Who will win the NFC East? The Eagles.

By Mike McDonald
Collegian Editor
September 13, 2006

The Philadelphia Eagles had the most regular season wins in the NFL since 2000.

Then 2005 happened.

It is certainly debatable, but the two things that can be most detrimental to a team’s success are conflicts between players and widespread injuries to key players.

So, for the Eagles, 2005 really was the perfect storm. The combination of the T.O. circus and the series of crucial injuries brought a team that was on the cusp of greatness all the way down to the division cellar.

But it’s not 2005 anymore.

Donovan McNabb and the Eagles have put that horrific season in the rear-view mirror, and they are ready to fight their way back to the playoffs.

The Eagles made some huge acquisitions since the end of last season. They started in the draft, where they made out as well as any other team in the league.

The Eagles picked up stud defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley in round one and were able to nab offensive tackle Winston Justice (an expected first-rounder) in the second round.

Bunkley and Justice were not the only additions to the Birds’ newly-strengthened lines. They acquired defensive end Darren Howard to help boost the pass rush and take some of the double teams away from Jevon Kearse. Most importantly, though, Tra Thomas decided that he will be known as William Thomas henceforth.

The linebacking corps (particularly OLB) is a weak spot on this team, but with a very good defensive line playing in front of them, the linebackers should be able to make enough plays to win games.

OK, now the biggest one. Everyone in the world knew that the Eagles needed a bigtime receiver. Enter Donte’ Stallworth. This is the perfect go-to target for Donovan McNabb, with great speed, great hands and an ability to make plays all over the field.

As seen in Week One, this tandem has already created some chemistry together, and they will be shredding secondaries all year long. Second-year receiver Reggie Brown will get even better this year and will complement Stallworth beautifully on the other side of the field. Training camp phenom Hank Baskett and draft choice Jason Avant will add depth at wideout.

Throw into the mix the fact that Correll Buckhalter is healthy, along with L.J. Smith’s star potential and Brian Westbrook’s overall greatness, and the Eagles suddenly have an offense with plenty of weapons for Donovan to work with.

The Eagles got off to a hot start against a bad team in Week One, but it will not end there. The other teams in the East better be ready, because the Eagles are about to reclaim their rightful spot at the top of the NFC East.

mcdonaldm2@lasalle.edu