New Kids On the Block

By Gayle Saunders

follow him on twitter: GayleESaunders

When you think of the Eagles teams in the last ten years and the players who have helped build the winning dynasty, you have to think of the key players who played a significant role in the basic team structure. There are no more “emotional leaders” in Brian Dawkins, “mean & nasty guys” in Jon Runyan, “blind side saviors” in Tra Thomas, “Old school leaders” in Troy Vincent, “Blue collar” favorites as in Duce Staley to lean on. The savvy veterans are all gone. Donovan McNabb is now one of the last men standing of the core group followed by David Akers, Sheldon Brown, Quintin Mikell, and the surprisingly re-signed Jeremiah Trotter.

The most promising thing you have to notice is what Andy Reid has done with the New group of talent. The fact is…he is winning with new blood. When they decided to get rid of their cornerstone Left and Right Tackles in Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, Eagles Nation held their breath. The offense also lost All Pro Guard Shawn Andrews to season ending surgery, who was on his way to replace Jon Runyan. The hole at right tackle made way for Winston Justice to start. The biggest question was how would Jason Peters and Winston Justice hold up throughout the 2009 season?

Jason Peters (27 yrs old) was brought over via trade with the Buffalo Bills at the beginning of the season. The late blooming Winston Justice (25 yrs old) and starting right guard Nick Cole (25 yrs old) were back ups last year and now find themselves in starting roles. Winston Justice has had an amazing turn around as of late, which has even awarded him with a new 4 year contract extension.

If you look at the Eagles draft this year, 3 of the first 4 draft picks have assumed the role of starting positions. 1st round pick Jeremy Maclin, who is just 21 yrs young has filled in nicely as starter Kevin Curtis has been injured since week 2. With the multiple injuries to Brian Westbrook, 2nd round pick LeSean McCoy also 21 yrs old, has played a significant role in the Eagles success in the running game as well as Andy Reids beloved screen game. With great hands out of the backfield and a north and south running style, McCoy has filled in just fine.

Tight End Brent Celek, who is 24 yrs old took the place of injury prone LJ Smith, who the Eagles were waiting to blossom into a legit play making tight end. Now that LJ Smith is gone, the Eagles now believe they have found that in Brent, who in his first year as a starter is ranked in the top eight at TE’s with 65 rec 754 yds and 7 tds. He’s also earned himself a 6 yr contract extension and is making a push for a Pro bowl selection.

Having free safety Brian Dawkins for several years was a luxury for Andy Reid and the Eagles. The reality is that Dawkins is gone and rookie Macho Harris (23 yrs old) a 5th round selection out of Virgina tech has taken the reigns. Sometimes you might not hear enough about his stellar play, but sometimes when they arent calling your name out in the secondary it’s a good thing. Macho is definitely playing sound ball in the secondary, as well as on the special teams.

Last but not least, Desean Jackson (22 years old) has been nothing but electrifying in his career.  He showed flashes of greatness last season and came on strong during the Eagles run in the playoffs. This year its only gotten better for Eagles fans as Jackson has found plenty of ways to get in the end zone. He now shares the record for touchdowns of more than 50 yards in a season at 8 and is on pace to break that NFL record this year. Desean has a great shot at making the pro-bowl this year as a receiver or at returner, his 18.9 yards per catch leads all NFL players with 20-or-more receptions. He also leads the NFL with a 17.8 punt return average, which is also the highest average for a single-season in team history.

In the last decade the Philadelphia Eagles have made the playoffs seven times in the last nine years.  If the Eagles continue to develop the younger players in the nest, Its safe to say that they can expect continued success in the city of brotherly love.  Hats off to the Eagles front office for making the smooth transition into the next generation.