Ready For Some Football - Friday, August 08, 2008
274 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   After two weeks of hearing about Lorenzo Booker's ability to torch the Eagles D and Sheldon Brown's quiet but highly effective performance --  not to mention the Lito Sheppard and Shawn Andrews sagas -- it's great finally to see the team suit up against somebody else and begin to answer some questions.

   First off, we have to know if Donovan McNabb is completely recovered from his knee injury two years ago and ready to be the fully-operational QB weapon the Eagles need. Nothing else matters if he can't play well, because Kevin Kolb just isn't ready. A healthy McNabb gives the Eagles hope.

   It would also be nice to see the offensive line deliver a strong performance. This unit is riddled with questions, thanks to weak performances last year by Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson, Max Jean-Gilles' move into Andrews' starting right guard spot and  the continued aging of tackles Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas. Other than that, all is just fine up front.

   Reggie Brown needs a good start, the better to convince fans he's capable of being a number one receiver, something he couldn't do last season. The Birds have steadfastly insisted they don't need a big name on the outside -- save their flirtation with Randy Moss -- and that means they believe in Brown. So far, the fourth-year man has given no indications he's capable of being more than a second wideout, and it's time to get going, or the Eagles risk another year of being without a big-play man.

   The special teams, from top to bottom, have to show improvement. Kicker David Akers had a down year in '08. The punt return situation was abysmal. The coverage units were shaky. It seems as if Andy Reid addressed the situation well during the off-season, drafting lightning-quick DeSean Jackson to bring back punts, importing Booker to take back kicks and adding Rocky Boiman, Quintin Demps and Dan Klecko to the coverage teams. Some tangible results tonight would inspire some confidence, for a change.

   The linebacking corps has no "veteran leadership" or proven performers, either. Second-year man Stewart Bradley takes over in the middle and will call the signals. That's a huge responsibility, and he needs to acclimate quickly. Meanwhile Chris Gocong and Omar Gaither have to make plays on the outside, or all reports of the defense's improved effectiveness will be dismissed.

   Speaking of the defense, will it create more turnovers this year? One pre-season game isn't necessarily an indication of future performance, but it would be nice to see some hints that it might happen. Perhaps someone will actually catch the ball if it's thrown to them. The Birds lost the field-position battle last year in part because they couldn't turn the ball over. That must change.

   Those are several key questions, and it's time for this team to start answering them. Westbrook's situation seems cleared up, so we can focus on the field. Finally. Just don't expect one game to provide all the answers. Of course, no one is going to be that patient. A huge season looms, and the first step is taken tonight. It had better be a good one.