ESPN posted their first effort of the season here (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking?season=2006&week=0).
Eagles are #18.
It's a fair ranking at this point. Hopefully the Birds will prove enough near the beginning of the season to move much further up.
They aren't even the best 6-10 team on the list
QuoteWith a healthy Donovan McNabb the Eagles should be right back in the mix in 2006. That said, it's hard to see them being as good as they were in 2004 without T.O
see 2001-2003. james thrash, charles johnson, na brown, freddie mitchell, todd pinkston. and yes, i did just puke on myself.
im not arguing with the ranking much. they have alot to prove after last years disaster.. but come up with a better reason then that.
Whatever you say, Spadaro. Comparing this Eagles team to those Eagles teams has a few major flaws - most notably that the competition in the division is much, much better. Also, there are strong teams across the NFC to be dealt with in Carolina, Tampa Bay, Seattle, and occasionally Atlanta.
18 is fair until proven otherwise.
the defense on those teams was much much better as well
specifically people underestimate how good taylor and vincent were because they overrate sheldon and lito
and people overrate the importance of secondaries alltogether because it's all about the front 4
Quote from: ice grillin you on June 22, 2006, 09:23:33 AM
the defense on those teams was much much better as well
specifically people underestimate how good taylor and vincent were because they overrate sheldon and lito
Lito is way overrated. Sheldon is as good as BT ever was - just not as big. Taylor obviously had nothing left when the Eagles let him go, though, so... yeah.
We'll see how the secondary responds after last year's ugliness.
Im glad there is no pressure on the Eagles from the ESPN media... at the same time, farg ESPN. #18 ranking is horse crap and it will show later in the season. ;D
at the same time, farg ESPN. #18 ranking is horse crap and it will show later in the season.
tru dat
birds are AT LEAST 15th or 16th best
Quote from: ice grillin you on June 22, 2006, 09:23:33 AM
the defense on those teams was much much better as well
specifically people underestimate how good taylor and vincent were because they overrate sheldon and lito
Sheldon Brown >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bobby Taylor
He's doing a hell of a lot more with a hell of a lot less in front of him.
18 is too low but were do you put them, in a division where you can't guarantee 6 or 4 wins it's going to be tough going. Until they prove otherwise there not a top 10 team. We all hope they will be but there are so many unanswered questions.
After last season, I have no problem with them being ranked #18. We all assume (or at least hope) that they will be ranked much higher at the end of the season, but outsiders can't necessarily just assume that.
it makes sense...they are in the middle third...they could be really good yes... they also could suck...however most likely they are a middle of the pack team this year
Thank you Captain Obvious.
You know what, Im not sold on the competition in our division is harder now. I think the NFC sucks period. The Birds have been one of the most dominant teams the past 4 or so years(NFC wise). Last year was a freak year with all the injuries. It led our team into the crapper and opened the door for the rest of the NFC. There is no doubt in my mind we would of won the divison again if everyone was healthy and running on full throttle, TO or no TO. It easy to say the other 3 teams got better, but in reality the birds got the better team by far still and there is no reason why we shouldn't be back up top this year. If everyone is healthy and Mr. Reid comes to terms with a more balanced offensive attack, and our d-line gets penetration, we should crush like we did in past years. I saw Dawk on NFL network this week and he mentioned being just embarassed as hell from last years outcome. he was angry and has something to prove. almost like pre-2004 when the whole team was hungry to get to the next step. I think if the team has that same attitude on top of health, better playcalling and d-line dominance, look out.
and farg the cowboys. farg i can't wait for this year. farg!!!
I think the NFC sucks period.
please step back and breath
It all dpends on injuries. Any team in the division that comes out healthy will most likely prevail at the top. The Giants last year rode the back of a a healthy O-line and Tiki Barber.
I am comparing the NFC to the AFC. U telling me the NFC is more competitive than the AFC? I am sure your not. The Giants won the division, but they are nowhere near a superbowl quality team like we are. They picked up the scraps.
From your statement, it didnt sound like you were comparing divisions. This year, they have every bit of a shot than we do. They got the running game and the passing game....and we have what on offense--a better QB?
Watch out for the Bucs this year
We have a better o-line, a better QB, a RB with very similar skills, but isn't handed the rock. Westy is a better receiver and is our number one offensive threat. The WR's a a big question mark this year, but if we were succesful in the past with worse than I am not worried. TE I'll have to give to the Gints, not by much though. Shockey had one great year and has been inconsistent ever since and seems to be a mental retard. LJ Smith, well this is going to be a defining year for him. I like the kid, but if he can't get over the fumbling and health issues, then I think we gotta look at a TE in draft or free agency. I think a guy like LJ could be lined up in the slot and still contribute. Where another more traditional TE with better blocking skills and good hands could fit in nicely.
Where another more traditional TE with better blocking skills and good hands could fit in nicely.
Schobel
schobel cant block...hes strictly a pass catching te
Compared to L.J., I'll bet Schobel is a stellar blocker.
Quote from: reese125 on June 23, 2006, 12:01:36 AM
From your statement, it didnt sound like you were comparing divisions. This year, they have every bit of a shot than we do. They got the running game and the passing game....and we have what on offense--a better QB?
Watch out for the Bucs this year
the bucs are a shell of their former selves...Simms, McCown, and Rattay are all I need to know.
I havent studies Matts blocking skills, but Im assuming they got the guy for a 2 set passing scheme and blocking abilities to run more on both sides:
"He's also a pretty good blocker on the line of scrimmage, so we'll be able to run pretty effectively, with L.J. and Matt on one side. We'll be able to run their way, play-action pass, get both of them in the route, get one or both of them downfield fast."
The benefit here is that Schobel offers the kind of athletic ability and pass-catching skills to make a difference. He can run. He can catch. He can block.
