2008 Philadelphia Eagles
Written July 30, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Professional handicapper Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Philadelphia Eagles season predictions. The Eagles had a down year by their standards going 8-8 and falling short of the playoffs a year after winning the NFC East. It’s not like the Eagles were getting kicked around the field last season, as they lost 6 games by 8 points or less, meaning this team could of easily went 10-6 and been in the playoffs. So far in the offseason the Eagles have really helped out the defense with the addition of star corner Asante Samuel from the Patriots. There is a lot to like about this Eagles team, and to help you get a better idea lets take a closer look at who they will be sending to the field in 2008.
Offense:
There is a lot of pressure for quarterback Donovan McNabb to take this team to the playoffs, as it is most likely his last chance to prove himself to the Eagles, as they have fell short of the playoffs 2 out of the last 3 seasons. Its hard to think of this guy in any other uniform, but it could be in the near future. McNabb gets plenty of help at the running back position as Brian Westbrook just might be one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Westbrook combined for over 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground and in the air last season. The team does lack some at the receiver spots, as they lack the big tall receiver that can go get the ball. What they do have is two solid guys in Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, plus this season they should have a healthy L.J. Smith, which could wind up being the most important thing of all. The offensive line isn’t great but should be good enough to get the job done. The Eagles have one of the best duos in the league at the tackle spots in Tra Thomas and Job Runyan, but both are getting up there in age. Right guard Shawn Andrews is a force and wound up in his 2nd straight Pro Bowl last season. Look for this unit to get back on track this season, and put a few more points up on the board.
Eagles Over/Under 8.5 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
This side of the ball should be pretty solid this season, and it all starts up front with the defensive line. Right end Trent Cole has a great talent for getting to the quarterback, and the team has added Chris Clemons to help out putting some pressure on the quarterback at the other spot. While Clemons will likely only play on passing downs, look for Victor Abiamiri and Juqua Parker to take over on other downs. The team also has a great tandem in the middle with two former first round picks in Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley. The team stays strong at the linebacker positions, as they have a talented young trio in Chris Gocong, Stewart Bradley, and Omar Gaither. The only thing that have people second guessing this group is that they only have 5 years of experienced put together. The secondary should be pretty solid when you think of the combination of Samuel, Lito Sheppard, and Sheldon Brown at corner, plus the duo of Brian Dawkins and Quintin Mikell at safety.
Eagles +800 odds to win NFC Conference at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
This unit needs to improve in the return game this year, as they were near the bottom in both kickoff and punt returns. The team is hopeful that rookie receiver DeSean Jackson can be go to guy at these two spots, and it could really help out both sides of the ball this season. David Akers will return as the teams kicker, while Aussie Sav Rocca comes back at punter.
Eagles +2000 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 2nd in the NFC East
We are high on the Eagles to return to form in 2008, and while they won’t catch up with the Cowboys at the top of the division, we do think they are going to better than both the Redskins and the Giants this season. If the Eagles don’t get the job done, than it just might be McNabb’s final season in Philly.
Be sure to check out our complete NFL season predictions, along with our 2009 Super Bowl Predictions. Also if you are looking for a great place to do your football betting head over to Sportsbook.com today. If you want to stay up to date with the latest Philadelphia Eagle predictions, be sure to check out what others are saying about the upcoming season.