Donovan McNabb, The Eagles, and The Next Two Years: The Legacy Of Five

With each passing season, I am convinced that a bust of Donovan McNabb will sit in Canton, Ohio someday. I am not convinced that McNabb will end his career in midnight green, as the ownership has proven that loyalty comes second to conducting the business of football in Philadelphia.

The two-year restructuring of McNabb’s deal by Eagles management was a vote of confidence from the club and a nice gesture for the face of the franchise for over a decade. But the deal didn’t extend the life of the contract, and Kevin Kolb lurking in McNabb’s shadow as the heir apparent to the starting quarterback job in Philly, might spell the end of the McNabb era for the Eagles after those two years expire.

In the end, what will it all mean?

It’s hard to deny McNabb’s success. Only Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have a better winning percentage among quarterbacks with more than 100 starts in the last decade. He’s the Eagles all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, and has led the franchise to more postseason appearances—seven—than any other signal caller.

So, why does it seem like McNabb could still be considered an underachiever?

Consider the fact that “Five” has yet to get the Eagles over the hump to capture that elusive Super Bowl title, despite five NFC Championship appearances, and one failed Super Bowl run. Consider the number of lesser quarterbacks that have guided teams to Super Bowl wins and the number of talented teams McNabb has had to work with on both sides of the ball—and that begins to tell the tale.

McNabb will be 33 this season and likely has just two years remaining to see if he falls in with the likes of great quarterbacks such as Joe Montana, John Elway, Troy Aikman, Brett Favre, and contemporaries Brady and Manning. Or is McNabb destined to enjoy the “Great Quarterback but…” knock that the Jim Kellys and Dan Marinos of the world have been forced to endure.

Of those mentioned, McNabb could end up a lot like Hall of Famer Kelly, who played 11 seasons in Buffalo, and is remembered more for his four failed Super Bowl tries than his impressive Hall of Fame career.

Or he could end up like Hall of Famer Elway, who spent most of his career with the same criticisms because of many failed playoff and Super Bowl appearances early in his career, before finally breaking through for two Super Bowl titles at age 37 and 38 and finally retiring.

Of the two, McNabb’s career path more closely resembles Elway than Kelly. In Elway’s situation, early on as a Bronco, he was an offensive force on a team lacking a serious running threat. The addition of Terrell Davis in Elway’s final years was what finally pushed Elway’s Broncos over the top and to Super Bowl glory.

While the Eagles haven’t lacked in the running department, they have been short on offensive weapons in recent years. With the exception of the one Super Bowl run with Terrell Owens by his side (before the fallout, of course!), McNabb has done the most with the least, really.

Things are different, now though. McNabb has publicly applauded the offensive additions made over the past two seasons and knows the score when it comes to his legacy.

“With the type of team that we have, I think it’s important that we focus in on what we have to do in order to achieve that common goal, and that’s obviously to win a Super Bowl,” McNabb said at his press conference announcing his extension. “I looked at it in the sense that it’s in these two years, our focus is to win the Super Bowl and anything past that, it will take care of itself. At this particular point, in these two years, we feel like we can get the job done.”

And if he does, McNabb no longer has to worry about the elephant in the room when discussion about the legacy of his career comes up. From great to elite goes Five’s status with just one win.

The Super Bowl title does not automatically make a quarterback great. Ask anyone who ever watched Trent Dilfer play. However, the difference between greatness and elite status is what’s at stake for McNabb over the next two years. It’s what separates Montana from Marino, Elway from Kelly. 

And, for now, it’s what keeps McNabb out of the discussion with the likes of Brady and Manning. We’ll see if that barrier can be broken down in the next two years. It’s up to “Five” now. 

A Billion Reasons Why the Eagles Should Say “All-In!” This Year

If the national media were high school, the Philadelphia Eagles would be the prom king of the upcoming NFL season. If you believe the hype, you might even say this year’s Eagles were dealt pocket aces.

Mixed metaphors aside, the 2009 version of the Eagles might be their best offering since their Super Bowl run in 2004. It’s hard to match that year’s offseason where Philadelphia nabbed Terrell Owens, Jevon Kearse, and Dhani Jones, and drafted Shawn Andres, but many have the Eagles ranked at or near the top when grading this year’s offseason moves.

Entering his 16th season as Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie must be ecstatic. In 1994, Lurie bought the team for $195 million. Now, the team is worth over $1 billion, and while the rest of the rich suddenly started getting poorer, Lurie’s personal value pushed him into the dwindling $1 billion club, according to Forbes annual list.

