Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Profile
 
Philadelphia Eagles’ Head Coach, Andy Reid, has become one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. He spent many years as an offensive line coach on the college level, then in 1992, the Green Bay Packers hired him as an assistant. The Packers went on a decent run of dominance in the NFC, so in 1999, the Eagles decided to hand the reigns to Reid.

Although Reid went 5-11 his first season as head coach, it was two wins better than their previous season. Then in 2000, he reversed the record and the Eagles went 11-5, making the playoffs. From 2001-2004 the Eagles won four straight NFC East titles, and went to the NFC Championship three times in a row, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Philadelphia Eagles Off-Season Moves

The Philadelphia Eagles had a busy off-season. While they did lose star WR, Dante Stallworth to the Patriots, and last season’s hero Jeff Garcia to the Bucs, the Eagles managed to sign Kevin Curtis  and Bethel Johnson. The Eagles drafted very well too. Key pickups were RB Tony Hunt from Penn State, and QB Kevin Kolb from University of Houston.

Defensively, the Eagles had to improve their rush defense, so they signed stud LB Takeo Spikes from Buffalo and DT Montae Reagor from the defending Champion Colts. Although Reagor was in a serious car accident last year which ended his season pre-maturely, he is said to have made a full recovery and looks forward to slamming opposing teams to the grass.

Philadelphia Eagles 2007-08 Season Outlook

The 2007-08 Philadelphia Eagles appear to be the team to beat in the NFC East, but a lot of that depends on key players staying healthy. Andy Reid returns as the head coach and he brings the same coaching staff that has had all kinds of success with him. The biggest story in Philadelphia this season will be if Donovan McNabb can stay healthy. McNabb turns 31 this season, and he’s coming off back to back years of season ending injuries. The Eagles traded for Kelly Holcomb and drafted Kevin Kolb just in case Donovan makes it three years in a row. Speaking of injuries, Brian Westbrook is back and whether he gets hurt is really a matter of when and not if. So, when Westbrook does need to be sidelined, Correll Buckhalter and rookie Tony Hunt will get some carries. I’m pretty excited about Tony Hunt. He’s the first Penn State running back to come into the league since they sent a man by the name of Larry Johnson. Wide receivers have always been a liability in Philly since McNabb has taken the snaps. Donte Stallworth made some great plays last year, but he was sent to the New England Patriots in the off-season. Speedsters Kevin Curtis, and Bethel Johnson will try to fill the void there.

Defensively the Eagles look pretty intimidating. The pass defense has always been turnover hungry and laid out some big hits. Expect more of the same this season. Last season, their run defense was one of the worst in the league. To shore up some holes, they signed LB Takeo Spikes. (I loved that move, by the way), and DT Montae Reagor.  

Overall, The Eagles seem to be a shoe-in for the playoffs. The one concern I have is the Eagles’ bye week falling in Week 5. For a team with aging and injury prone players, having such an early bye week may prove fatal as late season fatigue sets in. Picture the 2002-03 Oakland Raiders and you’ll know what I mean.

Philadelphia Eagles Trivia

The 2006 film 'Invincible,' starring Mark Wahlberg, is based on the real life story of former Eagles player Vince Papale who made the team following a public tryout.

On Jan. 11, 2004, quarterback Donovan McNabb hit receiver Freddie Mitchell on a 4th and 26 play during a divisional round playoff match against Green Bay that's still rates as one of the most clutch in franchise histtory.

On Nov. 19, 1978, Herman Edwards returned a fumble 26-yards for a game-winning score in the Eagles dramatic 19-17 come-from-behind win over the New York Giants that's known as the "Miracle in the Meadowlands." Ironically, Edwards would later coach the Jets who play their home game sin that same stadium.  

Philadelphia Eagles 2007-08 Roster

Philadelphia Eagles 2007-08  Depth Chart

Philadelphia Eagles – Lincoln Financial Field

Construction Began: May 2001
Opened: September 8, 2003
Capacity: 68,532
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Surface: Natural Grass

“The Linc.” Lincoln Financial Field. To the fans of the Philadelphia Eagles it was an answered prayer of modern stadium amenities and better seats than the embarrassment Veterans Stadium had become. The only stadium that was seeming in a more dilapidated state than the Vet was the Astrodome, when the field looked more like a rug in a dog pen. In Lincoln Financial Field there's literally no bad seat in the house. 2/3 of the seats are located in the lower level, offering near perfection to season ticket holders. With shops, several luxury suites and more than enough stations for filling a hungry or “thirsty” stomach, Lincoln Financial will serve the Eagles needs long after another corporation has purchased the naming rights.