2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Predictions

The Eagles have missed the postseason in two of the last three years, but head coach Andy Reid feels this year's team is capable of winning the Super Bowl. Find out if Jimmy Boyd agrees in his 2008 Philadelphia Eagles predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Donovan McNabb struggled early last season after recovering from 2006 knee surgery, but he was his old self by the end, leading the Eagles to three-straight victories to close out the season. McNabb is on the hot seat more than ever this year though as he must stay healthy and he must deliver or the Eagles will look to deal him while he's still worth something.

Injuries to McNabb over the last few seasons have really allowed versatile running back Brian Westbrook to star. He racked up a league-best 2,104 yards from scrimmage last season, which included 90 pass receptions out of the backfield.

Neither of the Eagles' top two receivers are big names, but they have both proven that they can play despite being undersized. Kevin Curtis caught 77 balls for 1,110 yards last season and Brown came on strong toward the end of last season, catching 22 passes in the final four games. The Eagles will look to rookie DeSean Jackson and his sub-4.4 forty speed to provide a big play threat. Tight end L.J. Smith is a big time talent who caught 111 passes over the 2005-06 seasons. He was hurt most of 2007, but will return healthy this year.

The Eagles have two of the best tackles in the league in Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan. Right guard Shawn Andrews earned is second straight Pro Bowl selection last season also.

Defense

Right defensive end Trent Cole is a force off the edge. He posted 12.5 sacks last season. A lack of production on the other side has led to the signing of free agent Chris Clemons. Clemsons recorded eights sacks in a part time role with the Raiders last season. Second round draft pick Trevor Laws will see immediate action in coordinator Jim Johnson's four-tackle rotation.

The Eagles are lacking experience at the linebacker spot, but they make up for some of that by boasting an extremely athletic group. Chris Gocong man's the strong side, Omar Gaither the weak side, and Stewart Bradley the middle.

Because the secondary was only able to come up with 11 interceptions in 2007, the Eagles went out and got Asante Samuel off the free agent market. Samuel had 16 interceptions the last two seasons with New England. He will provide a big lift to a secondary which has questions concerning the oft-injured Lito Sheppard, the 34-year-old body of Brian Dawkins, and the capabilities of Quinton Mitchell as a starting strong safety.

Special Teams

The Eagles' special teams struggled last season and the organization felt that it was the difference between winning and losing in a number of close games. Punt and kickoff returning was especially a weakness. They drafted DeSean Jackson to hopefully give them a homerun threat. Kicker David Akers needs to bounce back. He has long been one of the league's best, but he connected on just two of 10 field goal attempts from beyond 40 yards.

Prediction – 3rd NFC East

The Eagles could end up tied with the Cowboys for second place in this division, but they'll likely finish third. We keep saying if McNabb stays healthy the offense will gel, but it is becoming more and more apparent that he is nearing the twilight. The Giants are a more complete team, but the Eagles should be able to handle the Redskins.

Bet Jimmy Boyd's NFL picks this season and make more money than you've ever imagined. No handicapper puts in as much time in the research room or has as many resources at his fingertips. Jimmy's success speaks for itself year after year.

Check out the official site of the Philadelphia Eagles and for more information.

June 25th, 2008