Say goodbye to 2008 and hello to 2009! A new year means a fond (hopefully) farewell to the inconsistent and unpredictable 2008 Philadelphia Eagles. Sure they have at least one game left, but it’s never too early to look ahead at the work that needs need to be done before the kickoff to the 2009 season. Here’s nine resolutions I hope the Eagles adopt in the next 365 days.
9) End the “Will McNabb stay or go” debate – Frankly, I’m sick of this even being discussed. Donovan will never be perfect, but does any fan really believe another quarterback not named Peyton Manning or Tom Brady is better for the Eagles? And please, do not bring up the name Matt Cassel. Let some other team overpay for his overrated services.
8: Wave goodbye to Lito Sheppard and L.J. Smith – Three years ago both these guys looked like future superstars. Not anymore. Sheppard – desperate for a new deal – forgot how to play cornerback, and L.J. became the master of performing frequent disappearing acts. Joselio Hanson has proven to be a player and Jack Ikegwuonu is waiting in the wings. As for tight end, give Brent Celek a shot, then use one of the first round draft picks to solidify the position.
7) Don’t trade out of the first round, again – The Eagles have a pair of first round picks. PLEASE USE THEM!!! I have no problem if they use them both to TRADE UP, but I have no desire to see them collecting picks in the second and third rounds. Personally, I would love to see Chris Wells as an Eagle. Another injury-filled season for Brian Westbrook does not bode well for his future.
6) Beat the Vikings on Sunday – This goes without saying, but since the Birds sneaked their way into the playoffs, let’s stick around past Wild Card Weekend.
5) Stay balanced on offense – One would think that when you see how successful the Eagles are when they commit to running the ball it would be a no-brainer to stick with this offensive philosophy. However, when your coach is Andy Reid – the most pass-oriented Head Coach in the history of the NFL – a non-stop air show is never far off. Reid needs to learn the word “patience” before next season, or he needs to go.
4) Shawn Andrews to find himself – Listen, I realize clinical depression is a serious malady, but Andrews has always been a little off kilter. Does he want to be an NFL player? Does he still have the passion to play the game? I don’t know, but I hope Andrews has the answers and lets the Eagles know before training camp.
3) DeSean Jackson to develop – Work out more with Jerry Rice. Hit the weight room. Study the game. I’m not confident Jackson will ever be a true #1 wide receiver, but 1200 yards and 6-8 touchdowns are realistic goals for ’09 and more than achievable “if” DeSean commits himself to being great, not just good.
2) Brian Dawkins to return for one more year – I think Dawk has proven he can still play at the highest level and he certainly hasn’t lost his signature intensity. His presence this season was a huge reason why the Birds didn’t fold up their tents after the embarrassment in Baltimore. Leaders like Dawkins are hard to find, so keep him around.
1) A Super Bowl run – Hey, they’re in the playoffs so why not go all the way? It makes no difference how they got there or the numerous swirls of controversy that have surrounded this team. They have not won more than three-in-a-row all season. It will take four to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Can they do it? It’s a brand new year – anything is possible.