With training camp about a month away, the Eagles have once again built a highly competitive team and did it without breaking the bank cap-wise. According to some estimates, Philadelphia had roughly $23 million of room to work with under the cap before re-working Donovan McNabb’s contract.

Even after, the Eagles are still sitting pretty when it comes to finances.

The only major question mark is the status of Brian Westbrook. The Eagles’ stud running back will miss training camp after a second surgery slowed his progress. However, he is set to return for the regular season if everything goes as planned.

Maybe that should be IF.

With Westbrook down but not out, the Eagles expect to turn to 2009 second round selection LeSean McCoy and Lorenzo Booker to carry the load in preparation for the season. The organization has high hopes for McCoy despite never taking an NFL hit, and seem to think Booker is more ready for this season than he was last year when he was deactivated for the NFC Championship Game.

While there is no question that McCoy has a huge upside, there is a big question the Eagles might face if their current path derails yet another Super Bowl run: Why not insure yourself at running back from the wealth of free agent talent still available?

Considering the NFL’s team-friendly salary structure, it seems like a no-brainer that Philadelphia should insure themselves by picking up Deuce McAllister, Warrick Dunn, Edgerrin James, or even Rudi Johnson to have a contingency plan in case Westbrook’s injury lingers, McCoy fails to reach expectations, or Booker fails to deliver (again!).

What’s the risk? Sign one of the running backs still out of work, and if he fails or his services are not needed once the season starts, cut him. Unlike any other sport, the Eagles would not be responsible for the rest of that player’s contract. Seems like it is little risk to protect the Eagles from disaster.

Call it running back insurance.

As the hype builds toward the 2009 season, this is no time to play it safe financially. Whether the Eagles spend a few million on running back insurance or not will not send the club into financial ruin, and would show the fans how serious this year’s quest really is.

It’s not enough to get close anymore for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sure, nine playoff appearances, five NFC Championship appearances, and one Super Bowl stop is impressive in 16 years of Jeffrey Lurie ownership, but without that Super Bowl trophy, it will never be good enough.

In poker, you can’t lose what you don’t put in the middle, but you can’t win much either. It’s time for Jeffrey Lurie to tell the Eagles to go all-in and take a small risk to prepare for anything to make sure this year’s run at a Super Bowl title is not derailed again.

 

Rock, Eagles, Scissors: Cutting Through the Optimism of the ’09 Eagles

I have never been a big fan of Roshambo. Also known as Rock, Paper, Scissors, I have always had trouble with the fact that paper beats rock. Throw a rock hard enough and paper is no match.

The 2009 Philadelphia Eagles have a boulder flying through the air toward their 2009 season before it even starts.

This year’s Eagles had a well received offseason with upgrades in free agency, trading and through the draft that have many calling this year’s Eagles the best team in the NFC… on paper.

But there are many questions that are impossible to answer on that optimistic parchment that has anointed the Eagles as one of the teams (if not THE team) to beat in the NFC.

One of those questions becomes more complicated today as star running back Brian Westbrook goes under the knife for the second time this off-season.

There were already concerns on how Westbrook would bounce back from off-season knee surgery. Although on paper, the surgery was noted as a positive.

Instead, his already compromised conditioning was dealt a further blow when ankle surgery was deemed necessary. Now, Route 36 will be detoured from his training for at least six weeks and will need to avoid further setbacks to be ready for the regular season.

It shouldn’t be a problem… on paper. But either was the soon-to-be 30-year-old’s recovery from his first surgery.

Now, even more pressure falls on second round draft choice LeSean McCoy. On paper, it shouldn’t be a problem. Tennessee’s Chris Johnson, Chicago’s Matt Forte, Houston’s Steve Slaton, and Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart were all 2008 draft picks thrust into key roles for their team who answered the call.

Johnson, Forte, and Slaton all ran for over 1,200 yards in their rookie season.

The paper typically never points out those rookie draft choices who look promising (Baltimore’s Ray Rice, for example) but take a little longer to come around. There’s also no mention of Kenny Irons, Cincinnati’s second round selection in 2007 who tore his ACL four carries into his first preseason and was was waived in 2008.

Those who think LeSean is “The Real McCoy” cite his similarities to Westbrook. On paper, McCoy and Westbrook are similar in size and style. Well, with the exception that McCoy might be a pass blocking liability and has never experienced one NFL hit.

What happens if Westbrook’s second surgery slows his return or limits his touches and McCoy can’t block or is more Siran Stacy than Westbrook?

