That's the question now that the Birds got in the win column. Andy Reid's and Donovan McNabb's history in the NFL says they'll make a run but this isn't the same team which we've seen in the past.
In the past, the Birds formula for wins outside of the brief Terrell Owens period was scoring 17 to 24 points offensively, while holding the opposition under 17. Donovan would stay away from interceptions and the defense would force a turnover or two. During most of the Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb era, the Birds have lacked many dynamic scoring threats so nothing has changed in that way, but their defense isn't on the same level.
I think the Eagles are destined to put together a few wins going down the stretch but there's a big factor missing with this football team. The defense doesn't force enough turnovers. They're near the bottom of the league when it comes to forcing turnovers. I've said a million times that this team doesn't have enough playmakers on offense, now they don't have enough of them on defense.
They don't have big powerful Jeremiah Trotter in the middle causing a few fumbles a year because of his physical play. Omar Gaither has a better chance of getting an interception than hitting a ball carrier hard enough to cause a fumble. I could see Chris Gocong developing into a punishing Sam linebacker who could force a few fumbles each year, but he's not there right now. Takeo Spikes has been a disappointment when it comes to pounding ball carriers or getting his hands on passes.
The secondary has lacked playmakers all season long. Lito Sheppard is back but I could see he's not 100% and still a step off of his game. Lito is the one person in the secondary most capable of making big plays and turning games around.
Sheldon Brown has the potential to cause a turnover or two but he's not the same level of playmaker as Lito. Brown will occassionally come down with a pick but he's not going to take it back to the house like Sheppard.
First of all, let me say that Quintin Mikell has done an outstanding job filling in for Brian Dawkins. If Brian does come back to play I doubt he'll be the same dominating, playmaking guy who patroled the Birds secondary for over a decade. Dawk used to be able to make big plays as a blitzer, as a tackler, and as a coverage guy. They miss a Dawk in his prime taking over with games on the line.
As for the defensive line, it's all about Trent Cole when it comes to causing turnovers. Cole has grabbed the baton from Hugh Douglas who used to force fumbles on quarterbacks with the season on the line. I like what I see out of Juqua Thomas and I think he'll do more with additional playing time. Whatever they get out of Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard is more than expected.
I want to see the Eagles defensive tackles give them a bit more when it comes to the pass rush. Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson have shown their ability to plug up running lanes but they haven't shown the pass rushing ability to force turnovers in the passing game.
This defense must grow into a group which does a better job of forcing turnovers or the chances of this team going on a run has very little chance of happening.
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