Philadelphia Eagles – 2012 Lombardi Favourites
The Eagles shocked the football world yesterday signing top-notch and prized CB Nnamdi Asomugha to a 5-year $60 million contract. While Asomugha’s game pretty much speaks for himself, many expected him to sign with either the Jets or Cowboys until Nnamdi decided Philly. This certainly was the most significant signing in the offseason, but the Eagles had already added another star CB in Dominique Rogers-Cromartie and this will set up arguably the best trio of CB in a long time (paired with current Eagle and all-star Asante Samuel). The rumblings of the past few days had people fearing Asomugha signing in New York and tagging up with the best CB in the game in Darrelle Revis, and that would have been a lethal combo. However, don’t overlook the trip of star defensive backs because they will certainly surprise a lot of people this upcoming season. The Eagles offense is led by world class QB Michael Vick, the still unsigned (but will be re-signed shortly) WR DeSean Jackson, and RB LeSean McCoy and will look to build on last year’s great season. They also added insurance for Vick, adding the troubled Vince Young for 1 year in what could be the fastest QB pairing in history. If Andy Reid were smart, he would pair Young and Vick in the wildcat and create an unstoppable combination. That being said, teams shouldn't overlook the defense on this team anymore as they will become extremely hard to play against. Asante Samuel on his own is near the top interceptions in the league every year, but to pair him with the 2 nd best CB in Asomugha and one of the fastest/rising stars in Rogers-Cromartie will create headaches for Coaches and Offensive Coordinators around the NFC and NFL. The combo will truly be tested against the world’s best QBs such as Brady, Rodgers, Manning or Brees, but they will stand out against the teams not ready for what they will bring to the table.
> Find Philadelphia Eagles hats & Merchandise online through Pro Football Fans for all your team gear!
If Andy Reid didn’t coach a defensive-minded team before this, he certainly has the assets to make a deep run this season with the acquisitions on defense. However, standing in his way in the NFC will be defending champs Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and don’t expect them to be any less hungry than last season. The Eagles lost a very close playoff game in Philadelphia last season to the Pack, en route to their first Superbowl win since Brett Favre lead them in 1997. That loss will be in the back of the Eagles mind all season; while the Packers won last year, it is a new season and Andy Reid will lead his troops to redemption. That is the beauty of sports, you must be able to put the past behind you in order to move on to the future ahead, and the Eagles have turned a page in the acquisitions of Asomugha and Rogers-Cromartie. If Michael Vick continues his MVP-esque play the Eagles should have no problem winning the division and hopefully a lot more. I, along with millions of other football fans, am extremely excited to see the Eagles hit the field when the season starts.
By: Joel Forman
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer