Training camp is just days away and Paul Domowitch of Philly.com put out his NFL rankings and he's got the Eagles up near the top . There's no question that the Birds have a very talented team but they also have some big questions to be answered.
The Positive – In Brian Westbrook the Eagles have had one of the best running backs in the league for past three or four years. Westbrook has shown the ability to nearly carry the offense all by himself.
He can do it all, make game-breaking runs, turn simple screens into long touchdowns, shift out and play wide receiver and pick up big blitzing linebackers.
The Question – Will he be the Westbrook who has been able to carry the offense on his back or will he be the Westbrook we saw in the NFC Championship game? The guy who could barely move and was a non-factor in the biggest game of the year.
The Positive – The Eagles defense was ranked third in the league a year ago and they have a bevy of talented young players who are sure to get better. This group should be one of the top three or four 
defenses in the league for the near future.
The Question – Jim Johnson may have been the best assistant coach and defensive coordinator in the league over the last decade. A league source told me, they don't expect him back in a meaningful way in 2009.
With Johnson being listed consistently as one of the best in the business, how can anybody expect Sean McDermott to be able to step in for Johnson and do the job on the same level.
How long will it take him to earn his players' trust? Will there be a major drop off by the the defense in 2009?
The Positive – Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters is considered one of the best in the business and Shawn Andrews who has been a Pro Bowl right guard has the skills to be a great right tackle. They might be the best set of tackles in the league and could give the Eagles a much better run-blocking offensive line.
The Question – Will the offensive tackles be able to protect Donovan McNabb and take over from former Pro Bowlers Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, who were anchors on the Birds' line for over a decade? Will Shawn Andrews have any more bouts with depression? Will Peters who gave up 11 sacks in 2008 be able to play at Pro Bowl level? Will Stacy Andrews recover 100% from his knee surgery?
To Be Continued
