the 1978 liberalization of passing rules which changed the league from a run first league of running backs, centers, guards, and linebackers to a pass first league of quarterbacks, offensive tackles, defensive lineman, cornerbacks, and wideouts.

by Andrew B on Dec 31, 2008 10:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Just think about another three headed monster at RB. I know you will start drooling too.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 31, 2008 11:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Darren Howard ended the year with 10 sacks to lead the team.

If anyone saw this coming I hope you bought a lottery ticket.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 10:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I thought maybe sacks of groceries… not qbs though

by foos05 on Dec 31, 2008 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

For me, tight end is the most glaring weakness on the team. OT will also be a big need even if Tra and/or Runyan give it another go… I tend to think Tra will be back and Runyan may be done.

With the way NIck Cole has played down the stretch, there’s always a chance Andrews moves to RT and Cole stays at RG. Still, I’d be willing to bet one of those two first round picks are used on an OT.

Bleeding Green Nation - Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Dec 31, 2008 10:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think Cole...

…has played well, but we’d need to give him a new contract to keep him. Wouldn’t be expensive though…

Can you imagine if we had a Julius Peppers on this squad? I think Abiamiri could be a force at LDE but we don’t know. But with Peppers and Cole…we wouldn’t even have to blitz that much to get a lot of sacks. And when we did blitz the opposing quarterback’s head might just explode at the sight of it.

by ajay on Dec 31, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think we have all the DEs we need.

by Clyde Simmons on Dec 31, 2008 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably

But just imagine!

by ajay on Dec 31, 2008 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you can NEVER have enough good DE's

ask the Giants. They won the SB by just having 3 good DE’s

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...this year..

The Giants secondary doesn’t get enough credit this year in making up for Strahan and Osi.

Aaron Ross and Kenny Phillips have been great at safety, and Corey Webster rebounded from a very very tough opening last year to become a credible CB.

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ugh Aaron Ross

I wanted the Eagles to pick him sooooo bad he was awesome at Texas. I was pissed when the Giants took him because I knew he would be good.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Ross

Isn’t their safety. Phillips havent been starting. Ross hasn’t been having a good year either. The only great thing about their secondary is Webster.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, corner…not safety…brain is frozen at work.

Aaron Ross has been up and down at various points, but he’s been playing through tons of injuries this year. He’s put up decent numbers despite missing 3 games, and the Giants definitely missed him when they lost 3 of their last 4 games.

Phillips is a rookie…he’s not a starter yet, but he’s shown promise when he’s on the field and has significant play time. I don’t think he’ll ever be a top 5 safety, but he’s very solid, and helps fill a gap when Wilson left.

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hate to defend a Giants player but

Ross has a line similar to Asante … there is no denying that he is a good player

46 solo tackles 3 INTs 1 TD and he as had less then half the PD Asante has.

I’d take that from a second year corner.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

DeAngelo Hall also has 5 INTs

You have to watch corner stats. Ask a giants fan how impressed they were with Ross this year. He is nowhere NEAR the player Asante is.. Also, Asante doesnt get the ball thrown to him much so naturally his PDs aint going to be high.

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 5:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Asante had the ball thrown his way 22 times (most of his career) and had 4 picks, DeAngelo hall 23 PD 5 picks Ross 8 PD and 3 picks you can’t argue with that.

I in fact work for a company in Manhattan so unfortunately I hear about the G-men a lot, and they all love Ross, he’s had some injuries this year but he is a solid player.

Okay I’m done no more defending Giants players.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I will say Asante dropped about 5 picks I can remember off the top of my head and he is a MUCH better player then Ross but Ross is no chump either.

Had to stick up for Asante!

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Asante actually had a career high in PDs this season with 22. His pick rate is down, but if he would have held on to the picks in his hand his total probably would have rose from 4 to like 9. Aside from B-Dawk and Donny, I have to say Asante is my favorite Eagle.

Who wants to play Leapfrog with Trent?

by anuj on Jan 1, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I would want one of those 1st rounders on an OT

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!

by Joe_D on Dec 31, 2008 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever happened to..

King Dunlap?

I know he was on the practice squad and out for the year.

by JGCarraway on Dec 31, 2008 11:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

he got place on IR with some mystery injury… more than likely they like his potential, but not so much to use it on a roster spot knowing he wouldn’t touch the field this year… this mystery injury gives him a year to work on fundamentals… a place where he is extremely lacking

by foos05 on Dec 31, 2008 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and get into NFL shape

at 6’9" 310 lbs thats a big fucker but his biggest negative was that he was in terrible shape probably why he struggled in his senior year.

"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"

by Whodie126 on Dec 31, 2008 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And a big #1

at FO.com for overall DVOA.

by jhavrk8 on Dec 31, 2008 12:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Don't know Jack

I am eager to see if Jack Ikegwuonu pans out next year. Sounds intriguing.

by JazzChord on Dec 31, 2008 2:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

If he...

…can stop stealing X-Boxes and snorting stuff, I think he could be dynamite.

by ajay on Dec 31, 2008 3:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Monrhinweg Delivers

Maybe this deserves a post all of its own.

Back in 2006 when Mornhinweg was installed as Offensive Coordinator, it was noted he had presided over some of the most consistently high scoring offenses in the NFL as coordinator with San Francisco. Some pooh-poohed that at the time by saying well, yes, but he had Young, Rice, Owens, etc.

In three years as Offensive Coordinator with the Eagles, Mornhinweg has delived the #1 (2008) and #3 (2006) all-time scoring seasons for the team. His off year in 2007 was when McNabb was coming back from injury. That is pretty darn impressive when you stop to think about it.

If we can keep the continuity on offense by retaining McNabb and continuing to groom our young skill players like Jackson, Celek, Brown, Avant, and Baskett, pushing our young interior line forward, while adding to the older core of Westbrook, Buckhalter, Curtis, the sky is the limit.

by Andrew B on Dec 31, 2008 10:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good point

But it’s a shame he’ll always be remembered for giving up the ball in overtime in Detroit. I think he’s done a great job here for the most part, but I do hope for his sake that he gets another head coaching opportunity at some point.

by ajay on Jan 1, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs