Quote:
Originally posted by jsarno
Why do you feel this way?
The Eagles lost more than just thier backbone in douglas, they lost Shawn Barber, Brian Mitchell, Dorsey Levens (don't laugh, he was an important role player for you guys last year), Antonio Freeman, Al Harris and Blaine Bishop. Others that you lost were Cecil Martin, Jeff Thomason, Doug Brzezinski, and Barry Gardner.
Who did you sign?
Jon Ritchie, Nate Wayne, and Mark Simoneau.
How can you possibly think you got better?
|
Douglas-
Loss hurts but Kalu/McDougle and a healthy Burgess should make up for it
Shawn Barber-
Nate Wayne, wash
Brian Mitchell-
this one hurts but it also clears up a roster spot since thats all Mitchell can do
Dorsey Levens-
Who cares.... Buckhalter is way better than him and thats who Levens replaced last year
Antonio Freeman-
A good slot reciever. They have a 1 year deal out there for him but he still thinks he can start somewhere. If Mitchell and Billy McMullen continue to play well... Freeman won't be needed.
Al Harris-
They drafted Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown for a reason. Plus the 2nd rounder was used to get McDougle, to replace Hugh. He's a good player but he was a tradeable commodity.
Blaine Bishop-
He badly missed Jerevicious last year in the NFC title game (sorry haven't gotten over that play yet

Seriously though, Michael Lewis takes his place. The 2nd year player had 11 tackles and a sack last year in the eagles playoff win. Big upgrade here in my opinion.
Cecil Martin-
Obvious upgrade in Jon Ritchie.
Jeff Thomasen-
Old, the eagles hope LJ smith replaces him and than Chad Lewis in a year or two. He won't be missed other than in the red zone.
Doug Brezinski-
The eagles have very little depth at o-line and Doug will be missed. He wanted a chance to start though so he left.
Barry Gardner/Levon Kirkland-
Mark Simeneau is an unknown.... but he can't be any worse than the platoon Philly had last year.
All in all.... we lost some players but gained some at different spots. Jim Johnson has a great defensive system and can basically put anyone in there as long as they have that great secondary. The offense has all of its players back (aside from Duce... jurys still out on him) plus it added LJ Smith, Ritchie, and Billy McMullen.
I could see them taking a step backwards in defense maybe but their offense will be as good if not better than last year.