Evaluating the Eagles: Part I

It’s that time of year Eagles Nation. Time to look back at the 2008 roster and hand out some grades. Who lived-up to expectations? Who exceeded them? Who flopped on the turf like dying fish? I’ll begin under center and in the backfield.

Quarterbacks:

Donovan McNabb – Started all 16 games for the first time since 2003. Had a 60.4% completion percentage, threw for a career high and franchise best 3,916 yards with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Also rushed for two touchdowns. Was 2-1 in the postseason, threw for 892 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs and ran for one score. Played in his fifth NFC Championship game. Got benched versus Baltimore for the first time in his career.  Grade: B+

Kevin Kolb – Was given his shot Week 12 against the Ravens. Trailing 10-7 at the half, Kolb took over for McNabb and finished 10/23, 73, 0 TD, 2 INT. The following day Andy Reid named McNabb his starter. If Kolb leads the Birds to a victory, who knows where this team goes? Didn’t happen. Kolb is still green, but one half of football against the Ravens #2 ranked defense is not enough to judge his ability. Grade: C-

A.J. Feeley – Didn’t play a snap, but did get engaged to smokin’ hot soccer babe Heather Mitts. For that alone A.J. deserves an A+.

Running Backs:

Brian Westbrook – Another injury-plagued campaign for B-West. Rushed for 936 yards and nine touchdowns. Caught 54 passes for 402 yards and five scores. Lost only one fumble. Missed two games. Suffered ankle, rib and knee injuries throughout the season. Never recovered from Week 3 ankle sprain versus Pittsburgh. Overall, not the same Westbrook from ’06 and ’07. His sore knee is becoming a concern. Grade: B

Correll Buckhalter – 76 carries for 369 yards and two touchdowns. Caught a career best 26 passes for 324 yards and a pair of scores. Buck just isn’t appreciated. Every week we heard Reid promise to give him increased touches, but it never happened. Is a FA this off-season. I doubt he’ll return in ’09. Grade: B+

Lorenzo Booker – The Eagles wasted a fourth round pick on this stiff last April. Booker was the darling of training camp until they played the games. The guy is too small to be effective. Gets knocked around like a pinball. Joins the likes of Ryan Moats and Tony Hunt as running back busts. Grade: F

I’ll be back tomorrow to grade the tight ends and fullbacks.