Bigger question mark going into 06: Offense or defense?

[Drunkmasterflex]

biggest ? = mcnabb

How do you figure?  Are you still concerned about his weak pysche?

[Feva]

biggest ? = mcnabb

God, I hope so.  If that's the case... I'll see you bitches in Miami.

[BigEd76]

Sielski chimes in

The testing of that theory — that removing Owens and banking on a healthy 2006 from their starters will right everything that was wrong — will begin this week, when the Eagles report to Lehigh University for training camp. If you are not filled with hope at the prospect of this theory's success, you are not alone.

Granted, there is validity to the Eagles' approach. They were hardly NFC also-rans before Owens arrived, and the serener atmosphere around the team now that he's gone should be of some benefit. From the moment Super Bowl XXXIX, Owens slowly grew into a tumor that had to be cut out, and surely the presences of McNabb, Westbrook, Sheppard and others for 16 games should lead to the Eagles' winning more than six games.

But how many more? Remember: No one — no one in Philadelphia, no one around the NFL, not even the Eagles themselves — would call an 8-8 or 9-7 season for this franchise a satisfying development. This team will be and still should be judged on the basis of a single criterion: Can it win a championship? And that is why you wonder. After all, it became clear early on that the Eagles weren't going to win the Super Bowl last season even if they kept Owens around, and you strain to find an off-season move of theirs that is assured of working. Some of their weaknesses, they have not addressed at all.

How much have the Eagles improved their pass rush, which was so lacking last season and which led to so many of their deficiencies on defense? Darren Howard's career history suggests he is an on-again, off-again performer, and though rookie Brodrick Bunkley may make the defensive line rotation deeper and better, better is not necessarily good enough.

Is Shawn Barber, who played three games last season for Kansas City, really the only veteran roster addition the Eagles needed at linebacker? Does it not seem that Reid and defensive coordinator Jim Johnson are asking too much of thirdround pick Chris Cocong to switch positions, master the team's scheme, and contribute right away? Can Matt McCoy, who couldn't make it onto the field as a linebacker as a rookie, grow into a productive starter? Is Dhani Jones really going to start at strong-side linebacker again, and if he does, will Johnny Bowtie make a tackle all by himself this year?

Where are the guarantees that Reggie Brown will develop into a No. 1 receiver, that Todd Pinkston can still stretch the field after tearing his Achilles tendon, that playing in a competently run offense and during a contract year is all Jabar Gaffney needs to thrive?

Where is the blocking tight end? Where is the big running back?

Fair questions, all, and this much is certain: Those four easy words — Terrell Owens is gone — don't answer any of them.

"We took a gamble," Heckert said, referring to the Eagles' collective belief that they could control Owens. "We knew it was a gamble. And we lost."

They're taking a different gamble now, but one just as risky.

So, if they lose again, who do they blame this time?

[The BIGSTUD]

biggest ? = mcnabb

How do you figure?  Are you still concerned about his weak pysche?

Out of all the arguments I've heard about McNabb having a rough season, a "fragile psyche" is the dumbest of them all. If someone is sensitive, that has no relevance at all as to how they play on the field.

McNabb's feelings are hurt and suddenly he's going to go out and throw a lot of interceptions.  I sure hope that isn't why IGY is questioning McNabb. Those idiots on WIP said the same thing. Morons.

Unless there's something wrong with the dude physically, he's fine. His psyche has nothing to do with anything on the football field.

[General_Failure]

McNabb is not a question mark. You know what you're getting from him. Bad throws, few interceptions, playaction that fools nobody. If this line can keep him from getting banged up, that's what we're getting from him.

A blocking TE and a big back that they know can actually play would be nice, but with this year's offensive line that is no reason for not having a successful running game.

[Drunkmasterflex]

McNabb is not a question mark. You know what you're getting from him. Bad throws, few interceptions, playaction that fools nobody. If this line can keep him from getting banged up, that's what we're getting from him.

A blocking TE and a big back that they know can actually play would be nice, but with this year's offensive line that is no reason for not having a successful running game.

The play action might fool someone if they actually run the ball.

[Feva]

Running the ball would only fool and confuse Westbrook.

[General_Failure]

Luckily we have Buck back, so the running game should be great.

[rjs246]

Luckily we have Buck back, so the running game should be great.

In spite of the fact that I recognize this as sarcasm, I'm virtually stabbing you right now.

[ice grillin you]

McNabb is not a question mark. You know what you're getting from him. Bad throws, few interceptions, playaction that fools nobody

normally id say yes but after what happened last year and the way mcnabb has acted in response is cause for concern....and the more he talks about the whole mess (giving interviews on it is just stupid at this point) the more its being ingrained in him and the more criticism he takes the bigger the pressure on him to show he doesnt need TO...

one thing on his side is the built in excuse of having terrible wr's...so even if he has a bad year and they miss the playoffs it will be because they never give him weapons


but i agree with the people who said its all about how he performs once the season starts...lets hope he comes out in houston and has a great game...because he needs that more than anything in the world right now

[Drunkmasterflex]

McNabb is not a question mark. You know what you're getting from him. Bad throws, few interceptions, playaction that fools nobody

normally id say yes but after what happened last year and the way mcnabb has acted in response is cause for concern....and the more he talks about the whole mess (giving interviews on it is just stupid at this point) the more its being ingrained in him and the more criticism he takes the bigger the pressure on him to show he doesnt need TO...

WTF? Why? You know he is constantly being hounded about giving interviews, and if he didn't them you would say because he is a such a wuss and he didn't want to talk about it.  McNabb is one of the least of my worries heading into the season, he has always proven to be resiliant throughout his career.     My problem with McNabb is not about him being able to come back and play well, it is his stubborness. 

[rjs246]

I'd say its perfectly reasonable to question where McNabb's head is and it is a major concern.

[Drunkmasterflex]

I'd say its perfectly reasonable to question where McNabb's head is and it is a major concern.

I just don't see it, he really has never given any reason for this to be a such a concern.  Everybody seems to forget he played with a significant injury all season last year.  Just him coming in "the best shape of his life" tell me where he is at mentally.

[MadMarchHare]

Lifting weights and receiving treatment in private is a whole lot different than playing football full speed, under the 'scope, doing interviews two-three times a week.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

I'd say its perfectly reasonable to question where McNabb's head is and it is a major concern.

Yep, and I don't think there's a QB in the NFL right now that it isn't true for.  Brady, Manning, Roethlisberger included.