Former NFL safety Matt Bowen is now writing for NationalFootballPost.com and he's been breaking down the NFC East.
Here, he asks five questions about the 2009 Eagles. The fifth question is whether or not the Eagles can get to the big dance this year.
"This is a good football team, folks.
"But the issue surrounding them — and every other team in the NFC East — is the physical beating they will take in division games. Can the Eagles hold up? Can Westbrook stay healthy? Can the defense continue to attack and force turnovers without Dawkins? Sure, those are a lot of questions, but no different than any other ballclub in the East or the NFC in general.
"The Eagles’ defense finished last season ranked third in total defense, and I expect them to use the same downhill attacking style that got them to the cusp of another Super Bowl appearance last season.
"But we all know this is Donovan McNabb’s football team, and as long as he’s under center in Philadelphia he’ll be expected to not only take this team to the Super Bowl but win it.
"I believe the Eagles are one of the early favorites to win the NFC East, and I would not be surprised to see them make a deep run in January. It’s a big prediction, but top to bottom, this team has the players and the coaching to get it done."
I'm not sure I understand the question of whether the Eagles can hold up from the physical beating of division games. Yes, the NFC East has some really good teams, but doesn't every team have to worry about holding up physically regardless of you play? I mean….it's football. It's a rough sport every week.
