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ESPN set about grading the offseason for every NFL team because... I suppose there's nothing else to do at the moment. But, because its ESPN, its on Insider and its about the Eagles we want to know!
You'll be happy to hear that the Eagles received an A, tied for the best grade in the NFC. Matt Williamson's expectations for the 2012 Eagles are sky high.
A year ago, everyone was raving about all the fantastic free-agent moves Philadelphia had made. But to me, this is the year they'll pay off, and the Eagles very well could end up as my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
While he is impressed with the offense, as most are, he says the real excitement this season is on the defensive side of the ball.
But it's the Eagles' defense that has me so excited. It took far too long in 2011, but the Eagles look to have finally figured out the best way to use their defensive personnel, particularly their cover men. With the drafting of Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry, I think that Philadelphia has the best defensive line in the NFL (edging out the Giants). Just think of the foursome the Eagles will field on throwing downs to rush the passer: Jason Babin and Trent Cole on the outside with Cox and Cullen Jenkins attacking up the middle. Plus, the line depth is just superb, so they should always be fresh.
He also believes that the addition of DeMeco Ryans & Mychal Kendricks to the LB corps, as well as the drafting of Brandon Boykin to fill slot corner will pay immediate dividends.
This defense will be among the league's best in 2012. I expect Philadelphia to make good on the hype it received one year ago.