Will Eagles be the worst to firsters?
June 18, 2008 by James Edwards
Filed under Sports
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Will Donovan McNabb lead the Eagles to glory or hand his head?
Image details: Buffalo Bills v Philadelphia Eagles served by picapp.com
Worst to firsters?
Yeah, you know, the teams that go from not being very good to being very good.
Since realignment in 2002, at least one team a season has jumped from last place to division winner from one year to the next — the 2003 Chiefs, the 2004 Falcons and Chargers, the 2005 Bears and Buccaneers, the 2006 Saints and the 2007 Buccaneers.
With offseason roster shuffling mostly finished around the league, which last place teams stand the best chance of making the leap and keeping the trend alive in 2008?
Ok, here is the breakdown on the Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles
Division: NFC East.
•Last season: 8-8 (2-4 division).
•Reasons for optimism: In Andy Reid’s nine seasons as their coach the Eagles have never missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. QB Donovan McNabb should be better two years removed from his serious knee injury. CB Asante Samuel could help bolster a defense that lacked big plays.
•Reasons for doubt: The defense’s 19 takeaways were the fewest in the NFL and while a young defensive front has a lot of talent, it’s largely unproven. CB Lito Sheppard’s been pushing for a trade and could be a distraction. The weapons are lacking at wide receiver.
Donovan McNabb returning from injury? Isn’t that kind of like an annual ritual? Wouldn’t it be better for the Philadelphia Eagles if McNabb completed a season?
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