2004-Present: The Status of the Eagles

With the way the current off-season is going has caused me to deeply analyze what has happened from when our beloved Eagles had gotten to the ultimate goal and came up a little short and our current status as of now. Although it is a uncapped year; the Eagles continue to do what they usually do; let most of the big names go by while focusing on the drafts to help the Eagles. But why? Why does it matter if you invest in a seasoned player with some issues that will ultimately help your club right now? The Eagles have one of the best coaches and staffs in the NFL; getting us to the playoffs 8 times since 2000 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009). Although there are many more factors to the road to the Superbowl, why does it seem that the Eagles try to adjust too much to the roster every year.

 

2004, is arguably our best roster ever in the Andy Reid era. The reason why is because that team got us to the Superbowl, which no other 2000 Eagles have done. Until another team at least gets us back to the Superbowl , they are the best. Let's reminisce shall we?

QB- Donovan McNabb, Koy Detmer, Jeff Blake

RB- Brian Westbrook, Dorsey Levens, Reno Mahe, Eric McCoo, Josh Parry

FB- Thomas Tapeth, Jon Ritchie

WR- Terrell Owens, Todd Pinkston, Freddie Mitchell, Greg Lewis, Billy McMullen

TE- Chad Lewis, L. Smith

T- Tra Thomas, Jon Runyan, Ian Allen, Jermane Mayberry

G- Artis Hicks, Steve Sciullo, Shawn Andrews, Trey Darilek

C- Hank Fraley, Alonzo Ephraim

DE- Jevon Kearse, Trent Cole, Derrick Burgess, Jerome McDougle, Jaamal Green, Hugh Douglas

DT- Corey Simon, Darwin Walker, Hollis Thomas 

LB- Dhani Jones, Mark Simoneau, JerimiahTrotter, Keith Adams, Ike Reese, Nate Wayne

DB- Sheldon Brown, Brian Dawkins, Roderick Hood, Micheal Lewis, Qunitin Mikell, Lito Sheppard, Jr Reed, Matt Ware

K- David Akers

P- Dirk Johnson

LS- Mike Bartrum

The 2004 Eagles ranked 9th in total offense, ranked 8th in scoring per game at 24.1, averaging 248. 7 passing yards per game, and had the 10th ranked defense.

Their was huge amount promise for the Eagles in 2005 and it crashed down to earth, leaving the Eagles with a horrible record of 6-10. That year we lost many important Eagles. Derrick Burgess and Corey Simon were let go; TO was suspended and eventually released. Although TO deserved it; the Eagles lost to key defensive players; causing a huge problem on defense where pass rushing seem optional to the Eagles. The Eagles drooped to the 23rd ranked defense. The offense also suffered. Injuries to Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, TO, Todd Pinkston, Lito Sheppard, Hank Fraley, Tra Thomas, and Correll Thomas.

So we assume, we get over the injury bug and find ourselves to another Superbowl, right? 2006 the Eagles lost 28 players from the Superbowl roster from 2004. In two years, the Eagles started anew? Why? We were young, something Reid loves in a team with a average age of  26.8 in 04. Yes a horrible season came about a year ago but a lot of it could be blamed on the injuries and a TO meltdown. Yeah we do great with a 10-6 record and fell short at the divisional round vs the Saints, but the guys above got us all the way to the Superbowl.

2007 we lose 9 guys from the 2006 season; 7 of these guys apart of the 2004 season. And in 07 we go 8-8 and short of the playoffs. Why? An excuse cannot be for getting this result from a promising season ago is cutting age, because in 2006 our average age was only 26.9. So letting some age go is not a excuse.

The 2008 season only 9 players were on the Superbowl team. That year we do average in the regular season and kick ass in the postseason till the Cardinals beat us. And the rest is history.

It seems like when Andy tweaks it interfereswith some of our past success from the previous season; making the Eagles find new and innovating ways to win, which isn't always a bad thing.  But it makes it 10 times harder when we can'tcontinue some of the things that may have really worked for us a season ago.  That's why I was bitching earlier this month about adding several older pieces to win now instead of starting new and grooming rookies. Hopefully we can continue some the Eagles explosiveness of the offense last year and continue it next to get the city of Philadelphia and its fans a Superbowl. McNabb and Co. for 2010!