Eagles Fantasy Preview

[The Lung]

From: http://fantasy.sportingnews.com/nfl/experts/george-winkler/20090805.html

Eagles: Eyeing the future

WHAT'S NEW

We can't start an Eagles preview without first paying respects to defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, who died at 68 from spinal cancer. His contributions to the NFL in general and the team in specific will not be forgotten. Johnson left the defense in good shape for assistant Sean McDermott to take the reins.

Philadelphia has one of the most fantasy-friendly defensive units around, and the Eagles are worth a mid-round pick in any format. Plus, IDP owners have some five-star performers to choose from in lineman Trent Cole and defensive back Sean Jones. The unit suffered a major setback in losing linebacker Stewart Bradley (torn ACL) for the season, but Omar Gaither is an admirable fill-in.

The Eagles' defenders will be able to repeat the same aggressive, blitzing style that made them so good last year in honor of their former coach.

On offense, this is a team that likes to pass, pass, and pass some more. The Eagles went to the air 60 percent of the time last season, and with rookie Jeremy Maclin added to the mix, Andy Reid has another toy to play with. With Brian Westbrook set to turn 30 before the season, the Eagles planned ahead and drafted LeSean McCoy as the potential heir apparent. The exciting rookies should add explosiveness and the ability to finish around the goal line.

Philadelphia added left tackle Jason Peters from Buffalo to a revamped offensive line. How quickly this unit can become cohesive will go a long way toward defining whether this team is ready to take the next step and make it to the Super Bowl. A relatively easy early-season schedule should afford the Eagles a chance to pick up that momentum.

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