Does that start a chain reaction that ignites some other potential fires the Eagles might have to put out if they start out the season not as good as they look… on paper?

There’s already dissension on the defensive side of the ball where Sheldon Brown is unhappy with his contract and has been ditching OTA’s to emphasis his displeasure. What happens if the silent Donovan McNabb contract negotiations go south and these “Paper Champions” get off to a slow start?

Sure, the Eagles survived Lito Sheppard’s similar situation last year and McNabb came through a benching in Baltimore with flying colors (even if it left some mental scars on Five). On paper, contract disputes can be overcome and teams can find success.

Ignore that 2005 season ripped apart by a Terrell Owens contract dispute, of course!

The point here is not that the Eagles are not good enough to win in 2009. Sometimes, what it looks like on paper matches the actual results.

Last Super Bowl, the Steelers were considered better on paper than the Cardinals. Indeed, paper covered rock and the Steelers won.

It’s important to keep looking at possible pitfalls though. Plenty of teams that looked good on paper have taken a tumble.

Ask the 2008 Patriots if paper always covers rock. Even a team with a perfect regular season can lose on the field… even if they win on paper.

Sometimes rock goes right through paper.

The Early Ws And Ls Game and the 2009 Eagles

One of the fun offseason rituals for a football fan is the “Ws and Ls” game. It typically starts the day the schedule is revealed and is tweaked throughout training camp and preseason.

It’s pretty simple. Pull out the schedule. Grab a pen. Write “W” or “L” next to the games on the schedule.

This early in the year, it is as much about the team’s talent as it is about the way the schedule lays out and a few general assumptions made about the team in general.

When it comes to this year’s Eagles, Andy Reid’s 11th season in Philadelphia, there are a handful of assumptions that can be made when playing the “Ws and Ls” game.

Being An Elitist

On most “Power Rankings” or early prediction sheets, the Eagles show up as a top tier team in the NFL. There are also a handful of teams that are generally considered to be bottom tier teams which the NFL’s elite automatically get credited with a “W” when playing the game.

For the Eagles, that’s only two teams: Kansas City in Week Three and Oakland in Week Six.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
SCHEDULE: XXWBXWXXXXXXXXXXX

Time Zone Troubles

You couldn’t escape this talk in 2008. Time zone and jet lag were almost as sexy of a topic in the NFL as Tom Brady’s injury and Brett Favre.

And West Coast teams delivered a 3-12 record when travelling to the East Coast.

Personally, I don’t remember such travel troubling the dominant 49ers teams of the ’80s and ’90s but the Eagles do draw the 49ers at home this year in Week 15 and this 49ers team doesn’t have Joe Montana, Jerry Rice or Steve Young. Chalk this one up as a win for the Eagles, too.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)
SCHEDULE: XXWBXWXXXXXXXXWXX

Divisional Drama

Last year, the Eagles finished with a 2-4 record in the NFC East. With only a losing record against the Giants (9-11) during his tenure, the Eagles have only been swept seven times in their 30 home-and-home series against the Giants, Cowboys and Redskins.

With Philadelphia drawing Dallas on the road in December (a bad month for Tony Romo to play football), the Eagles get a sweep over the Cowboys for now and home-and-home splits with the Redskins and Giants.

Remember, we’re talking general assumptions here.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
SCHEDULE: XXWBXWLWWXXWXLWXW

On The Road Again

One of the tougher things to do in football is win back-to-back road games. The Eagles are unfortunate enough to play back-to-back road games three times in 2009.

With Ws and Ls penciled in for Week Six (at Oakland) and Week Seven (at Washington), the other two back-to-back road games become the focus.

In Week 10 and 11, the Eagles travel to San Diego and Chicago. Due to Reid’s dominance of current NFC North teams (13-3), the L should land in Week 10 and the Eagles should bounce back and win the Bears game.

Also, there’s already an L against the Giants when they travel to New York in Week 14 after they play the Falcons in Atlanta in Week 13. For now, let’s credit them with a win against the Falcons for another split.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (9-3)
SCHEDULE: XXWBXWLWWLWWWLWXW

Let’s Not Forget Opening Week

How could I forget Week One? Well, maybe because the Eagles haven’t been great in Week One of the Reid Era.

In the last 10 years, the Eagles have not won in Week One in back-to-back seasons. They won last year so let’s give them a loss this year at Carolina.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (9-4)
SCHEDULE: LXWBXWLWWLWWWLWXW

Bye, Bye Birdies

There’s nothing automatic in football. That’s why they play the games.

