Bigger question mark going into 06: Offense or defense?

The BIGSTUD · July 15, 2006, 05:32:23 PM

I think the majority of the people out there would say offense, but I think it's the defense. As long as McNabb is healthy, this offense is going to be productive. We've been to NFC Championship games with worse talent than this.

But our entire defense is going to live or die with the defensive line, as shown last season. If we can't get pressure on the QB, then kiss an effective defense goodbye. We are heavily banking this defense on 3 guys who are all big questions marks. Kearse is one of them, who hasn't had even 8 sacks in a season since he's been here. Howard is another, who while talented, is coming off a poor season. Will he bounce back to his double digit sack self? The third is Bunkley. We drafted this guy to come in and be a DT cornerstone for years to come. Yes, he was dominant in college last season, but the fact is, he's a rookie. He could boom or bust just like any rookie can.

Plus if you want to go past the defensive line, we have pretty big question marks at LB as well. Shawn Barber has injury problems, Matt McCoy hasn't proven he can play yet, and Dhani Jones sucks. Even if Gocong beats him out, will he be able to be effective as a rookie?

Now, the secondary is one of our strongest positions on the team, but there are still minor questios. Can Lito and Michael Lewis bounce back after pretty bad seasons? I don't think there is any doubt they will, but it's a small question that should be in the back of everyone's mind.

To me, there are far more and bigger questions on defense this season than offense. The only two real questions on offense or whether Andy Reid will run the ball and whether Pinkston will be healthy. The defense is relying on a defensive line which has a lot of questions. I think everything will work out because I'm an optimist, but if it doesn't, this team could be in trouble.

Dillen · July 15, 2006, 07:08:44 PM

Im not worried about the offense, as long as Reid calls running plays. Donovan always seems to make it work, lets just hope Reggie can step up the way we expect him to, L.J has a season he would have had last season, and Westbrook stays healthy.

Im way more worried about defense. Tons of questions everywhere. Can Kearse actually be productive? Will the DTs stay healthy, and will Bunkley help as much as we hope? Can Matt McCoy actually be a good starter? Im not really worried about that. I liked him at SDSU when not many people knew who he was. Can Lito and Lewis come back to form? I'd expect them to, but I wouldnt be surprised if neither of them went back to 04 form.

Don Ho · July 15, 2006, 11:20:25 PM

I'm just plain worried

Magical_Retard · July 15, 2006, 11:23:42 PM

i sometimes get the sense that opposing offenses have this D figured out...in that they seem to pick up the blitz where as b4 it would seem like the flood gates would be open. thats why its more important than ever to get some pressure with the front 4 since the LB corps and 2ndary will have thier hands full.

SD_Eagle5 · July 15, 2006, 11:55:05 PM

The offense might take a while to adjust but eventually they'll come together. The D was downright pathetic last year. Way too many 1st drives going in for TDs and average players stretching our D for big gains. Really not sure what the deal was with that but it looked to me like they just got tired of being taken for granted.

ice grillin you · July 16, 2006, 12:01:37 AM

biggest ? = mcnabb

The BIGSTUD · July 16, 2006, 12:53:24 AM

Out of all the players on this team, he's the one that is not a question.

PhillyPhreak54 · July 16, 2006, 02:36:05 AM

Defense.

They have to get after the QB. Without pressure they're done.

PoopyfaceMcGee · July 16, 2006, 08:55:09 AM

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on July 16, 2006, 02:36:05 AM
Defense.

They have to get after the QB. Without pressure they're done.

Agreed. The offense was problematic last year but had a ton of injuries and issues. The defense was playing like shtein before many of the starters went out due to injury.

Rome · July 16, 2006, 12:26:00 PM

Neither. I think both sides of the ball will be solid.

Feva · July 16, 2006, 03:35:01 PM

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on July 16, 2006, 02:36:05 AM
Defense.

They have to get after the QB. Without pressure they're done.

Yep.

PoopyfaceMcGee · July 16, 2006, 04:01:29 PM

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on July 16, 2006, 12:26:00 PM
Neither. I think both sides of the ball will be solid.

That's just a completely ridiculous response. Even the best teams have some sort of question mark as to the effectiveness of their offense and defense. Your response would indicate that the Eagles have absolutely no concerns or questions about any of the starters or backups and will easily go 19-0 and win the Super Bowl.

Rome · July 16, 2006, 04:06:06 PM

Calm down, Nancy.

I said solid, not spectacular, not great, not even very good.

If I had a gun to my head I'd say that the biggest concern for me would be the running game, so in that regard, I'll say offense by default.

PoopyfaceMcGee · July 16, 2006, 04:43:02 PM

You should hold a gun to your head at all times when posting.

Rome · July 16, 2006, 05:01:36 PM

Quote from: FFatPatt on July 16, 2006, 04:43:02 PM
You should hold a gun to your head at all times when posting.

Burn.

Bigger question mark going into 06: Offense or defense?

SD_Eagle5