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4for4.com’s fantasy football scout Scott Pagel is also Sports Editor of the Bethlehem Press and several other papers in Northeastern Pennsylvania including the Times News. Scott has been on the beat for 11 years.
With the Eagles camp minutes away from Scott’s office, Scott and 4for4.com’s Sr. Analyst Greg Alan shared some notes on the 2007 Eagles.
Their notes will appear in local newspaper print but we want to make sure you guys had access to this material as well.
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SCOTT’S TAKE
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The Eagles aren't always mentioned in the same breath when it comes to NFC teams to watch out for this year. But, quietly, the Birds are among the squads to contend for a Super Bowl berth among often-talked-about New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas and Seattle.
On offense, Philly will return Donovan McNabb, who is at worst the second best quarterback in the conference, maybe behind Drew Brees of the Saints. The loss of Donte' Stallworth will hurt, but the new-found commitment of running the ball with Brian Westbrook, Correll Buckhalter and maybe even Tony Hunt, should make up for it. And, it shouldn't be a hard transition to get used to newcomer Kevin Curtis as the number-two wideout across from Reggie Brown. Curtis isn't as flashy as Stallworth, but his sure-hands could make him one of McNabb's favorite targets.
Fantasy-wise, McNabb is probably in the top five or six at his position overall, and the same can be said about do-it-all back Westbrook. Brown is a high-end number-two receiver on your team who showed flashes last year of putting up number-one receiver stats. He'll be another year better. And, Curtis should make a solid number-three wideout with some potential to maybe be a two at times. L.J. Smith at tight end is playing for a contract - somewhere - next year so it's possible to expect a big year from him if he can hang on to the ball, especially in the red zone.
On defense, the team deserves credit for fixing up a unit that got run on up and down the field a lot last season. Brian Dawkins and Jeremiah Trotter are aging stars but still great team leaders. The addition of Takeo Spikes at linebacker will sure-up one of the weakest areas of the team last year. Perhaps the weakest was defensive line, which will see the return of Javon Kearse at end and will be bolstered by free agents Ian Scott and Montae Reagor in the middle.
Special teams will be anchored by kicker David Ackers who is still among the best at his position. I expect a big year from Akers this season.
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GREG’S TAKE
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In quick order, let’s review several keys to the 2007 Eagles offense.
As an NFL Analyst, manager of 4for4.com Fantasy Football and a former 20-year resident of Northeast Philadelphia, I’m excited about Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook.
Last year in this space, I said “All the past injuries to McNabb just can’t be ignored… the Eagles will do well to get back to 8-8 in 2006.” At 10-6, the Eagles exceeded my expectations.
This year, it once again all starts at QB. By NFL standards, the Eagles have one of the best. McNabb still has the arm strength, leadership abilities and power to tuck the ball and run.
McNabb in combination with highly versatile running back Brian Westbrook gives the Eagles West Coast offense an outrageously dangerous one-two punch.
For all the flash and high power potential McNabb and Westbrook bring, I still have one huge concern – durability.
No matter how strong and well conditioned, NFL players are only human. Often, NFL and Fantasy Football owners fall into the trap of thinking ‘it’s only a groin pull.’ Injuries and time (age) take a toll on all athletes. The human body is not fully resilient and McNabb and Westbrook are no different.
The other question on offense revolves around McNabb’s average throwing accuracy combined with Kevin Curtis’ lack of strength getting off the line. This isn’t a marriage made in heaven when you’re looking to move the chains on a critical 3rd and five. That said, I look for McNabb and Curtis to hook up for a number of exciting plays this year. I'm talking huge highlight reel potential here. Before his injury, Curtis was one of the most exciting and undervalued rookies in the 2003 draft. Former Rams Head Coach Mike Martz was doing back flips when he landed Curtis as a rookie. Several 4for4 staff members who attended rookie workouts that year said Curtis was a huge talent ready to step up. But that was then and this is now and this is finally Curtis’ time to shine. I believe Eagle fans will enjoy seeing this gritty speedster in South Philly.
At the other wide receiver spot, I’m eager to see what Reggie Brown can do this year as the Eagles’ premiere receiver with McNabb under center. Last season I came away impressed with Brown. He certainly had chemistry with Jeff Garcia. He showed me speed and rather impressive route running skills. With a good head on his shoulders, the sky is the limit for Brown in 2007.
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