There is something pretty close to it, though. The Eagles are a perfect 10-0 in the Reid Era following a bye week.

Until there’s a reversal of fortune here, sorry Tampa Bay, Eagles win in Week Four.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
SCHEDULE: LXWBWWLWWLWWWLWXW

HUH?

Every year there is that game on the schedule that you mark down as a “W” that ultimately becomes an “L”. With two games remaining, there’s the New Orleans game in Week Two and Denver game in Week 16.

The Denver game is a home game for the Eagles and sandwiched in between two division games for the Broncos. It’s hard to picture the Broncos coming into Philly and winning but it will be the return of Brian Dawkins to Lincoln Financial Field. So, I wouldn’t rule it out.

For that very reason, that’s not the loss that would surprise me. Hence, they get a “W” there. (Confused yet?)

What would be more shocking than a team often tapped as the team-to-beat in the NFC losing their opening two games? Maybe the Eagles tying the 1-8 Cincinnati Bengals in Week Nine of the 2008 season? Or starting out 0-2 in the 2007 season? Or losing to the 2-7 Tennessee Titans in 2006 despite having a winning record at the time?

You get the drift. Chalk up a loss in Week Two to the Saints.

2009 Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
SCHEDULE: LLWBWWLWWLWWWLWWW

Book Me A Flight To Vegas

What do we know? The Eagles are expected to be good. Like every schedule, this year’s has its twists that generally help or hurt a team no matter how good or bad they are. (Unless you are last year’s Lions or 2007’s Patriots, of course.)

Right now, Philadelphia’s over/under is 9.5. With a 1.5 win cushion based on this early “Ws and Ls” exercise, I’m ready to put a few bucks on this year’s Eagles to surpass the 9.5 win threshold.

Who’s with me? Anybody up for a trip to Vegas?

Will LeSean Be The Real McCoy for the Philadelphia Eagles?

Sometimes I look at the Eagles of 2009 and it is déjà vu all over again.

Philadelphia let an aging defensive star walk, signed one of the biggest free agents available and improved their skill positions on draft day instead of dipping into the free agent market.

Jevon Kearse became Brian Dawkins.

Asante Samuel became Stacy Andrews.

DeSean Jackson became Jeremy Maclin.

And Lorenzo Booker became LeSean McCoy. Sort of.

If the first three work out like they did in 2008, the Eagles and their fans will rejoice. If McCoy turns out to be Booker, the Eagles might regret not spending some of that $23 million they are currently under the salary cap to replace veteran Correll Buckhalter.

While there’s a hint of déjà vu, the differences are immediate. Both Booker and McCoy were acquired on the day of the draft. However, Booker was a one-year veteran the Eagles traded their fourth round selection to the Miami Dolphins for. The Eagles acquired McCoy with their second round choice in the 2009 draft.

Consider the fact the Eagles could have selected Tashard Choice with that fourth round selection and what Choice did for the Cowboys (92 carries for 472 yards, 21 receptions for 185 yards and two rushing touchdowns) and the decision to select an unproven talent has credibility.

The difference here is the expectation for McCoy to step in and be Philly’s number two back behind soon-to-be-30 year-old offensive star Brian Westbrook. The same Westbrook who required arthroscopic knee surgery in the winter and has never played 16 games in a season.

While Booker was someone the team thought could contribute on offense (he didn’t), there were other options behind Westbrook. Most notable: Buckhalter who delivered 102 touches and 693 yards from scrimmage.

Now, Buckhalter is gone. On the depth chart, second round choice McCoy is behind Westbrook where Buckhalter’s name usually was. Behind McCoy, the names are either unreliable (the previously mentioned Booker) or unproven (Eldra Buckley or Walter Mendenhall).

Why should there be particular concern about McCoy? Well, there’s plenty of upside. His three-minute scouting video will make you salivate.

He’s fast, elusive and can hit the hole in a hurry. He’s patient, catches the ball out of the backfield, wants the ball and wants to win. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

There are holes in LeSean’s game though. Aren’t there with all rookies? He’s not big (5’10” and 198 lbs.), holds the ball loosely and his east-to-west running style might not be as successful against the faster defenses of the NFL.

And that’s not the biggest problem.

Apparently, McCoy does not pick up the blitz. Plus, his blocking when he does pick it up did not receive high marks. At Pitt, when McCoy was asked to block, it mostly consisted of cut blocks. In the Eagles’ offense, they expect him to be a stand-up blocker.

