Gains and Losses: An Off Season Accessment

With the bulk of free agency behind us and the 2009 draft in the books, it is time to access the Eagles' gains and losses this off season in terms of player personal. The main question we are trying to answer is; is the current roster going to yield a better team than the one that lost to the Arizona Cardinals in last seasons NFC Championship?

Defense

Key Losses: S-Brian Dawkins CB-Lito Sheppard

Key Additions: S-Sean Jones S- Rashad Baker CB- Ellis Hobbs

Any discussion on the changes with the defense begin and end with Brian Dawkins. He was the physical, emotional, and spiritual leader of this team and no amount of free agent or draft moves were going to fill that gap. The players they brought in can help fill his role at free safety, but the defensive unit as a whole is going to have to step up to fill the void in leadership. There is a good mix of young and old players who already know what it takes to win the big games and deal with the pressure of the playoffs. I believe the overall defense will be better this season, but Dawkins will still be missed.

Offense

Key Losses: TE- L.J. Smith LT- Tra Thomas RT-John Runyan
WR- Greg Lewis RB- Corel Buckhalter

Key Additions:TE- Eugene Bright TE- Cornelius Ingram
LT- Jason Peters RT/G- Stacy Andrews
WR- Jeremy Maclin FB- Leonard Weaver
RB- Eldra Buckley RB- LeSean McCoy

The biggest loss on offense this off season was on the O line as both starting tackles are gone. The Eagles waisted no time filling those gaps signing (Stacy)Andrews and Peters to actually upgrade the Bird's line with younger, stronger players. Adding FB Leornard Weaver and drafting RB LeSean McCoy will add versatility to the backfield that can help compliment Brian Westbrook's skills. In drafting WR Jeremy Maclin and TE Cornelius Ingram the Eagles have added a couple of additional weapons for Donovan McNabb to throw the ball to. Overall, this will be a much better offense than last season with upgrades at several key positions.

To sum things up, the Eagles went out and did what they had to do to plug some holes as well as become more competitive. They have put themselves in a position to compete with the Giants for the NFC East Title as well as establish themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.