2009: Eagles Strenght's and Weaknesses (Defense)

 The 2008 Eagles had one of the top 5 Defenses. No argument. But where does 09 compare?

Strenghts

DL

 In the JJ (God Bless) era, the Eagles DL has been especially strong. And you can almost say that for the Giants and Redskins. The Giants and Eagles probably hate each other the most b/c they are so similar.  Strong DL's. But I feel that the Eagles have the edge compared to the Giants. Yes both are very deep, but the Giants D has (since last year) and is right now plagued with injury. Osi last year and Alford (some DT). Plus most are going thru minor injuries that may not be serious but affect their effectiveness on the playing field. Where as one guy goes down and the transition to the nest guy such as Clemons and Howard are seamless. I am willing to say we have the best DL in the NFL. 48 sacks during the regular season compared to the league average of 23. That is efficiency. And aganist the Panthers today, they set the tempo.

Secondary(execpt FS)

They are probably one of the top ten DB's in the NFL and they have shut down Delhomme and Smith. Four Int's by the backs, two by Sheldon Brown, one by  Asante Samuel and Joselio Hanson. They completely owned pro-bowler Steve Smith and 13 or 14 year vet Mushin Muhammad. Of couse they did so well because of some pressure conveniently provided by the DL. But the true test comes week 2 against Drew Brees and the Saints. who threw for 6 TD's. They are vital to keep us in the game with or without McNabb.

Weaknesses

For everyone who is not a Eagle fan, this may sound biased. None.

Soild (A strenght nor a weaknesses)

LB

One of the biggest quesions coming into the game was if they could handle rising RB DeAngelo Wiliams. They were outstanding! They stuffed the run while covering the middle very weel. Chris Gocong impresses doubters (I was one), while Gaither shows that intensity that we lost from Bradley and shows that he is determined from losing his job to last year. Speaking of WLB, Akeem Jordan, was the most impressive LB. He had a sack and hads a INT. I thought that he would lose his job to Gaither (before Bradley went down), but shows why he took Gaithers place last yr. They have went to soild from weakness.

FS

Its not a bad thing to get his name mentined durign the game. But it's better to hear "The Hit by Dawkins."....oops I mean "The Hit by Harris."