2004 vs. 2007

I’m as big a homer as anyone at the Linc, but Dave Spadaro’s column suggesting that this year’s team could be better than the 2004 NFC Champs takes the cake. I bow to his superior boosterism.

 

I like many of the moves the Eagles made this offseason – especially the ones to address glaring deficiencies on defense, but the fact remains that there are major question marks on major contributors this year. Question marks that Spadaro either doesn’t address or answers in a resounding “affirmative!” Your best defensive player (Kearse) and your best offensive player (McNabb) are coming off of major knee injuries and, oh yeah, your pro bowl tight end just underwent sports hernia surgery. Might not be full speed till November. But as of right now, Spads thinks this team is a Super Bowl contender.

 

McNabb is the biggest concern since Spads correctly points out that the Eagles now have some depth at D-end (Howard, Cole, Thomas, and McDougle as an insurance policy on Kearse (I know that is a significant downgrade, but I am just counting bodies). He’s also willing to project Chris Gocong as a solid contributor even though he has not played a down yet in a year and a half.

 

More bizarrely, Spads analyzes the running back picture and writes, “Sure, you have to wonder about depth, but I haven't seen the Eagles this well stocked at running back, since, um, forever.”

 

Wait, he’s confused me. Do you have to wonder about depth or do the Eagles have the most depth at this position in franchise history? Spadaro must be suffering from short term memory loss since he can’t recall the Staley-Buckhalter-Westbrook “three headed monster” from only several years ago that certainly was more solid top to bottom than the current Westbrook-Bucky after multiple knee surgeries-Moats-rookie Tony Hunt backfield.

 

To be fair, Spads does correctly highlight the depth along the offensive and defensive lines – where many games are won or lost. Although he doesn’t reference what could be the most important development for the 2007 offense – Marty Mohrnineg calling the plays. But hanging over it all is Donovan McNabb’s recuperation. As goes #5, so goes the team.