Special Teams - B
David Akers once again showed that he is one of the best kickers in the NFL. Winds in the new stadium, however, continue to baffle him. Dirk Johnson did a solid, but not spectacular job, as punter. Why no punter even attempts to punt the ball out of bounds inside the 20, continues to baffle me. Coverage teams were, for the most part adequate. Return teams often excelled when Brian Westbrook was healthy. Special teams rarely hurt the Eagles in 2003 and helped win several games.
You grade the Special Teams
Coaching - B
Jim Johnson once again showed that he is the best defensive coach in the league. While the stats weren't there in 2003, Johnson showed that week after week he could put a patchwork defense on the field and hold the opposition to a low score. Brad Childress' role is somewhat of a mystery outside of the organization, since it is never clear how much input he has on the offensive play calling despite his title of Offensive Coordinator. Andy Reed showed that he is in the top tier of NFL coaches and probably the best coach in team history. Where Reed continues to receive criticism is on suspect play calling from time to time and undeserved loyalty to his poor receiving corps.
You grade the Coaching Staff
Overall Grade - B
The Eagles turned around what appeared like it was going to be a disastrous season, after their 0-2 start and brought themselves and their fans once again to the brink of the Super Bowl. Injuries hurt the teams severely in 2003. We'll never know just how good this team could have been had not so many players been lost to injury.
What is your overall grade for the 2003-2004 Philadelphia Eagles?
The Off-Season
This off-season promises to be very busy for the Eagles as they face the loss of four key starters. Re-signing Carlos Emmons is a must. It would seem that they also need to retain at least one of their veteran corner backs. The Eagles will miss Duce Staley greatly next season, but they would be foolish to pay him the money he seeks or give him the playing time that he would insist on. Signing Brian Westbrook to a long-term contract would appear to be a wiser move. Above all else, the Eagles need to upgrade their wide receiver position. There are several excellent wide receivers who will be free agents this off-season and the Eagles would be wise to sign one if not two of them. The Eagles chose to give Donovan McNabb huge money to play for them for years to come. It's about time that they give him players to throw the ball to who can catch the ball and make plays.