My Mike Sims-Walker Blog

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.

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For the first time in over a decade, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the NFL season with a new quarterback at the helm and sport a roster flush with young talent. As usual, I have some concerns about this year's team. You'll be surprised who was left off the list.

That's right; I'm not concerned about Kevin Kolb. Not. At. All. If you know me or have previously visited the site, you know I'm a McNabb apologist. However, I'm also a total believer in Kolb. Of course he's going to struggle at times and make stupid mistakes. That's what young quarterbacks do (and old ones too if you've watched the Eagles). Regardless, I don't think Kolb's growing pains will cost the Eagles as much as the potential issues I've listed below. (Here's hoping they'll all be overcome or avoided.)

1. Secondary. Yes, the Eagles enter the 2010 season with an unproven quarterback (only two NFL starts) and my top concern is the defensive secondary. Why? Because the 2009 version of the Eagles defense was the worst I've seen since the Mike Mamula days and the secondary was a big reason why. Sheldon Brown and Asante Samuel continuously fell victim to the double move and were abused in the final two contests by Dallas. The platoon (Quintin Demps, Macho Harris, Sean Jones) trying to replace Brian Dawkins at free safety offered zero help in coverage (or anywhere else for that matter), and severely crippled the play of former pro-bowler Quintin Mikell. What's worse, as a collective unit, the secondary tackled about as well as Bobby Taylor. So yes, I'm a little apprehensive. On the other hand, I loved moving the overrated Sheldon Brown, using three draft picks to improve the secondary, and giving rookie Nate Allen every chance to win the starting role at free safety.

2. Health. I know, I know. You're probably thinking; Duh!!!! Normally, I wouldn't include such an obvious concern, but the Eagles are especially vulnerable at key positions. Middle linebacker is one of them. As we witnessed in 2009, losing Stewart Bradley at middle linebacker would be a crushing blow. While the addition of Ernie Sims added some much needed talent to the linebacking core, replacing Bradley in the middle would still be impossible. If Bradley goes down again the defense is in deep trouble.

If it's not too painful for you to think back to the consecutive massacres in Dallas, you'll recall McNabb scrambling for his life on nearly every down. Part of this was due to Reid's moronic game plan. The other part was a result of the injury to starting center Jamaal Jackson. Jackson is still recovering from that same knee injury and the depth across the rest of the line is questionable at best. A severe injury to any of the starters could cost Kevin Kolb a limb or two.

The outlook at running back isn't much better. Behind LeSean McCoy, the depth chart reads; "you're screwed." Ok, not really but it does read; Mike Bell (injury prone), Eldra Buckley (situational back), and J.J. Arrington (looking for a home). If McCoy can't stay healthy, the Eagles just might be out of options. This leads us to my next concern...

3. Running Game. Will the Eagles even have a running game? LeSean McCoy is young, so there's plenty of time to improve, but I'm not convinced he's an every-down back yet. Even if McCoy is capable, will Reid include a consistent rushing attack in his offense? (History says no.) It's one thing for Reid to ask an 11-year veteran to sling it 30-40 times per game. To ask the same of a first year starter is flirting with disaster. The Eagles will absolutely need a ground attack this season to aid Kolb's development and bail him out of a rough outing, which is bound to happen at least once. Unfortunately, I'm not convinced that 1. Reid is invested in a running game, and 2. That Reid will even resort to it if Kolb's play requires it. (Unless something drastically changes or Reid leaves town, I'm just going to copy and paste this section on an annual basis.)

4. Experience. Young talent brings explosiveness, enthusiasm, and excitement. Unfortunately, young talent also brings inexperience. Never before in the Reid era have the Eagles entered a season with so much youth at critical positions. It will be interesting to see how the young players respond in big-game situations, especially on offense where Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson are the only veteran voices in the huddle. More importantly, who will push the young players through the tough losses when proven veterans like McNabb and Westbrook aren't around to rally the team?

5. Receivers. There's little doubt that Kevin Kolb is a more accurate passer than Donovan McNabb, but even great accuracy won't complete passes if your receivers aren't in the right spots. I'm nit-picking here, but Eagle receivers, especially DeSean Jackson, struggled immensely against the physical cornerbacks of the Dallas Cowboys last season. Both Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are smaller receivers that rely more on speed and quickness than brute force. Because of this, Dallas' corners were able to disrupt the Eagles' offense by bumping Maclin and Jackson at the line. Before you call me crazy, remember the Eagles play in the physical NFC East. Dallas is the same team that mauled the Eagles three times last season. New York's secondary (injured all of 2009) and pass rush will undoubtedly bounce back from an off year, and the Redskins have improved as well. All three will look to accomplish the same thing; bump the Eagle receivers at the line and disrupt their timing with Kolb to allow the defensive line to pressure him into mistakes. Again, it's not the most critical concern, but for Kolb to survive in the NFC East, he'll need his receivers to get to the right spots at the right time.

