Evaluating the Eagles: Part VII

The strength of the 2008 Eagles was the secondary. Two Pro Bowlers and one more than deserving made the back four fun to watch. Let’s hand out some grades.

Secondary:

Asante Samuel – After inking a 6 year, $57 million dollar deal, expectations were high for the former Patriot. Asante lived-up to the hype and then some. Had a team best 4 interceptions, one for a TD, during the regular season. Added 22 passes defended. Really earned his cash in the playoffs. Two INTs – one a pick-six – in three games. Got beat-up by Larry Fitzgerald in the NFC title game, but who doesn’t get abused by Larry? Was voted to the Pro Bowl roster. Grade: A

Sheldon Brown – Steady as ever, Brown tallied 51 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF and 1 INT. Never receives much attention for his play on the field, but Sheldon is a solid starting cornerback. Like Samuel, was beaten by Fitzgerald in the title game. However, he rarely gives up touchdowns. Grade: B+

Quintin Mikell – 2008 was a breakout season for Mikell. 93 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 FF and 3 INTs. All career highs. Should have made the Pro Bowl. Is becoming one of the top safeties in the NFL. A long-term deal is in his future. Grade: A

Brian Dawkins – The 13 year vet earned his sixth Pro Bowl invite. Check these numbers: 75 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 FF, 1 INT. A free agent to be, Dawkins should be brought back for a 14th season. His energy and leadership are invaluable to the entire franchise. Many thought he was finished after a disappointing/injury riddled 2007. Not yet. Grade: A+

Joselio Hanson – Hanson turned into a key reserve for the Birds. 39 tackles, 1 sack and 1 pick. Another free agent, it would be nice to see Hanson return as the nickel back. Grade: B

Lito Sheppard – Well, well, who saw this coming? Sheppard complained about his contract and his status after Samuel was signed. To back-up his claim that deserved more money, Sheppard played the worst season of his career. Was torched repeatedly throughout the season. He was so awful, Hanson replaced him in the rotation by mid-season. Say bye, bye to Lito. Grade: F

Quintin Demps – Demps was a pleasant surprise in his rookie campaign. Proved his value as a kick-returner (1 TD) and a reserve defensive back in dime packages. Could be the heir apparent to Dawkins at free safety. Like everyone else, had a rough NFC Championship game. Grade: B-

Sean Considine – If it wasn’t for his special teams play, Considine would be useless. He’s a liability in the secondary but he did make plays on kick and punt returns late in the season. Considine is a free agent. I doubt he will return. Grade: C

The Eagles secondary showed a lot of promise in 2008. If Dawkins is resigned, the starters are set. What happens with Hanson, Sheppard and Considine will determine how much attention is paid to the position in free agency and the draft. Tomorrow, I’ll wrap up the evaluations by looking at the special teams. Until then….