It's now time to grade the 2003-2004 Philadelphia Eagles and, perhaps, get a feel for what they need going into the 2004-2005 season.
Quarterbacks - B
This was really a season of two McNabb's. The Donovan McNabb of the first two months of the season was terrible. Part of this may have been due to his coming off of last season's leg, part due to his injured thumb and part due to just poor play. The Donovan McNabb of November and December was the all-pro McNabb. In many ways the playoffs reflected the same inconsistency. McNabb's performance in the Green Bay game was superb. His performance against Charlotte was mediocre at best, part due to injury and part due to the inability of his receivers to make a play. Koy Detmer and A.J. Feeley were non entities in 2003-2004.
You grade the Quarterbacks
Running Backs - B
Two of the Eagles running backs had excellent seasons. Brian Westbrook showed that he is the back of the future. He was greatly missed in the playoffs. Duce Staley showed more heart than almost all of his teammates. He will be sorely missed next season for his ability and even more for his leadership. Correll Buckhalter had moments of solid play, but was more often inconsistent and disappointing. What was a strength of the 2003-2004 team, may be a big question mark for 2004-2005 should Staley leave as expected.
You grade the Running Backs
Receivers - F
With the exception of Freddie Mitchell who came into his own this season and L.J. Smith who showed in several games that he is the tight end of the future, the Eagles receiving corps - both wide receivers and tight ends had a dismal season. This is the area that really needs to be upgraded before next season. Todd Pinkston and James Thrash performed dismally thoughout the season and even worse in the loss to Charlotte. Chad Lewis failed to regain his all-pro form, and has probably played his final game as an Eagle. Little can be said for the other receivers on the team who rarely got a chance to play.
You grade the Receivers
Offensive Line - C
What was expected to be one of the strengths of the team, was often disappointing. On one series of plays, the line would allow McNabb all the time in the world to make a play. Other times they were invisible, as McNabb suffered sack after sack. The Eagles can consider themselves lucky that McNabb was not hurt much earlier in the season than in the NFC Championship Game. This group is all signed to long-terms contracts, so all one can do is hope that they are able to perform much better in 2004.
You grade the Offensive Line
Defensive Line - Incomplete
Incomplete is really the only word to describe the Eagles' defensive line. They were decimated by injuries beginning in training camp. The loss of so many veteran players to injury left the remaining linemen playing far too many downs per game. High Douglas was missed, if only for his veteran presence. The Eagles will need to look closely in the off season at their injured linemen and try to determine if additional help is needed for next season.
You grade the Defensive Line
Linebackers - B
Mark Simoneau and Nate Wayne had solid seasons in their first year with the Eagles. Carlos Emmons was the strength of the Eagles line backing corps which makes his potential loss to free agency an area of great concern. Ike Reese filled in well for Emmons but is not a starter in the NFL. His strength remains his special teams play. The Eagles inability to stop the run all season appeared to be more a product of poor line play than poor play by the linebackers, but this is one area where this group will need to step it up for next season.
You grade the Linebackers
Secondary - C
In what was likely their final season as Eagles, Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent were both often injured and showed signs of their injuries when they were able to play. Their replacements, Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard showed that neither is ready to be a starter in the NFL. Corner is a position where many players take years to develop. Brown and Sheppard may eventually be good players but the thought of seeing them as the two starters next season is very scary. Michael Lewis had a fine season at strong safety. Brian Dawkins, like Taylor and Vincent, was injured for much of the season. His backup, Clinton Hart, performed well when given the opportunity. Injuries hurt this unit in 2003. Will the loss of two key players hurt even more next season?
You grade the Secondary
NEXT PAGE > Special Teams, Coaches and Overall Grade