6. Pass rush. For what feels like the millionth time, the Eagles are convinced an offseason acquisition (draft/trade/free agency) is the solution at the defensive end position opposite Trent Cole. I love Brandon Graham and it's hard not to believe he's the real deal, but I've seen this act before. Jerome McDougle never panned out, Victor Abiamiri can't get healthy, Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse were both disappointments, and after only seven sacks in two years, Chris Clemons is gone. Forgive me for not declaring Graham the left end savior just yet.

Football starts exactly three weeks from tonight. More to come.

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1st Round (#13) DE Brandon Graham, Michigan

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DE Derrick Morgan, S Earl Thomas

Analysis: The Eagles' defense took a step back last season and putting more pressure on the quarterback was needed. Graham went higher than many expected, but he deserved it. The former Michigan star may be undersized for an NFL defensive end, but his combination of power, technique and quickness should serve him well. Graham is an intense player who will complement Trent Cole. Derrick Morgan also would have been a very solid choice. Graham is a much more fundamentally sound player than Pierre-Paul, at this point. He also is ready to contribute in 2010 and is not a project. The Eagles wisely went for the pass rusher over help at free safety. They figured help could be found at safety later in the draft and they were right.

2nd Round (#37) FS Nate Allen, South Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: FS Taylor Mays

Analysis: Allen and Mays were very closely rated on our draft board. They are extremely different players. Allen is the superior ball hawk and will hold-up better in coverage. Mays is the more physical player who can bring some explosive hitting to a defense. The Eagles wanted to improve their pass defense and find another player who can take the ball away. Allen is the better fit for Philadelphia. The upgrades made to the Eagles' front seven should make them a more physical team. Nate Allen can be the opportunistic centerfielder who is ready to capitalize on a quarterback's mistakes.

3rd Round (#86) DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Washington

Key Player(s) Passed On: LB Navorro Bowman

Analysis: Te'o-Nesheim was a very productive four-year starter for the Huskies. He plays with excellent technique and never stops attacking. Washington's career leader in sacks (30.5) is undersized (6' 3" and 263 pounds) and his ability to hold-up in run support is a big question. Te'o-Nesheim looks like a 3rd down pass rush specialist. He could struggle against professional offensive tackles who play with sound technique and can engulf him. The Eagles passed on Navorro Bowman. The team traded for Ernie Sims, but linebacker was a big weakness last year. In addition, Sims is in the last year of his rookie contract. Bowman was a playmaker at Penn State and it never hurts to have quality depth. Bowman has the athletic tools and football instincts to develop into a fine starting weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

4th Round (#105) CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Walter Thurmond

Analysis: Lindley has solid ball skills, but has average speed and a small frame. Walter Thurmond is coming off of a serious knee injury, but was more productive than Lindley was. The success rate from knee injuries and subsequently playing well is high today. Philadelphia needed more depth at cornerback. Lindley was an ok choice, but Thurmond may provide more in the long-term. Thurmond was a legitimate 2nd or 3rd round talent prior to the knee injury.

4th Round (#121) LB Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Jason Fox, CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah

Analysis: Clayton is an undersized outside linebacker with good speed. He is a better athlete than football player. He will likely struggle defending the run. Clayton can provide depth and special teams help. This pick underscores why we would have liked Philadelphia to have selected Navorro Bowman earlier. Bowman is a better prospect than Clayton. Jason Fox is a smart and tough offensive tackle. He could have added to Philly's depth on the offensive line. Every team can always use another athletic corner with good size. Owusu-Ansah has potential and would have provided the team with another kick returner.

4th Round (#122) QB Mike Kafka, Northwestern

Key Player(s) Passed On: QB Dan LeFevour

Analysis: Kafka can make the Eagles as a 3rd string quarterback. He is a gunslinger who has to learn to check the ball down more often and avoid turnovers. Kafka has a decent arm and is a good athlete. LeFevour also would have fit into the Eagles' offense as a backup. LeFevour was higher rated on our board, but neither quarterback figures to be a starter in the NFL.

