Eagles solve WR problems

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I agree with Matty that Gaffney isn't a great wideout and doesn't solve the Eagles problems.

But, keep in mind two things that have been alluded to already: (1) Gaffney averaged about 40 catches a year with David Carr under center (which is pretty good); and (2) Philadelphia had a decent offense before T.O.

As to the second point, I think a lot of people are underestimating the Eagles. Prior to T.O.'s arrival, the Eagles had a good offense. The Eagles were decent when they had Freddie Mitchell, Todd Pinkston, and James Thrash at wideout - that says a lot. They spread out the ball between those awful wideouts, Brian Westbrook, Chad Lewis, and L.J. Smith and did just fine. Were they a high powered offense? No. Were they an explosive offense? No. But they were good enough to propel them to the playoffs for several consecutive seasons.

Don't think the Eagles' offense is going to be a cakewalk. Remember, we barely beat them when McNabb was coming off an injury, Todd Pinkston was on IR, their #1 wideout was a rookie, and their offensive line was mangled. While our defense is improved and I'm not terribly worried about the Eagles, I wouldn't assume that we will have an easy time beating them.

Yes and no.

Yes, they had a solid offense pre-Owens. It plays disciplined, solid ball. It spreads the ball around and will beat you w/ a thousand cuts. BUT, one of the reasons the could do that was a defense that was just plain nasty. A D-Line that could rush the passer and top corners that could run support and hold down top receivers. I just don't see the defense being on the same level as it used to be. Darren Howard is NOT Hugh Douglas 2.0. Kearse in 06 is not the same as Kearse in 04. I think this defense is now older, slower and just doesn't have the talent level it used to.

Don't get me wrong - Reid is a good coach, this team will play solid ball and will not beat itself. Yes - we had a tough time with them last year. I think that was more on our offense than b/c them out playing us.

B/c of its coaching, Philly is never going to be a cake walk. I just think its talent level, due to age and the failure of younger players to step up, is not up to the same level as in previous years. Owens or no Owens, Gaffney is simply not an upgrade in any sense of the word; he is simply more of the same.