If the sophomore-to-professional does not progress once the squad puts on pads and goes through the training camp motions, how big of a part can McCoy play in the offense? If the regular season begins and LeSean has not developed at least adequate blocking skills, can he be the number two option?

Sure, the Eagles added size to the offensive line. However, they need McCoy to step in and be effective for eight to ten touches per game to keep the pressure off of Westbrook to carry the load and risk a major injury.

How effective can McCoy be if he is an ineffective blocker? It’s doubtful the Eagles would risk using a pass blocking liability on pass plays so putting LeSean on the field would also put a target on his back. What else does a running back do if he can’t block other than get the ball?

There is little doubt of McCoy’s potential. The rookie has already been tabbed the running back of the future. He couldn’t have a better mentor than Westbrook, an equally undersized elusive back who progressed from a third round pick to one of the league’s elite backs.

Is he the backup running back of the now, though? It is not something we can figure out from the few minutes of scouting video floating around or even discern from May’s helmet and shorts non-contact camp.

Remember last May when hopes were high for Booker who at least had a year of NFL experience under his belt. If I told you then that the Eagles would make the NFC Championship but Booker would be deactivated, would you have believed me?

Let’s not rush to the conclusion that LeSean is the real McCoy and the answer to their depth problems at running back behind Westbrook… especially when his weakness could limit his time on the field.

Don’t forget, Booker was already not the answer once; do the Eagles want to explore that chapter again? Blocking Booker on the depth chart might be the biggest one McCoy has to throw before the ’09 season even begins. Is he up for it?

Eagles ’09: Old Game Plan Dog Needs New Wrinkles, Not Tricks

On paper, this year’s Philadelphia Eagles have improved and many are calling them the NFC favorites. That and a dollar will buy you a double cheeseburger at McDonald’s.

How the Eagles handle their new personnel and how that will affect their playbook is another story. Even May mini-camp doesn’t provide much insight.

Sure, it’s good to see the players on the field in helmets (and shorts) but it’s hard to gather much from a spring practice session with less contact than a Memorial Day sale at Old Navy.

Even Lorenzo Booker’s impressive mini-camp to NFC Championship game deactivation in 2008 won’t stop anyone from envisioning what those changes might look like in September. Here’s how the 2009 Eagles could differ from last year’s version:

On Offense: More (Effective) Running

“We’re striving to lead the league in rushing this year,” said head coach Andy Reid when asked about the 2009 running game earlier this year.

He was joking.

Although the offseason additions to the offensive line (Stacy Andrews and Jason Peters), at fullback (Leonard Weaver) and in the draft (LeSean McCoy) sure make them look serious about improving the running game. A healthy Brian Westbrook and Shawn Andrews won’t hurt either.

With the additions, it’s possible the Eagles will be more effective running the ball but it doesn’t guarantee the team will run more often. This is Andy Reid’s offense even if Marty Mornhinweg is the offensive coordinator, let’s not forget.

The Eagles should find a reason to use new fullback Weaver, though. And that might be the key to resurrecting some pretty abysmal offensive numbers wrapped around an impressive 416-point season:

·         Red Zone Effectiveness: 31 TDs in 63 trips

·         Goal-to-Go Effectiveness: 68% TDs

·         Third/Fourth-and-One Conversions: 50%

In 2008, the Eagles got little from their fullbacks. The position delivered 28 carries for 88 yards (3.1 yards per carry) and 12 receptions for 78 yards (6.5 yards per carry).

While Weaver’s numbers in Seattle were not amazing, they were enough to give hope for improvement. With 30 carries for 130 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and 20 receptions for 222 yards (11.1 yards per reception) in 14 games, Weaver delivered 3.6 touches per game and 25.1 yards per game.

It’s not that the Eagles have a weapon here in Weaver, who was sold by his agent as a fullback with running ability, but he gives them something the opposition has to at least think about.

The Eagles need to spend a considerable amount of time addressing their lack of success in the Red Zone and on third-and-short. Adding plays designed to utilize their larger offensive line and the 250 lbs Weaver seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it?

Maybe the confidence that Weaver should bring to the position will get him utilized more. Philadelphia didn’t use a fullback on third-and-one until Week 13. That was Kyle Eckel who ended up being four for four on third-and-one the rest of the year.

Expecting the Eagles to become a running, smash-mouth team over the course of one offseason is silly. Expecting them to utilize the new pieces available to them to improve their effectiveness the 40-45% of the time they do run, is a different story.

