Bradley Bowler

Bradley Bowler

2010 NFL Predictions: Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles turned in a solid 11-5 performance in the 2009 regular season, and they could have put together an even better campaign had they found a way to beat the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas won both regular season meetings, and then it spanked the Eagles again in the playoffs. Getting swept by Dallas should have Philly plenty motivated as it enters the 2010 season, but motivation may not be enough to win the East. Philly could endure an up and down season as it breaks in Kevin Kolb.

Offense: The Eagles finally decided to say goodbye to Donovan McNabb after flirting with the idea for several seasons. For those who were calling for McNabb's head, I say be careful what you wish for. He's in the division, and he'll be out to stick it to Philly just like Brett Favre stuck it to the Packers last season. I won't argue that it may have been time for McNabb to go, but I don't see Kolb giving the Eagles a better chance to win in year one. With that being said, he could in years two or three.

Kolb has some nice weapons in the receiving corps, but he could struggle to find time to throw behind a line that allowed 38 sacks last season. Pro Bowler Jason Peters will get it done, but there isn't any star power in the rest of the unit. The Eagles are counting on a big boost from free agent pick up Stacy Andrews, and that may be asking too much.

In just two seasons, DeSean Jackson has quickly asserted himself as one of the most explosive players in the NFL. He is a threat to go all the way every time he touches the football. Last season, he made 62 grabs for 1,156 yards and nine scores. He also had two punt return scores and another rushing touchdown.

Jeremy Maclin gives the Eagles another speedy playmaker. He made 56 grabs for 773 yards and four scores as a rookie last season.

Tight end Brent Celek is truly one of the best at his position in the entire league. He hauled in 76 passes for 971 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009.

In addition to parting with McNabb, the Eagles also decided to say goodbye to the often injured Brian Westbrook. That means that LeSean McCoy will be asked to step into his role. McCoy has the talent to fill Westbrook's big shoes, but he won't fill them completely in year one. McCoy is coming off a 637-yard season.

Defense: After watching Dallas pick the Eagles apart in an NFC Wild Card game, it was clear that some moves needed to be made on this side of the football.

The Eagles spent their first five draft picks on defensive players and added linebacker Ernie Sims in free agency. The Eagles are expecting big things from Sims as they are depending on him to strengthen their weakest unit. Getting Stewart Bradley back from a knee injury should also help the linebacker corps improve.

The Eagles are solid up front. Defensive end Trent Cole is coming off a 12.5-sack season, and rookie Brandon Graham will also aid the pass rush. Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson hold down the interior. They are two big reasons why the Eagles ranked No. 9 in the NFL in run defense last season.

Asante Samuels, who is coming off an impressive nine-interception campaign, anchors a defensive backfield which should get better with the addition of rookies Nate Allen and Trevard Lindley.

Prediction: 3rd NFC East - The Cowboys have less question marks as we enter the 2010 season, and for that reason I have made them the NFC East front runner. The Eagles will be in a dog fight with New York for second place. They could take it, but Kolb will have to exceed the expectations I have for him in his first full season as a starter. It's not out of the question for the NFC East to send three teams to the postseason.  Be sure to check out my 2010 NFL predictions to see which teams I have winning each of the NFL's eight divisions.

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USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG-49)