Philadelphia Eagles:
Last seasons champs of the offseason proved once and for all that talent alone means nothing without continuity. The Eagles got off to a miserable start last season as the "dream team" played like anything but, failing to work as a cohesive unit on both offense and defense due to all of the new parts lacking the offseason work necessary to come together thanks to the lockout. However, as the season wore on, and the players became more familiar with one another, the abundance of talent on this squad began to shine through, and it could be argued that by season's end no team, including the world champion Giants, were playing better football and had the Eagles managed to squeak out one or two more wins early on in the season, it may have been them holding up the Lombardi trophy and not their NFC East counterparts. Now with one season under their belt, and a full offseason of work, the success that was expected to come the Eagles way last season may very well be on the way. Eagles fans clamored for the Head of Head Coach Andy Reid throughout the season, however the team's strong finish may very well have saved his job. Make no mistake about it though, if the Eagles don't not only make the playoffs, but make some noise when they get there, those fans looking for a change on the sidelines may finally get their wish.Offense: Speed is the name of the game when it comes to the offensive attack of the Eagles, startring with the fastest player to ever lineup under center in Michael Vick, as well as his two most dangerous targets Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, both of whom were a microcosm of the disappointment of the Eagles 2011 season. One player who hasn't been a disappointment is running back LeSean McCoy. The Eagles 2nd round pick in 2009 has made Eagles fans all but forget the name Bryant Westbook, and has become one of the most dangerous all around offensive weapons in the National Football League. The health of Michael Vick is still the key to the success of the Eagles, and five men most responsible for that, the Eagle offensive line, is without question the biggest question mark facing the Eagles. It is almost unfathomable to think that Vick, with his style of play and small stature will be able to answer the bell for the entire 16 game season, but if the O-line can keep him healthy enough to only miss a few games and be healthy come playoff time, and Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin return to the form that made them one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the NFL back in 2010, the Eagles have their best shot in recent memory to win their very first championship in the Super Bowl era.
Defense: The defensive line of the Eagles rivals the Super Bowl champion Giants when it comes to depth and pass rushing ability. Ends Jason Babin and Trent Cole are tailor made for the Eagles wide 9 attack with their suddenness and pass rush ability, and Cullen Jenkins was one of the few Eagles who failed to disappoint last season, coming over from Green Bay and providing a dynamic interior pass rush. Mike Patterson may be one of the most underrated defensive tackles in the NFL, he's their best interior run defender and showed more pass rush ability last season then even before. With the addition of rookie defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and rookie defensive end Vinny Curry, the Eagles will have the ability to have a dynamic front four rushing the passer, making life far easier for corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, who have the cover talent to form one of the best corner duo's in the league, as well as simplifying things for a young but gifted linebacking core led by DeMeco Ryans, who came over via trade from Houston to fill the void at middle linebacker that Casey Matthews wasn't quite ready to fill in his rookie season a year ago.
Special Teams: Desean Jackson is till one of the fastest and most dynamic punt returners in the game, if the Eagles choose to continue risking using him in that role. Alex Henery appears solid entering his second season as the teams place kicker.
Breakout Star: Dominique Rogers-Cromartie- The key player in the Kevin Kold trade a season ago will see plenty of balls thrown in his direction with elite cover corner Asomugha on the other side. With his athleticism and ball skills, coupled with what on paper appears to be a fearsome pass rush, DRC may very well lead the league in INTs and defensive touchdowns in 2012.
Bold Prediction: The Eagles will emerge in one of the most talented divisions in the NFL which includes the world champion Giants as the division champions, provided Michael Vick can stay healthy behind a suspect offensive line, which is admittedly a very big if.
Season Finish: NFC East Champs
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