Eagles get their grades

By Tim McManus
The Phanatic Magazine

Some grades for the Eagles as they get set to open the season against Green Bay.

Quarterback - B

Donovan is obviously a top-tier talent, but the remainder of the group weighs this grade down. Recent history says that there's a 3-in-5 chance that McNabb will go down at some point this season. Last year they survived regardless because Jeff Garcia was there to step in and provide an above-average performance. This year it will be A.J. Feeley, who no longer has the defense to bail him out. With the third option a green rookie, there will be a time this season where Eagles fans will be begging for Kelly Holcomb.

Running back - A

Westbrook is one of the most important offensive players in football, for any team. The one thing he could not provide was short-yardage service, and that area has (finally) been addressed with the addition of Tony Hunt. Buckhalter also serves as a nice changeup.

Wide Receiver - B

Those who condemn this corps because it lacks a big name haven't paid attention to the development of Reggie Brown, nor the instant report between No. 5 and Kevin Curtis. Add a pair of tight ends with ability, and the receivers are the least of your worries.

Offensive line - A

Actually, this is the least of your worries. Starters compose arguably the best line in football, the backups are more than solid. Here's hoping Shawn Andrews is a hypochondriac.

Defensive line - B

Better than you think or preseason suggests. Beefy additions in the middle, a healthy Kearse (at least for now), depth at every position. Running backs will have a tougher time finding lanes, and there's definitely enough speed to apply pressure as well.

Linebacker - C-

I won't rip the Eagles for getting rid of Trotter -- they've been very good at knowing when a player has reached his end. Still, expecting Chris Gocong or rookie Stewart Bradley making a big impact, or Takeo Spikes to travel three years back in time performance-wise, is plain irrational.

Secondary - C

The finger will point right here should the Eagles come up short once again. Sean Considine has not earned a starting role on an NFL team, not by a mile. Brian Dawkins is close to sunset. Lito Sheppard will be battling a leg injury at some point -- bank on it. And there's very little depth behind any of them. This should have been Priority One in the offseason.