Eagles Further Than Thought

I learned one thing this NFL Championship weekend. The Eagles are further away than I initially thought they were from competing against the likes of the 49ers or Seahawks.  I thought the Birds were a year away–maybe a player or two. Now, I think they’re definitely a couple of years away from being at the top of the Conference.  In the meantime, they’ll still be atop of the NFC East.

While Desean Jackson and Riley Cooper had good seasons in 2013, I really don’t see either of them being able to get off the line against the corners of the 49ers or Seahawks.  There is a definite need for a big, physical receiver.

Kicker is an obvious need, one who can consistently kick for touchbacks and field goals in the range of 40-50 yards.

The offensive line struggled to protect Foles against the New Orleans Saints.  Without improvement, facing the Seahwaks or 49ers could get ugly.  Do they need an upgrade at Guard?  Maybe.  Lane Johnson is likely to improve, so that should help.

A big, strong, fat, run-stopping D Tackle is a must.  Stopping the run, when they knew the Saints were running the ball, proved to be a challenge.  They’d need to be able to stop the likes of Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch.  Someone get the agent for Miami’s Paul Saulaia in touch with Howie.

We all know that another cornerback and two safeties are also needed.

To me, that looks like five, maybe six, starters plus a kicker are needed.  That’s a lot to get right in a year.  The Eagles are definitely moving in the right direction.  I trust Howie and his staff, but they’d have to have one hell of an off-season.  And, Nick Foles would have to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump (i.e. Cam Newton).

Eagles are a thousand times better off today than a year ago.  I’m just thinking Super Bowl in February of 2016, though I’m wishing for 2015.