Evaluating the Eagles: Part VIII

Bad special teams can doom a team. Luckily for the Eagles, their kicking and punting units have been steady for years. The 2008 squads were no different. Grade time.

Special Teams:

David Akers – After struggling in ’06 and ’07, Akers rebounded big time by converting a franchise record 33 field goals on 40 attempts. Also made 9 of 10 attempts in the postseason. Did have two blocked and returned for scores in the regular season, but that more to do with the guys in front of him. Was solid on kickoffs with 17 touchbacks. Grade: A

Sav Rocca – Had a good start to the season, but once the weather turned had some difficulties. His 37.9 net average was middle-of-the-pack. Did boom 24 inside the twenty. Needs to work on kicking in less than ideal conditions. Grade: B-

DeSean Jackson – Showed how dangerous he can be with the ball in his hands with a 68 yard touchdown versus the Redskins in Week 5. Averaged 8.6 yards per return which needs to improve. Also fumbled three times. Jackson has a wealth of talent, but needs to be more disciplined. Grade: B+

Quintin Demps – Demps, like Jackson, impressed as a rookie return man. Had a 100 yard return Week 12 against the Ravens. His 23.5 average was merely ordinary. Demps’ straight-line speed is his best asset. Needs to pick his lanes quicker. Grade: B

Overall, the Birds were good on special teams in 2008. I’d like to see more dynamic plays from both Jackson and Demps. As for Rocca, I think he needs to be pushed in training camp. The guy has the leg, but his directional kicking is suspect.

Well, that’s a wrap on the 2008 evaluations. Mostly A’s and B’s, but there are areas that need improvment if the Eagles want to return to the playoffs in ’09. Now we turn our attention to free agency and the draft. Personally, this is my favorite time of the year. How will the Birds retool? Will they add more weapons? Is there a big surprise ahead? We shall see.