Philadelphia Eagles Predictions & 2008 NFL Picks
August 4, 2008
Most 2008 Philadelphia Eagles predictions are expecting a return to form from an Eagles squad that had a disappointing 8-8 season last year. A strong finish with a healthy Donovan McNabb has the Eagles thinking Superbowl or bust however for the 2008 season. Head coach Andy Reid is known for turning things around after non-winning seasons, and with a roster stacked with talent, the Eagles should return to the playoffs at the very least. The 2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL betting odds to win the 2009 Superbowl is at 15-1.
Philadelphia runs a pass-heavy West Coast offense that revolves around dynamic running back Brian Westbrook. Quarterback Donovan McNabb commands the offense with his strong, accurate arm and is still a big-time playmaker. Last season McNabb had an off-year, but he should have some of his old mobility back another year removed from his knee injury. If McNabb is 100% again he could do some serious damage this season with Westbrook. The Eagles receivers are an ordinary group, but Westbrook is really a running back receiver hybrid. Westbrook is a do-it-all back that can hit the home run on any given play. In his 7th year in the NFL Westbrook has emerged as one of the 10 best players in the NFL. Despite all of Westbrook’s talents, Philly still lacks a playmaker at wideout. Starters Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown are both #2 receivers at best. The wideout with the most playmaking ability might be TE L.J Smith who runs a 4.65 40-yard dash at 6′3″ 258 lbs. Smith was injured for much of 2007, and he will be counted on to improve the eagles red-zone offense that struggled mightily last year. Philadelphia’s massive O-line is a veteran crew that is expected to return all five starters if guard Shawn Andrews returns. Andrews has yet to show up to training camp, and the team has been very mute on his situation. The 2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL betting odds to win the NFC East are at +350.
The addition of All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel should make what was an already potent defense even better. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is a blitz master and, now armed with a shutdown cornerback, his fast, aggressive defense should be pretty scary. Johnson wasn’t pleased with last seasons 37 sack total, so pass-rush specialist Chris Clemons (8 sacks 07″) was added to provide some sting off the edge. Clemons will join a young and talented front four with emerging stars Trent Cole, Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson. Patterson and Bunkley are run stuffers in the middle while DE Cole is coming off a career year posting 12.5 sacks. Behind the starters on the line, the Eagles have excellent depth. Behind the formidable line is an athletic group of linebackers with upside. Starting in the middle this year will be 2nd year man Stewart Bradley who will take over for the departed Takeo Spikes. Spikes had the bigger name, but Bradley came on strong as a rookie showing excellent football IQ, instincts and tackling ability, making Spikes expendable. Next to Bradley is a future star in the making in OLB Chris Gocong. Gocong is a special athlete with some serious pass-rushing ability and is poised for a breakout season. In the secondary, the Eagles have three top-notch cover corners in Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. Samuel is a takeaway specialist with 16 INT’s over the last two years. Sheppard and Brown will battle for the other cornerback slot with the edge going to Brown due to Sheppard’s durability issues. At safety, Brian Dawkins remains a hard-hitting leader that makes plays. At age 35 Dawkins has durability issues however and must rebound from an off-year when he battled a neck injury. Behind Dawkins Philly has quality depth at the safety position with Sean Considine, JR Reed and rookie Quintin Demps. The special teams were in need of a playmaker, and the team just might have gotten it with 2nd round pick DeSean Jackson. Jackson is a gambreaker with 4.30 40-speed that can take the ball to the house on any given return. Kicker David Akers is still solid, and punter Sav Rocca has tremendous leg strength but must improve his directional ability.
The Philadelphia Eagles should improve on last season’s 8-8 mark, but they will still have to lock horns with the rest of the talented NFC East teams. Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in the NFL and Philly has enough talent to beat anybody. Philadelphia finished in the top-10 in both offense and defense last season but surprisingly missed the playoffs. Look for a return to the playoffs and a 9-7 to 11-5 season for the Eagles with a healthy Donovan McNabb. The 2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL betting season wins TOTAL is at 8.5 Wins with the OVER at -170.
2007 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Betting Record: 9-7 ATS
2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFC East NFL Predictions Power Ratings
Coaching: 8
Quarterback: 8
Running Backs: 10
Offensive Line: 7
Wideouts: 5
Defensive Line: 8
Linebackers: 8
Secondary: 8
Special Teams: 6
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