On Defense: Rotation, Rotation, Rotation

Take the worst case scenario with the Eagles defense; say there is a big drop-off from Brian Dawkins to his ’09 replacement and Jim Johnson misses considerable time as defensive coordinator. The team still has a deep secondary, 10 returning starters, and an interim coordinator who knows Johnson’s game plans almost as well as Johnson himself.

With acting defensive coordinator Sean McDermott at the helm, to tinker with the playbook heavily might also impact the confidence the defense and the head coach has about McDermott’s ability if the team starts off slowly.

Instead of attacking the playbook (with the exception of introducing a few looks utilizing three safeties), the Eagles should focus on the rotation of their deep defense, especially in the secondary.

While the offense looks to be improved and last year’s version was ranked 13^th in the NFL in time of possession, there’s no guarantee that will improve.

Consider the fact that Philadelphia was outscored 61-24 in the fourth quarter of their seven losses (including the NFC Championship) and one has to wonder if the ’08 defense had a habit of wearing down late in games.

To fix that, the playbook isn’t the issue. However, since this offseason’s mantra has been depth, depth, and more depth on the defense, a healthy mix of the defense’s personnel should keep them fresh.

Not only will this keep the defense fresh for the fourth quarter, it allows it to continue to be aggressive without concern of wearing down.

The defense has always been known for being attacking and aggressive. A successful rotation of the talent on defense can do nothing but bolster the long-term success of the team.

Overall: Old Dogs Might Not Learn New Tricks But They Can Develop New Wrinkles

No matter what anyone thinks, the game plans might not change all that much. Let’s face it; Reid is entering his 11^th year as head coach, with Mornhinweg at his side for seven of them. Heck, even if Johnson misses the entire year, McDermott has been here as long as Andy.

That being said, there’s plenty of wrinkles that can be introduced. Changing two pass plays per game to runs last year would have basically put the team in line with the rest of the league’s run-to-pass ratio. That’s not a major alteration in game planning but it’s enough to make opponents focus on both aspects of the offense.

On defense, veering from the Johnson strategy would be the perfect way for the acting defensive coordinator to lose favor with the coach, the personnel, and the fans should it not work. Talk about high-risk, low-reward.

Where McDermott can really put his mark is in managing personnel. Who starts, how much time each player sees, and where they fit in the game plan. For me, it’s too early to make calls there. There’s an entire training camp and four meaningless preseason games before those decisions need to be finalized.

(Hypothetically) Speaking with Sheldon Brown

If I could interview any current Philadelphia Eagle, for me the choice is easy: Sheldon Brown. Here’s what such an interview would look like…minus Sheldon’s responses, of course! (One can always hope!)

 

Entering his eighth training camp as a Philadelphia Eagle, Sheldon Brown doesn’t know if it will be his last at Lehigh University.

The ultimate team player turned 30 during the off-season and saw the Eagles bring in stiff competition for the job he’s held for five consecutive seasons. Four years his elder, Brown must beat out recently acquired corner back Ellis Hobbs to be the starting corner when the Eagles open the season on Sept. 13 in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers.

But there’s more to this off-season than any other for Brown who has played in all 122 regular and postseason games since he was drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft.

There’s the departure of team leader Brian Dawkins, Brown’s comments on how he felt “disrespected” by the Eagles publicly and his desire for a reworked contract more in line with his peers.

Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with the longest tenured member of the Eagles defense and talk about those pressing issues, his career with the Eagles and more:

BJ: You are the 13th oldest projected starter heading into the ’09 season. Former teammate Troy Vincent said during your rookie year that you were going to be in the league a long time because of your preparedness. What else do you think has kept you performing at such a high level for so long?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: 122 straight regular and postseason games, the second longest active streak in the NFL. How long do you think you can play at the level you are at?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: While we’re on the subject of longevity, the Eagles have a reputation of making “business decisions” that have seen many veteran players finish their careers in other places. How does that affect the team?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: The most recent of those exits had Brian Dawkins leave for Denver. Have you talked to him since his departure?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: There’s no debate over who was the leader on defense when Dawkins was here. Now that he’s gone, as the elder statesman of the defense, do you assume that role?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: Brian was here your entire career. Where do you see his absence having the biggest impact on the defense and the team?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: You have publicly called out the team recently over your contract in an effort to set the record straight regarding comments made by Joe Banner. In retrospect, was that the right thing to do?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: You’ve said your concerns over your current contract were not about the money. Banner has said that when he’s discussed your concerns with your agent that that money was the only concern. If it’s not about the money, then what is it about?

