These Birds won the NFC Eastern division last year with a mark of 10-6 which gives Philly five divisional titles in the past six seasons, however, it was NOT star QB Donovan McNabb who led the Birds down the stretch to a 5-1 straight up mark (4-2 ATS), won the divisional crown, or won their initial playoff game against the G-Men, it was ousted backup QB Jeff Garcia who is now with Tampa Bay packers jerseys. McNabb has now had season ending injuries three of the past five years which prompted HC Andy Reid to draft former Houston Cougar QB Kevin Kolb in the second round and sign A.J Feeley to a three year contract extension.
Kevin Kolb will need a couple of years to mature and grow in Andy Reid's offense but should be a perfect match and the Eagles future with regard to starting 50 straight games and playing every down of his college career in a spread offense predicated on a quick, short, passing game. Versatile RB Brian Westbrook who had over 1200 rushing yards last year along with a total of 77 catches and 11 TD's, should continue to be the Birds spear head, to spell Westbrook the Eagles drafted Tony Hunt out of Penn State in the 3rd round. In a surprising move the Birds let WR Donte' Stallworth walk away and sign with New England and as a replacement brought in former Ram Kevin Curtis.
Defensively, Philly ranked 15th in the league overall last year but had a rush stopping unit that allowed 141 yards per game and ranked a shoddy 28th in terms of yards allowed, to fix this leak the Birds upgraded their line backing corps by trading with Buffalo for Takeo Spikes and drafting Stewart Bradley out of Nebraska, the Eagles will also have Chris Gocong back from injury who was drafted as a LB in 2006. To aid the defensive line the Birds brought in Montae Reagor from the Colts and signed Ian Scott away from the Bears Packers pro shop, they will also have the services of the "Freak" Jevon Kearse who will be returning to the lineup from a injury shortened season.
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