The Philadelphia Eagles are now entering year number seven of the Andy Reid project. In the off-season, the Eagles accomplished some good things and also somehow let other things go to complete hell. The T.O. fiasco got totally out of hand. Terrell Owens has no feet to stand on this issue at least for now. But maybe if he were to repeat his accomplishments of last year and lead the Birds to the promised land, then perhaps the management should reconsider doing something. Look I'm no expert, but why can't the Eagles after this season, guarantee at least 1-2 more years unless he does get hurt to up the contract to 8 million for the first year, 8 ½ M the second, 9M the third and 10 million the fourth and just get rid of that last season. T.O gets his money, the Eagles are still way under the cap and both parties are happy. It's a win-win situation. And Donovan McNabb has perhaps the NFL's best wide receiver on his side.

As for the Brian Westbrook situation, I believe that he is getting the runaround. Come on Andy, just get something done now and make the fans worry about one less problem. In my personal opinion, I think he is worth about 5 million a year for 3 years with two options of 6 million and 7 million. Give him a 6-8 million signing bonus and all parties should be happy. I also understand that Michael Lewis needs an extension and that will probally get done some time during the season. At least the Eagles got Jeremiah Trotter signed for 5 more years and the defense has it's 2 animals and 1 freak together for a long time. As for Corey Simon, maybe the Eagles dished him for putting the franchise tag on him and not working out a long-term deal, but maybe Corey is also wrong. He is a defensive tackle and maybe just an above DT at that. He has his ups and downs and the fans know it. He should of agreed to something like a 3-year deal in the 3 million dollar range with maybe a 4-5 million dollar signing bonus. Not no 5 million a year and 5 years on top of it. He has not been voted to the Pro-Bowl yet. He only went by default, aka injuries!! I will not miss him either. On the offensive line, the departure of Jermaine Mayberry may have some effect, but the Eagles do get Shawn Andrews back and if he should remain healthy, he will perhaps give the line a bigger boost than even Mayberry. But the Eagles should tender a 2-year extension to Jon Runyan. he deserves at least 4-5 million a year and in fact, he earned it.

As for the Eagles draft, I do think Reggie Brown and Mike Patterson will contribute right away. Patterson is more important, especially with the losses of Simon and now Hugh Douglas. Yes, Hugh is probally done, but maybe they should sign him to become a defensive line coach just to have his game mouth with the team for this season. I don't ever see Andy doing that though. With Todd Pinkston finished for the season, that certainly opens the door for 3rd year man Greg Lewis. He looked awfully good in the preseason. If that is any indication, Pinkston may be fighting for a job next year with McCants and/or Billy McMullen. Lamar Gordon will be an improvement over both Correll Buckhalter (who is always hurt anyway) and his replacement, Dosey Levens. Levens had a tremendous end to the season, but he can only do so much at his age. Gordon is the same size and much faster. Hopefully, he will have good hands too in this pass first offense. LJ Smith, the team's only experienced tight end could have a break out year without Chad Lewis to back him up. If he continues to improve, he could even be a candiate for the Pro-Bowl.

As for the team's success, it all depends on McNabb, Westbrook, Owens and that nastier defense as coach Jim Johnson calls it. The defense was tremendous all pre-season and if that is any indication to what to expect, then the other teams in the NFC are in for a long season; a very long season. We already know what the offense can do when running on all cylinders as in games against Green Bay, Dallas, ect last season. Now the defense can be just as potent as the offense. Then who in the NFC can stop the Eagles. The Eagles top all NFC teams in Vegas with odds of 6-1 on winning the Super Bowl. Only Indy has better odds at 5-1. They also have the Vikings at 7-1. Can you believe that? Can the departure of Randy Moss make Minnesota better?? I like the Eagles chances and they have a very favorable schedule. They can win every game, but there will be at least 1-2 stumbling blocks, perhaps San Diego on Oct. 23 or at Kansas City on Oct. 9th. In the NFC, their 2 toughest games probally include at St. Louis and at Atlanta to open the season, but both of those are winnable. There is no reason to think that the Eagles should finish 13-3 or even 14-2 and at least own the home-field advantage again for the fourth straight year. But that is why we play the games. Let's get it on...