The 2011 coined “dream team,” managed to go just 8-8 on the season, finishing 2nd in the NFC East, and out of the playoffs. The 2012 preseason has showed that the Philadelphia Eagles mean all business this preseason going 4-0. The Eagles stayed rather quiet this offseason, especially after last season’s impressive free agent signings, and being coined the “dream team”. Now we all know that the NBA’s recently coined “dream team,” the Miami Heat didn’t pan out in their first season together, but won the title this past NBA season in their 2nd season together. Instead of going out and finding free agents, the Eagles took care of the products already with the system after resigning Todd Herremans, DeSean Jackson, Evan Mathis, Trent Cole, and LeSean Mccoy. Maybe this story could be true for the Eagles as well after keeping their team in tact and having one of the best drafts in NFL’s 2012 Draft. There are 3 key aspects to the Eagles making a serious run this 2012 season.
- Can Michael Vick stay healthy for 16 games? Vick is one of the most exciting and athletic quarterbacks, who has a left arm that can launch the ball deep down the field, and fit it into tight windows, but Vick is undersized and has had continuous rib problems dating back to last season. When Vick is on the field the Eagles have a chance to win the division, but if Vick can’t stay on the field the Eagles chance’s decrease dramatically. In 2011 Vick missed 3 games due to rib injuries, and threw for 14 interceptions, which was a career high. Although Vick’s threw for more passing yards in 2011, his QB rating dropped from 100.2 in 2010, which landed him 4th in the league, to 84.9 in 2011 and 14th in the league. With all the explosive weapons surrounding Vick, if he can stay healthy and improve his accuracy this season, the Eagles could be very dangerous.
- Will the Eagles defensive rookies make it through the whole season? The Eagles spent their first 3 draft picks on defensive players who will be starting for the Eagles in the 2012 season. The Eagles had the 12th pick overall in the draft after acquiring the pick from the Seahawks, and drafted defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, from Mississippi State. Cox is a 6’4, 298lb athletic d-tackle who finished his 3 year career with Mississippi State with 114 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Cox has a lot of pressure being plugged into the starting front 4 his rookie season. Also Cox could make a difference on special teams after blocking 5 kicks for Mississippi St. Mychal Kendricks was drafted 14th in the 2nd round by Philadelphia Eagles. Kendricks is a 5’11 239 lb linebacker that finished his career at Cal with 258 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. Kendrick always seems to be around the ball at the right time and finished with 7 fumble recoveries with Cal. The Eagles spent the second pick in the 2nd round on University of Marshall defensive end, Vinny Curry. Curry is a 6’3, 266lb d-end who finished his career at Marshall with 26 sacks, 49 tackles, and 10 forced fumbles. Despite being undersized, Curry was able to use his strength and speed to get around the edge in college. Biggest question about Curry’s success in the NFL is his ability to do the same in the NFL as he did in college. If the Eagles can get these 3 rookies to perform at a high rate for the entire 16 game season the Eagles should find themselves in contention of winning the NFC East.
- Will the defensive secondary be able to mesh in 2012? With a new defensive scheme in 2012, the Eagles look to be one of the most dominant secondary’s in the NFL. The Eagles were able to trade away Asante Samuel just before the draft, which gives Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie a chance to be the Eagles 2nd cornerback on the team. DRC is a great man to man defender and should match up perfect with Nnamdi Asomugha on the other side of him. The Eagles also have Curtis Marsh and rookie Brandon Boykin who look to fill in the rest of the slots to complete the Eagles starting cornerbacks. Safeties Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman round out the Eagles secondary. If the Eagle secondary can mesh and flourish like they should in the 2012 season, then there is no reason the Eagles shouldn’t be able to win the NFC East.
I believe the Eagles will finish 11-5 this season and win the NFC East. Their bye week is week 7 and if the Eagles can be 4-2 by week 7 with the first half of their schedule being their toughest stretch, then they will be in great shape.
Eagles Pivotal Games: Week 2- vs. Baltimore, Week 4- New York Giants, Week 5- @ Pittsburgh, Week 6- Detroit, Week 17- @ New York Giants
Coach Tom
The Sports Guys 