Yea but he has nowhere near the athletic ability that LJ has. He's white for christ-sakes.
Compared to L.J., I'll bet Schobel is a stellar blocker.
tallest midget
the bucs are a shell of their former selves...Simms, McCown, and Rattay are all I need to know.
Simms could very well have a solid year for them. Comparing the 2nd and 3rd string QB's doesnt equate to anything (actually MCcown in done this year already). They have a very nice defense under Kiffin and the offense will only be better this year. Alot of that offense success will come down to how Clayton responds and how Calloway repeats statistically. Throw in a somehow mentally stable Boston..look out. Oh, and Cadillac W. is a stud
Simms could very well have a solid year for them
strong call dukes
Im not talking ProBowl solid, but hopefully you know what I mean. The guy can throw the ball well and is improving enough to win more game this year than last...thats all. That might be all they need
Quote from: reese125 on June 23, 2006, 10:19:31 AM
I havent studies Matts blocking skills, but Im assuming they got the guy for a 2 set passing scheme and blocking abilities to run more on both sides:
"He's also a pretty good blocker on the line of scrimmage, so we'll be able to run pretty effectively, with L.J. and Matt on one side. We'll be able to run their way, play-action pass, get both of them in the route, get one or both of them downfield fast."
The benefit here is that Schobel offers the kind of athletic ability and pass-catching skills to make a difference. He can run. He can catch. He can block.
You forgot to credit Morningwheg and Spads on those quotes. :-D
Schobel in his Eagles PC described his blocking skills as "improving".
Anyone who, at this point, still refers to the Eagles as 'the class of the NFC' needs to get a grip on reality. This is not 2004. Live in the now.
whats even better are all the articles saying the Eagles should be 4-0 to start the season blah blah blah. The Eagles shouldnt be expected to do anything but try and win games stay in the playoff hunt.
I think all the games will be close this year with alot of Akers, 4th quarter nailbiting and running up to the TV screen ready to punch McNabb for not running
whats even better are all the articles saying the Eagles should be 4-0 to start the season
yeah i dont get that either
HOU
NYG
SF
GB
Uh... that better be at least 3-1.
Jeez... to let some of you guys tell it, we're the farging Lions or something. Nobody's booking any trips to Miami or anything but it ain't much of a stretch to say that we'll start 4-0.
theres a difference btwn saying they have a chance at 4-0 or you hope they do it and the stone cold lock that a lot of people are treating it as
i wouldnt be shocked if they went 4-0...but i wouldnt be shocked if they were 2-2 either
Quote from: EagleFeva on June 23, 2006, 11:25:46 AM
Jeez... to let some of you guys tell it, we're the farging Lions or something. Nobody's booking any trips to Miami or anything but it ain't much of a stretch to say that we'll start 4-0.
actually, i did. i've done so every year. in 2004 i gave my reservations to a cousin of mine who actually had a ticket in hand for the game in jacksonville.
he also gave me $500 in cash for it on top of the cost of everything.
Quote from: ice grillin you on June 23, 2006, 11:28:34 AM
theres a difference btwn saying they have a chance at 4-0 or you hope they do it and the stone cold lock that a lot of people are treating it as
i wouldnt be shocked if they went 4-0...but i wouldnt be shocked if they were 2-2 either
I've seen articles that have said that the Eagles have a chance for a hot start due to a "favorable schedule" and things like that, but I have yet to see one that says the Eagles are a "lock" to do anything other than finish last in the division.
That said... personally, I expect 3-1 or better barring any significant injuries. The Eagles are still good enough to wipe up the Texans, Niners and Packers.
Quote from: Wingspan on June 23, 2006, 11:29:14 AM
actually, i did. i've done so every year. in 2004 i gave my reservations to a cousin of mine who actually had a ticket in hand for the game in jacksonville.
he also gave me $500 in cash for it on top of the cost of everything.
OK... let me rephrase.
Nobody
who lives in the realm of reality is booking any trips to Miami or anything but it ain't much of a stretch to say that we'll start 4-0.
I wouldn't be shocked to see the Eagles lose the first game of the season...
Quote from: EagleFeva on June 23, 2006, 11:38:31 AM
OK... let me rephrase.
Nobody who lives in the realm of reality is booking any trips to Miami or anything but it ain't much of a stretch to say that we'll start 4-0.
point well taken 8)
I wouldn't be shocked to see the Eagles lose the first game of the season...
losing the opener vs starting 4-0 would be an even money bet
such faith in your team. maybe im just being ignorant and bias, but i don't see any reasons why we shouldn't win the division, as long as we remain healthy, we balance the offensive scheme, our d-line gets penetration and our team has the drive/attitude to prove last year was a fluke and go out and play up to their ability.
Quote from: mussa on June 23, 2006, 12:07:00 PM
such faith in your team. maybe im just being ignorant and bias, but i don't see any reasons why we shouldn't win the division, as long as we remain healthy, we balance the offensive scheme, our d-line gets penetration and our team has the drive/attitude to prove last year was a fluke and go out and play up to their ability.
That is a whole hell of a lot of ifs.
ifs are what dreams are made of
if ifs were a spliff wed all get high
do u agree though, if the if's happen, we should win the division?
i understand what you guys are saying though and i can't help but have the same feelings at times. the team is pretty much the same team it was. i believe in them, they have done it before. the window isn't shut yet.
i will say that reid better get his offense balanced, because this 70-30 shtein ain't working. this is the only IF that can be taken care of right away. health is heads and tails, attitude/drive depends on the motivation going on within, d-line pentration well depends on our d-line. get your shtein together Reid.
do u agree though, if the if's happen, we should win the division?
sure but the same can be said for anyone else in the division and one could make the argument that the other teams have less ifs