Are the Eagles' Offensive Questions Answered?

By: Brian Strocko
Football Review Daily

Philly fans are certainly thrilled with the acquisition of much heralded defensive star Asante Samuel in the off-season, but many question if this brilliant move will be complimented by the offensive needs being adequately addressed as well.

Philadelphia’s abysmal redzone production in 07’ has many analysts and fans questioning if they have all the offensive pieces in place to make a run in the fiercely competitive NFC East this year. Has Donny Mac’s lobbying for another playmaker been answered this past draft weekend?

Surely acquiring young and flashy talent from the Miami Dolphins in Lorenzo Booker raises some questions how he can contribute and be utilized in the Eagles’ backfield. A great receiver like Westbrook, his new role in the offense is quite puzzling as he is quite similar rather than a complement to Westbrook’s style of play. Much of the buzz around Philly is also surrounding the 2nd round selection of DeSean Jackson from the University of California and the potential of his rookie impact as a return specialist and wide receiver. An explosive runner and speedster drawn to the likes of Devin Hester, Jackson has been docked at a diminutive 5’ 9 ¾” and 169lbs at the NFL combine.

However, his tutelage from Hall of Fame great, Jerry Rice, is producing expectations for a speedy NFL readiness to perform at a high level in 08’. Marty Mornhinweg, now the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, has coached the great Jerry Rice and has described the physical similarities with Jackson when he first encountered the Hall of Famer as a thin, but quick athlete many years ago in San Francisco. Mornhinweg speaks about Jackson ‘s potential impact and the general “State Of The Offense” on the Eagles’ official website, “DeSean gives us a little juice”, He may very well help us, real quick.” Mornhinweg describes the tremendous amount of speed and quickness gained and the overall new dimension of the offense with the additions of Booker and Jackson as well as retaining L.J. Smith and welcoming back a healthy McNabb. It will be interesting to see the personnel groupings this year in this offense which has been described as potentially “explosive”.

The idea to ponder is if Philly has the necessary skill players in place or just an increasing plethora of mediocre skill-player personnel. Unarguably Westbrook is a proven star but what about his supporting cast? Will the Eagles use offensive schemes to accentuate their strengths and create continual mismatches for opposing defenses on a week to week basis? Impatient fans want to see more than “a little juice” from the new acquisitions. Trading away the first round pick once again this year has received mixed reviews as evident by fan blogs and boards on the official team website. Many fans remain optimistic a ‘Lito trade’ will save the year and rejuvenate the team, bringing a bonafide and true #1 wideout to the Linc in 08’. These conjured thoughts of acquiring a proven and legitimate star such as the likes of Roy Williams, Chad Johnson, or Anquan Boldin still remain fantastical daydreams at this time. Only time will tell as we progress toward the new season.