SB: [Answer]

BJ: Some fans critical of your comments have said you have four years remaining on your contract and should live up to it. What is your response to them?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: Since your comments, the Eagles have acquired Ellis Hobbs to compete for playing time at corner and possibly your starting job. What your thoughts on the upcoming battle between the two of you?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: Do you think the Hobbs acquisition was a subtle retaliation by the Eagles for your public comments?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: From last year to this year, what have you done to step up your game?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: Not all of your time with the Eagles has been as controversial as this off-season. What’s your best memory from your seven seasons with Philadelphia?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: The Eagles have been to four Championship Games and a Super Bowl since you joined the team. Each time falling short. How important is it for you to get a Super Bowl ring before you retire?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: Before you go, Sheldon, since we’re on the subject of retirement. How many years of Sheldon Brown can we expect to enjoy?

SB: [Answer]

 

BJ: Do you see yourself finishing your career in an Eagles uniform?

SB: [Answer] 

 

BJ: Thanks for your time, Sheldon.

Can The Eagles Soar In The NFC East In ’09?

Donovan McNabb and the Eagles won four out of five to make the postseason after McNabb’s controversial mid-season benching that some thought was the end of the “Five” Era in Philadelphia.

Then, Philadelphia won two playoff games including a win over the New York Giants, the NFC East winner and then-defending Super Bowl champions to get to their fifth NFC Championship in eight seasons. The soaring Eagles could not stop the even-higher flying Arizona Cardinals and were forced to watch the Super Bowl like the rest of the NFC East.

The offseason saw the Eagles offense infused with a few high profile free agents, some promising rookies and a Pro Bowler via a trade. On defense, the Eagles went younger with the departure of former All-Pro team leader Brian Dawkins and disgruntled cornerback Lito Sheppard.

With those offseason changes, will the Eagles be good enough to make another run at that elusive Super Bowl title? Let’s look at the teams that are standing in their way in the NFC East:

New York Giants (2008 Record: 12-4)

Key Additions: DT Rocky Bernard, LB Michael Boley, S C.C. Brown, DT Chris Canty
Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress, WR Amani Toomer, RB Derrick Ward

The Giants should be Philadelphia’s toughest competition and this team is only one year removed from the Super Bowl. New defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan replaces Steve Spagnuolo who left to helm the St. Louis Rams and the offense lost three players— Burress, Toomer and Ward—who racked up more than half of the team’s offensive yards.

How will the defense run under Sheridan who has never been a coordinator in his nearly 30 years of experience as a coach?

That can’t be determined yet but New York added three free agent starters in Bernard and Canty (at defensive tackle) and Boley (at outside linebacker) to help in the transition. They also get back defensive stud Osi Umenyiora who missed all of 2008 with a knee injury. Plus, they added depth in the secondary with the signing of Brown.

There were no free agent additions on the offensive side to replace Burress, Toomer or Ward. They instead will rely on some younger players to step up and contribute in their absence.

Power rusher Brandon Jacobs is likely to miss his usual handful of games and 1,000-yard rusher Ward is not there to back him up. Elusive Ahmad Bradshaw has shown flashes but will he be as effective as Ward?

While Eli Manning should continue to be well protected, who does he throw to now that two of his favorite targets are gone?

Steve Smith should be his favorite target and Domenik Hixon might make up the slack for some of Burress’ and Toomer’s 83 receptions in ’08. But the rest falls on the shoulders of second-year wideout Mario Manningham and ’09 first round choice Hakeem Nicks.

Why The Giants Are Better Than The Eagles: The G-Men are flooded with defensive talent. Without Umenyiora and the free agent additions, they were a force to be reckoned with. The Giants’ defense ranked fifth in points allowed last year and are improved, so that should overcome their steps backward on offense. If the Giants taught us anything during their run to a Super Bowl, it’s don’t underestimate Eli Manning.

Why They Are Not: Spagnuolo was an excellent coordinator, Sheridan is an unknown. This Giants team obviously struggled without Plaxico and it looked like the Giants and Eagles more than symbolically passed each other in the Eagles’ divisional Playoff win.

Dallas Cowboys (2008 Record: 9-7)

Key Additions: LB Keith Brooking, QB Jon Kitna, DE Igor Olshansky, S Gerald Sensabaugh
Key Losses: DE Chris Canty, WR Terrell Owens, LB Zach Thomas

TO is gone and so is the excuse if this team continues to split apart at the seams.

