- When you start talking about good things with the Eagles, you start with running back LeSean McCoy. He became a Pro Bowl player and a complete back in 2011 after showing in 2010 that he was capable of being an elite player. The offense revolves around McCoy, which is an exciting thing to know moving forward. Brian Westbrook was a dynamic player who moved around the formation and who made defenses account for his presence, but Westbrook wasn't a 25-touch-per-week player. McCoy is. He's young, he's hungry and after another offseason of putting in time in the weight room, McCoy is primed for another great season in '12.
- Offensive line coach Howard Mudd did things his way in his first season here and his players responded in a positive manner. Mudd is hard-driving coach. He isn't here to make friends. He's here to make the offensive line great, and the Eagles were pretty darn close a lot of the time in 2011. The outlook for 2012 is even better. Todd Herremans will have an entire offseason to improve at right tackle. Jason Peters is the best left tackle in the game. Jason Kelce at center and Danny Watkins at right guard are two players who could make that much-anticipated jump from year one to year two in their careers. Left guard Evan Mathis is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent and would seem to be a good fit to return. This line is going to improve that much more with an offseason of Mudd barking and demanding perfection.
- Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha had some up-and-down moments, but when you grade him over the course of 16 games you realize just how good he is and just how much better he will be now that his role in the defense is more defined. Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo admitted wanting Asomugha to do the things that Charles Woodson does in Green Bay -- line up at cornerback, at safety, in the box, as a blitzer, etc -- and it wasn't as effective as what we saw Asomugha do later in year. He lined up in coverage and took receivers away from the offense's passing game. Asomugha has great technique, tremendous physical gifts and rare intelligence for the game. Expect him to be a foundation for the defense ahead.
- Is there a better 1-2 pass-rushing tandem in the league than Jason Babin (18 sacks) and Trent Cole (11 sacks)? They responded to Jim Washburn's Wide 9 technique with great seasons. Babin has a superb nose for the football and showed late in the season that he is versatile and can line up in a standing position and reach the quarterback. Cole is just one of the best all-around defensive ends in the history of this franchise.
- Brent Celek, a couple of seasons after having a breakout, 76-catch year, became a huge weapon once again in the Eagles passing game. Celek caught 62 passes for 811 yards and five touchdowns and showed his catch-and-run ability. His presence and production rose as the Eagles hit their stride in the red zone late in the year.
- Nate Allen bounced back from a torn patellar tendon and offered some glimpses of what he can become, and that is a terrific sideline-to-sideline safety. Allen had his rough patches, but he also had some flat-out great games. He will work hard in the offseason and be ready to take his game up another level in 2012.
- Michael Vick turned the football over too much and absorbed too many big hits, and lived to learn from it. Vick seemed earnest when he spoke late in the season about being more aware of staying healthy and avoiding contact. He clearly took that to heart in the finale against Washington by dropping back 42 times and running just once -- a designed scamper inside the 10-yard line. Vick doesn't have to re-invent his game, but he has to play smarter and more disciplined in and out of the pocket. Having a full offseason to work on his game with the coaching staff should pay off for next year.
- The kicking game transitioned to a new era in fairly spectacular fashion. Placekicker Alex Henery missed only three field goals, two in one game against San Francisco and one from 63 yards in Atlanta. Henery was 24 of 27 on field goals, establishing an NFL rookie record for accuracy in a season, and having, statistically, the highest percentage of made field goals in franchise history. Remarkable. Henery is going to get better and better. Punter Chas Henry was less consistent early in the year, but he showed marked improvement late. He needs a challenge, so look for the Eagles to add a punter for training camp. Henery has a huge leg and his upside is enormous.
- Rookies made a significant impact, even without the normal offseason to learn the X's and O's. Watkins, Henery, Kelce and linebacker Brian Rolle were starters. Casey Matthews bounced back from being benched to play a key role as a nickel linebacker. Running back Dion Lewis showed how good he can be with 58 rushing yards in the finale against Washington, and actually gained 59 yards on 8 carries in the fourth quarter, with a touchdown. He is going to be a fine change-of-pace running back behind McCoy next season.
- Safety Kurt Coleman registered four interceptions and played consistent football as a starter. Can he be the guy in the long term? Maybe. He isn't the biggest, and he isn't the fastest, but Coleman gets to the football.
- Finally, the play in the red zone was outstanding down the stretch. In the final five games, the offense scored 12 touchdowns and four field goals in 16 trips inside opponents' 20-yard lines. The defense allowed just six touchdowns and four field goals in 16 red-zone possessions in those final five games. That's something, one of many things, to feel good about looking ahead.
A Focus On The Good Things Here
Jan 04, 2012 at 09:19 AM
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