4th Round (#125) TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State

Key Player(s) Passed On: TE Andrew Quarless

Analysis: Harbor will provide depth behind Brent Celek and competition for Cornelius Ingram. Harbor runs well and can catch the ball, but provides little as a blocker. Quarless is a more well rounded tight end who played against much better competition. The Eagles passed on Quarless likely due to character concerns. Harbor is very similar to Ingram. Quarless has some baggage, but at least he could have provided the Eagles with a tight end who can block and catch the ball.

5th Round (#134) DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Perrish Cox

Analysis: PFDN evaluated Sapp to be a one-dimensional pass rusher who we did not like as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. Philadelphia will try the former Clemson standout as a strong-side linebacker. Sapp was a hybrid defensive end/linebacker in college. He is a project at linebacker in the 4-3, but in the 5th round this pick made a lot of sense. Sapp is a terrific athlete and the team has little invested in him. He also will be another year removed from knee surgery. Sapp has the athleticism to play linebacker in the NFL, but it remains to be seen if he has sufficient instincts for the position.

5th Round (#159) WR Riley Cooper, Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: RB Anthony Dixon

Analysis: Cooper has some size and speed, but has erratic hands. He also cannot be counted on to be a precise route runner. The former Gator thinks he is better than he is. Cooper is not better than Jason Avant. He is faster than Hank Baskett. Cooper can be a reserve receiver at an inexpensive price. However, how about adding a thumper of a running back to compete with Mike Bell? The Eagles like to throw the ball, but they still need to find some help for LeSean McCoy. Dixon is a powerful back who could have pushed Bell.

6th Round (#200) RB Charles Scott, LSU

Key Player(s) Passed On: S Myron Rolle

Analysis: The Eagles needed a big back to push Mike Bell. Charles Scott made sense in the 6th round. Scott did not run hard in 2009 and then broke his collarbone. He has to run with determination and get in better shape to make the Eagles. Scott has some talent and was a decent selection in round 6. Myron Rolle could have provided some depth at strong safety. However, he has average instincts and a long NFL career may not be of interest to him.

7th Round (#220) LB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State

Key Player(s) Passed On: G Reggie Stephens

Analysis: Chaney was a bargain in the 7th round. He has experience playing inside and outside linebacker. Philly will likely try him at outside linebacker because he runs well and does not take on blockers with authority. Chaney can provide help on special teams and depth.

7th Round (#243) DT Jeff Owens, Georgia

Key Player(s) Passed On: WR Freddie Barnes

Analysis: Owens can provide some depth at defensive tackle. The former Bulldog is decent against the run, but lacks lateral quickness and intensity. Freddie Barnes was a player who PFDN thought should have been drafted. He has excellent hands and could have been the eventual replacement for Jason Avant.

7th Round (#244) S Kurt Coleman, Ohio State

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Donovan Warren

Analysis: Coleman was a fine selection this late in the draft. He is undersized, but the former Buckeye likes to hit and finds the football. Coleman has a legitimate shot at making the Eagles because of his play on special teams.

Bottom Line: Philadelphia had more selections than any other team in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Eagles are one of the better-run organizations in the league and understand that football is a young man's game. The team loaded up on defense (9 picks, 3 linebackers). Brandon Graham and Nate Allen should help in the pass rush and coverage departments. Ricky Sapp, Jamar Chaney and Kurt Coleman were intriguing late selections.

Grade: B+

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Our full-time, year-round analysis of game footage, discussions with coaches and trainers and live practice observations are the basis for our ratings and draft board. Talent evaluators must be thorough, but should always remember that this is more art than science. Good NFL player forecasting involves doing your homework and trusting your gut instincts.

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A new era is definitely under way in Philly as the Eagles will be without long-time stars Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook when they open the 2010 season.

McNabb helped lead the Eagles to a 11-5 regular-season record last season, but back-to-back poor performance by the quarterback in the season finale and Wild-Card playoff game against Dallas led to his shocking trade to the rival Washington Redskins. It wasn't really a huge shock that McNabb was dealt, as that had been rumored, but that the Eagles dared trade him in division. The six-time Pro Bowler led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl in 11 seasons in Philadelphia. He is the franchise leader in yards passing (32,873), completions (2,801), attempts (4,746), completion percentage (59.0) and touchdown passes (216). He also rushed for 3,249 yards and 28 TDs.

For all his criticisms, McNabb didn't turn the ball over much, as in the past four seasons the only QB with at least 1,000 attempts and a lower interception percentage is Aaron Rodgers. McNabb has thrown 683 more passes than Rodgers in that time period.

Now it's Kevin Kolb's team and he showed some glimpses of stardom in his two starts for an injured McNabb in Weeks 2 and 3 last year. Kolb threw for 391 yards in a loss to the Saints and 327 in a win over the Chiefs to become the first player ever to throw for at least 300 yards in his first two starts. And now Michael Vick, assuming he isn't released or suspended after a shooting at a party he was at, is now one injury away from starting again.

As for Westbrook, it was probably time for him to go as he couldn't stay healthy any more so the team cut him. He had an MVP-caliber season in 2007 with a league-leading 2,104 yards from scrimmage and accounted for 12 touchdowns that season. That season he accounted for 36.7 percent of the team's offense. Last season he missed eight games with concussions and an ankle injury. He scored only two touchdowns in 2009 and managed 455 yards from scrimmage. Now second-year player LeSean McCoy is the featured back and the Eagles also signed Mike Bell from the Saints to back him up.

With McCoy, receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and tight end Brent Celek, the Eagles have tons of potential, but it all rests on Kolb. The defense does have a few questions as in defensive coordinator Sean McDermott's first season running that unit it allowed 21 points per game, ranking 19th in the NFL. The linebacking corps should be better as Stewart Bradley returns to the middle after a preseason knee injury cost him all of 2009, and Ernie Sims was acquired from the Detroit Lions to man the weak side.

Here's the 2010 Philadelphia Eagles schedule (all times Eastern):

Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 12, Green Bay, 4:15 PM

Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, at Detroit, 1:00 PM

Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, at Jacksonville, 4:05 PM

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3, Washington, 4:15 PM

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10, at San Francisco, 8:20 PM

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, Atlanta, 1:00 PM

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24, at Tennessee, 1:00 PM

Week 8: BYE

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7, Indianapolis, 4:15 PM

Week 10: Monday, Nov. 15, at Washington, 8:30 PM

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, NY Giants, 8:20 PM

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28, at Chicago, 1:00 PM

Week 13: Thursday, Dec. 2, Houston, 8:20 PM

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, at Dallas, 8:20 PM

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19, at NY Giants, 1:00 PM

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26, Minnesota, 1:00 PM

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, Dallas, 1:00 PM

Philly's schedule ranks as the ninth-toughest in the NFL, with an opponents' 2009 winning percentage of.520 (133-123). And the networks love the Eagles as they will be on national TV at least eight times.

The Eagles better start fast because their schedule after the bye week is a monster. Things didn't go too well the last time they opened against Green Bay as the Packers won 16-13 in 2007. This game for Week 1 is currently a 'pick'em' on BetUS. The following week, at Detroit, looks like a major trap game even though the Eagles put up 56 on the improving Lions last year. And then Philly has a tough one in the likely heat and humidity in Jacksonville, which is the only active NFL franchise that the Eagles have yet to defeat (0-3). It's Philly's first visit there since its last Super Bowl.

But then comes what probably will be the most hyped game of the season when McNabb returns to Philadelphia with the Skins. Strangely, Washington is the only NFC East opponent the Eagles face until Week 10, when they will travel to play the Redskins on "Monday Night Football." That 49ers game looks like a loss, as it's never easy to travel across country to play, especially after the no-doubt emotional Washington game (even though the Eagles beat the Niners, 27-13, last year). Philly was 0-2 on the West Coast last year. Overall, the NFL point spreads like a 4-3 team heading into the bye week.

If there's ever a time for Philly to play the Colts, it's after the bye because Andy Reid has never lost following the bye week. Both the Colts and Texans visit Lincoln Financial Field for the first time. After visiting Washington, the Eagles see only playoff-caliber teams the rest of the way. It's the fourth year in a row that Philly has played Chicago (third straight there) and the past three have been decided by four points or less. Good luck getting through those final four games without at least two losses. It's the third year in a row that Philly closes with Dallas, and the first two had playoff implications. This one probably will as well.

The Eagles' 'over/under' for NFL season win totals is 8.5 wins and they are +275 to win the NFC East (second behind Dallas). This one is tough to predict because who knows what Kolb really is, but Philly should be able to get to nine wins yet seems unlikely to beat out Dallas or the Giants for the division title. We are looking at a second half football picks and a wild-card spot is a possibility but will be tough.

Doc Moseman is one of the pioneers of college football and the NFL Handicapping industry. Check out his Web site for up-to-the-minute NFL Odds and his famous winning college football and NFL picks.