Owner Jerry Jones is not known for his patience so another disappointing year might earn head coach Wade Phillips a pink slip in Dallas. In the final year of his contract, it’s doubtful Phillips has a lot of wiggle room after he failed to make the playoffs with a team many felt were destined for the Super Bowl.

On the offensive side, the team is without Terrell Owens who played a big role as the team’s No. 1 receiver. Tony Romo will not have Owens available which many see as a good thing because of his off-the-field distractions. Romo will instead rely on tight end Jason Witten and look for mid-season acquisition Roy Williams to pick up some of the slack.

The typically pass-happy Cowboys might shift some more of their play calling toward the running game where they have three solid runners in Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

Linebacker DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in sacks with 20 last year and nose tackle Jay Ratliff was a Pro Bowl selection but their defense ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in points allowed.

Too old Zach Thomas moved on and was replaced by not much younger Brooking at inside linebacker while Olshansky and Sensabaugh moved to the front of the depth chart at their respective positions upon signing with the Cowboys.

Why The Cowboys Are Better Than The Eagles: The Cowboys are 27-14 (including the postseason) with Tony Romo as their starting quarterback and they addressed some of their defensive problems through free agency. Plus, the TO and Pacman demons have been exorcised. Addition by subtraction, perhaps?

Why They Are Not: Romo’s impressive starting record is not that impressive after December 1 where he is 5-10. That includes an embarrassing loss on the final game of the ’08 season that sent ripple effects through the organization. Plus, TO’s departure is not something franchises bounce back from in their first year without the controversy magnet. Ask the Eagles and 49ers.

Washington Redskins (8-8)

Key Additions: G Derrick Dockery, DT Albert Haynesworth, P Hunter Smith
Key Losses: DE Demetric Evans, CB Shawn Springs, DE Jason Taylor, LB Marcus Washington

Thanks to a 6-2 start, the Jim Zorn-Jason Campbell Era exploded onto the NFL scene. By the end of Week 17, the team was 8-8, out of the playoffs and impatient owner Daniel Snyder was looking to keep true to his track record of making drastic changes.

They tried, too.

Despite Campbell’s half-season of success, the offseason showed the lack of confidence the franchise has in their quarterback. First, they tried to trade for Jay Cutler and then eyed USC quarterback Mark Sanchez in the draft.

Cutler ended up in Chicago, the Jets landed Sanchez with the fifth pick and Campbell now enters the final year of his contract as the Redskins starting quarterback.
Campbell isn’t the only one in the pressure cooker as head coach Zorn enters ’09 with more than a few high profile head coaches out of work and Snyder already proving he has an itchy trigger finger when it comes to head coaches.

Clinton Portis is there to help take some pressure off of Campbell since their aging offensive line is likely to not be as helpful. Santana Moss can be lethal to secondaries and Antwaan Randle-El has big play capability, even if his quarterback isn’t known for that. Chris Cooley should continue to be Campbell’s security blanket at tight end.

Their defense should continue to shine which should keep their offense in games. The addition of All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth should help them be even better. Jason Taylor and Shawn Springs are both gone but Taylor was a bust and Springs was past his prime.

Why The Redskins Are Better Than The Eagles: To be fair, the Redskins are not. However, they do draw the favorable schedule in the NFC East which includes the Lions (0-16 in 2008) and Rams (2-14 in 2008). The Redskins might be right about Campbell not being the future, but he also does a good job of keeping them in games which should keep the Redskins competitive.

Why They Are Not: It’s likely the Redskins are looking toward 2010 and life without Campbell (and maybe Zorn). This team is not the 6-2 bunch that shocked everyone last year in the first half but not the 2-6 crew that struggled in the second half. However, 8-8 seems about right for this weak offense and solid defense.

THE NFC EAST OUTLOOK

Put the Eagles and Giants on a different level than the Cowboys and Redskins who both might need to take a few steps backward before moving forward. The Giants were better for 90 percent of the season last year but these two teams were equals by the time they met in the NFL Playoffs.

The Eagles win in that NFC division playoff vaulted them past the Giants and their successful offseason kept them there.

No one in the East is a pushover. There’s still a chance of a game-changing injury, trade or free agent signing that could shake the NFC East at its foundation.

Barring that, all four teams are playoff contenders but the Eagles did enough to put their name at the top of the list with the Giants a very close second. If one of these two teams slip, the Cowboys are more likely to threaten than the Redskins and expect the NFC East to put two teams into the playoffs.

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