2001 EAGLES
	Donovan McNabb has Philadelphia fans thinking big.
	Head coach: Andy Reid (3rd year). 2000 record: 11-5. NFC East finish: 2nd. 2001 preseason: 1-1. Season opener: Sept. 9 vs. Rams. Schedule | Depth chart

Expectations are higher than ever for the Philadelphia Eagles this season. Last year's outstanding performance by head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Donovan McNabb and Co. have fans dreaming of a division title and perhaps even reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1980 season. The Eagles haven't won the NFC East since 1988. If the Eagles are to reach those goals, Reid will have to show he can handle more responsibility.

The biggest move of the offseason occurred in the front office when owner Jeffrey Lurie and executive vice president Joe Banner fired director of football operations Tom Modrak and gave those duties to Reid. Modrak, now with Buffalo, was responsible for bringing in much of the talent the Eagles have, and he will undoubtedly be missed.

On the field, the Eagles' most significant change was Reid's decision to cut veteran wide receivers Charles Johnson and Torrance Small and sign free agent James Thrash. Johnson, who, along with Small, signed with the Patriots, was among the leaders in the Eagles' locker room and was one of McNabb's best friends, in addition to being a reliable receiver.

The Eagles saw no need to tinker with one of the league's best defenses, aside from ending defensive end Mike Mamula's disappointing tenure in Philly and replacing him with free agent N.D. Kalu.

The key to success, however, rests squarely on McNabb's muscular shoulders ... and his legs. As long as he's healthy, the Eagles have a chance against anyone. Of course, there are no guarantees, especially when the new playing surface at Veterans Stadium is taken into consideration.

Offense
Quarterbacks: Not many NFL quarterbacks possess McNabb's arm strength, running ability and leadership. He set the bar quite high with an outstanding performance last season, and he appears capable of raising it a few more notches. He has a better grasp of Reid's version of the West Coast offense and is in the best shape of his life, thanks to a rigorous offseason training program in Arizona. Backup Koy Detmer has shown an ability to produce points when given the chance, and he has a fiery personality that has endeared him to fans and teammates. Ron Powlus had little trouble beating out rookie A.J. Feeley for the third spot.
Grade: A-minus.

Running backs: When healthy, Duce Staley is a threat as a runner and receiver, valuable traits in the Eagles' attack. The trouble is, he missed most of last season with a foot injury, and while he has had no problems in the preseason, his durability remains a question mark. Fullback Cecil Martin is a solid blocker and underrated receiver. Rookie running back Correll Buckhalter emerged as one of the standouts of training camp and will play a lot, even if Staley remains the starter. Brian Mitchell will see action as a third-down back. Stanley Pritchett, who has recovered from a broken leg, will get carries in one-back sets if he makes the team.
Grade: B.

Receivers: Aside from Pro Bowl tight end Chad Lewis, this is the team's biggest offensive question mark. Reid's controversial decision to cut Johnson and Small left McNabb with an unproven group of wide receivers in Thrash, Todd Pinkston, Na Brown and rookie Freddie Mitchell. Thrash had a good year with Washington in 2000, but was previously a non-factor. Pinkston looked good in training camp, offering hope that he will improve upon his disappointing rookie campaign. Brown has the best hands on the team and has added 15 pounds without sacrificing speed. Mitchell should get better as the year goes on and as he becomes more comfortable in the offense. Lewis is clearly McNabb's favorite target, except near the goalline. That's where tight end Jeff Thomason excels. Rookie tight end Tony Stewart could be a surprise.
Grade: C-plus.

		How will the new batch of receivers and Donovan McNabb click? The Eagles are one of the two teams -- and Seattle -- that cut both of its starting receivers in the offseason. Now McNabb is dealing with James Thrash, who came over from Washington, and first-round draft pick Freddie Mitchell to go along with Todd Pinkston. Duce Staley is back from injury and will give the Eagles another weapon out of the backfield. But how quickly McNabb and the receivers can get on the same page and how effectively he uses them in the offense will be the key. I thought McNabb was the MVP last year.

Offensive linemen: This unit has matured into a strength. Right tackle Jon Runyan has been among the NFC's best at his position, except when he's faced Giants DE Michael Strahan. Left tackle Tra Thomas could make a push for the Pro Bowl. Left guard John Welbourn has settled into his position and can play left tackle in a pinch. At right guard, Jermane Mayberry has beaten out Bobbie Williams again. Center Bubba Miller isn't the biggest or quickest lineman, but the line looks to him for leadership. Doug Brzezinski, Ryan Schau and Williams provide depth but may not see much action. The starters remained intact for every game last season.
Grade: B-plus.

Defense
Defensive linemen: End Hugh Douglas and tackle Corey Simon lead a front four that has both talent and depth. Douglas is no longer considered a pure speed rusher. He now has the size to overpower blockers and is improved against the run. Simon suffered a concussion during training camp but has recovered and could join Douglas as a Pro Bowl candidate. Brandon Whiting starts at left end, but moves inside in passing situations. Kalu is expected to keep teams from double-teaming Douglas. Impressive rookie Derrick Burgess and veteran Greg Jefferson, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, provide outside help. Run-stopper Hollis Thomas and versatile Paul Grasmanis join Simon as part of the inside rotation.
Grade: B-plus.

Linebackers: Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter has blossomed into one of the league's best. He has the bulk to take on blockers and the speed to cover running backs. Outside linebacker Carlos Emmons also is considered near the top of his position. He smothers opposing tight ends and likely will be blitzing more often. On the weak side, Ike Reese likely will begin the season as the starter, but he will be pressed by rookie Quinton Caver and Mike Caldwell, who plays a lot in passing situations. Last season's starter at that spot, Barry Gardner, has been moved into the middle as Trotter's backup and possible replacement if Trotter leaves after the season.
Grade: A-minus.

Defensive backs: Not many teams have three cornerbacks as good as the Eagles' trio of Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor and Al Harris. Vincent can play both the run and the pass as well as anyone. Taylor is soft against the run but is a solid cover corner. Harris, the most aggressive of the three, could start for most teams. Free safety Brian Dawkins is viewed as one of the best in the NFC. Strong safety Damon Moore really came on at the end of last season and is playing with more confidence. Rashard Cook is a capable backup, but the Eagles still chose to bring back veteran Tim Hauck for one more season.
Grade: A-minus.

Special teams
Placekicker David Akers was outstanding in training camp, routinely booting 60-yarders, but he struggled early in the preseason. Punter Sean Landeta, entering his 17th season, plays as though he'll be in the league for another 17 years. Brian Mitchell also has shown no signs of slowing down as a returner. Long snapper Mike Bartrum is among the league's best. Detmer takes his job as the Eagles' holder seriously and is a big key to Akers' success.
Grade: B. David Weinberg covers the Eagles for the Atlantic City Press.

Material from Pro Football Weekly.
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