Even though it’s only May, it’s never too early to start up some early predictions for the 2012 season. After seeing how the Eagles closed the 2011 season on a four-game winning streak and what they’ve pulled off so far in the offseason, it’s hard not to think good things for the Eagles next year.
Over the past two months, the Eagles have made quite the splash. From trading for Pro-Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans, re-signing both DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy to long-term contracts and having the best draft in the entire league, it’s safe to say the Eagles have yet again won the award for best offseason. All this stuff is great, but it’ll all be pointless if the Eagles don’t have a 10+ win season next year.
After finishing last year with an 8-8 record, the Eagles found themselves ranked at no. 14. It’s crazy to think that after everything that happened last year, if the Eagles would’ve just won one more game, or if the Jets would’ve beaten the Giants at the end of the season, the Eagles would’ve made the playoffs and the Giants would not be the Super Bowl Champions. Crazy, right? The 2012 schedule is released already and the Birds have an interesting future ahead of them. Honestly, they control their destiny. If they play like a Super Bowl caliber team and play good football week in and week out, the Eagles could easily finish with a 12+ win record. They’ve certainly added some talented players to their roster and with new coaching adjustments, the Eagles seem ready to redeem themselves.
Going into the 2012 NFL season, I rank the Eagles at no. 8. Last season, the Eagles’ defense was their hindering factor. Now, they have upgraded the defense completely and now that defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is comfortable, that defense will be flat-out scary. Just watching some videos recently of the teams OTAs, the defense looks like they’ve been playing together for years, not days. With probably the most talented defensive line depth in the NFL, I expect the Eagles to be making plays all over the field in 2012.
For not even making the playoffs last year, a no.8 ranking is very good. Ahead of them are the NY Giants, NE Patriots, GB Packers, SF 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, PIT Steelers, and the HOU Texans.
2012 is a make it or break it season for everyone in Philadelphia. Andy Reid is on thin ice, and Mike Vick also knows his years as a contender are highly limited.
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May 25, 2012
