The Eagles offense is going to have to carry this football team early in the season. The Birds should have a balanced offense which is potent and explosive both through the air and on the ground.
They've got to start strong and get ahead of teams to allow the defense to play against offenses which are playing catch up football. A big early lead by the Birds would force teams to abandon their running games and throw the football. This strategy plays into the strength of the Eagles defense.
Young players like Omar Gaither and Chris Gocong will have time to get their feet wet and finish polishing their games. Also Jim Johnson is at his best when he's got a team in a must passing situation. In those situations he can draw up blitzes with players coming from every concievable angle. The Eagles smallish and speedy defensive front was made for rushing the passer not stopping the run.
You're going to probably see Andy come out and have Donovan throwing the ball early in games much like the game against the Panthers. This was the strategy employed in 2004 when the Eagles put teams away early and often. After the Birds get a lead, they'll utilize a more balanced attack to control the football. I'd like to see Shawn Andrews out their in the line-up because he makes the Birds ground game more versatile and powerful. All three backup guards, Max Jean-Gilles, Sean Young and Nick Cole have been disappointing.
It's also important that L.J. Smith get back on the field because a two tight end package of Smith and Brent Celek will create some serious match up problems for defenses. They both have good size and blocking abiltiy. That makes the formation a serious run threat. When you add the fact that either of them can consistently beat linebackers in coverage, you can see how they'll be able to contribute in the passing game.
