Philadelphia Eagles 2008 Season Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to bounce back from a subpar 2007 season in which they missed the playoffs.

Philadelphia Eagles: Overview

The Philadelphia Eagles failed to qualify for the playoffs as they finished the 2007 season with an 8-8 record which left the Philadelphia Eagles dead last in their division. Despite not making the playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles finished the 2007 season strong, winning their last three games. The cutthroat NFC East is stacked with the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins and the reigning Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. Battling in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, the Philadelphia Eagles will have to perform better in order to make the playoffs. 

Philadelphia Eagles Preview: Moves

The Philadelphia Eagles started the offseason with a strong draft. The top pick of the Philadelphia Eagles was defensive tackle Trevor Laws. A product of Notre Dame, Trevor Laws was a standout in the porous Fighting Irish defense and the most productive tackle available in the 2008 NFL Draft. The draft also yielded WR DeSean Jackson, a talented player from California who scored 29 touchdowns in 36 games on the collegiate level. The Philadelphia Eagles also beefed up their defense by adding Asante Samuel at cornerback.

Philadelphia Eagles: Offense

Facing defenses like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants any given Sunday is no easy feat. Despite struggling with an ailing knee last season, Donovan McNabb managed to rack up just 17 touchdowns and over 2,700 yards. A healthy Brian Westbrook is one of the most complete offensive weapons in the NFL. Last season, running behind an unyielding offensive line that is well-capable of blocking for the run, Brian Westbrook racked up over 2,000 total yards and 16 touchdowns. The right side of Philadelphia Eagles offensive line is one of the best in the league thanks to G Shawn Andrews and T Jon Runyan, whose toughness showed as he played through a broken tailbone in 2007.

As a unit, the reliable Philadelphia Eagles offensive line is able to move opposing defensive lines in short yardage situations which benefits Brian Westbrook. Where the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line struggles is pass protection, last season the offensive line allowed Donovan McNabb to get sacked 44 times in his 14 games. Undoubtedly, some of the blame should be placed on Donovan McNabb’s knee injury, as his mobility was severely limited, but the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line could do a better job of giving him time to maneuver in the pocket.

Philadelphia Eagles: Defense

The big news on the defensive side of the ball for the Philadelphia Eagles is the acquisition of All-Pro CB Asante Samuel. There is no doubt that Asante Samuel will immediately impact the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles did not score a single touchdown off of a fumble or interception. Asante Samuel shares an NFL record with three interceptions returned for touchdowns in the playoffs. Asante Samuel is a playmaker who adds a much-needed dimension to the Philadelphia Eagles defense, a defense that finished dead last in interceptions and takeaways last season.

Asante Samuel joins a cornerback corps that includes elite cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and two-time Pro Bowl pick Lito Sheppard. The Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs struggled to stay healthy last season but Asante Samuel is expected to change that trend. Also on defense, LB Chris Gocong should have a breakout season as he settles into the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive schemes.

Philadelphia Eagles: Special Teams

DeSean Jackson should make a splash on special teams pulling double duty as punt returner and kick returner. In college, DeSean Jackson was considered one of the best wide receivers in the nation. A speedy and elusive receiver, DeSean Jackson’s skills should translate easily to the next level if his slight frame is capable of withstanding the physicality of the NFL. K David Akers will return for the Philadelphia Eagles after an iffy season in 2007. If the Philadelphia Eagles offense produces big numbers in 2008, David Akers will also.

Philadelphia Eagles: Outlook

If the Philadelphia Eagles wish to rise out of the NFC basement, their offensive line will have to do a better job of protecting the quarterback to give Donovan McNabb a chance to find his receivers and make plays in third-and-long situations. Brian Westbrook will produce as usual but he alone is not enough to open up the passing game. The Philadelphia Eagles have taken a big step towards strengthening their defense with the addition of Asante Samuel, one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. Fans at Lincoln Financial Field should look forward to an explosive season from their Philadelphia Eagles.