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| Andrew Perna & The RGM Eagles Board. 1st April, 2008 - 6:00 pm
 Here at RealGM our hearts beat thanks to the thousands upon thousands of posters that frequent our forums on a daily basis. With the NFL season still months from kicking off, but the ever-important NFL Draft just weeks away, what better time than now to check in with the people who care about football even more than some of the players on the field?
2007 Record: 8-8 (4th in NFC East)
Additions: Asante Samuel, CB, Chris Clemons, DE, Dan Klecko DT
Subtractions: Jevon Kearse, DE, Takeo Spikes, LB (both cut), William James, CB (BUF), Thomas Tapeh, FB (MIN)
Draft Picks: 19th
The Answers
1. What was the best thing(s) that happened in 2007?
Ong_dynasty: Improved defense and recognition for Brian Westbrook.
AIizdaking: I agree that the defense improved a lot (only 18 points allowed per game), and it’s a good thing Westbrook went to the Pro Bowl. Also, I’m glad A.J. Feeley lost us two games. No more Feeley over [Donovan] McNabb rumors. Those losses were blessings in disguise, if you ask me.
m23uza1hem36: Andy Reid began to run the ball but must still do it more. Also, even without Brian Dawkins and Sean Considine (both injured), we had great defense.
xbl_sucks: Westbrook playing like a top-three running back in the NFL, and a close second is Kevin Curtis proving that the Rams made a huge mistake by letting him go. Kevin can flat out fly and has great hands. His game against the Lions [he had 205 yards and three touchdowns on nine catches, for a twenty-yard per catch average] was just amazing.
2. What was the worst thing that happened in 2007?
Ong_dynasty: Not making the playoffs and missing Dawkins.
AIizdaking: Our team couldn't stay healthy: Dawkins, Westbrook, McNabb, Lito [Sheppard], and others.
m23uza1hem36: The worst thing was our red zone offense and that we couldn’t stay healthy. We also gave up way too many sacks and, of course, didn’t make the playoffs.
xbl_sucks: McNabb going down with an injury, and missing the heart-and-soul of our secondary in Dawkins.
3. Who had a breakout season?
Ong_dynasty: [Brodrick] Bunkley and [Trent] Cole.
AIizdaking: Trent, he was up there [league lead] in sacks for a while.
m23uza1hem36: Even with how good Westbrook has been, he really had a breakout season. I mean, more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He competed with LaDainian Tomlinson throughout the season for most rushing yards, and he had a receiving role that was simply AMAZING. In addition, Cole and Curtis.
xbl_sucks: I have to go with Curtis. We should build around him and forget about everybody else in terms of wide receivers.
4. Who was the biggest disappointment?
Ong_dynasty: Jevon Kearse, then McNabb and Reggie Brown.
AIizdaking: I don't see how McNabb could be considered a disappointment when he was still recovering, so I'll go with Kearse (I'm still kind of sorry to see him go).
m23uza1hem36: The biggest disappointment had to be Kearse once again. He really underachieved, and I'm glad he’s gone.
xbl_sucks: Spikes, Kearse, or McNabb take your pick.
5. How could the team have been more successful?
Ong_dynasty: Better red zone offense and special teams, but I think those are only minor tweaks.
AIizdaking: They could improve by protecting the quarterback better, so I guess that means improving the offensive line.
m23uza1hem36: They finished the season 8-8. Our Week One loss to Green Bay was because of special teams (would make us 9-7). Against the Bears we gave up a last-second, fourth quarter comeback (now we’re 10-6). Then, versus the Giants, David Akers missed field goal, so we had the chance to go 11-5. They must do better in the red zone and protect our quarterback and running backs.
xbl_sucks: If everybody was healthy, I think we could have competed for a Wild Card slot.
6. What do you make of the team’s offseason progress at this point?
Ong_dynasty: Very good, I also see a number one wide receiver coming to town.
AIizdaking: Great, we got Asante Samuel.
m23uza1hem36: I like the offseason so far. They’ve gotten pretty quiet, but I'm sure they are going after a top notch receiver.
xbl_sucks: Pretty good, but I would have liked to bring in a veteran linebacker like a Zach Thomas. I guess this question will be easier answered come training camp.
7. Where are the team’s biggest needs in the draft?
Ong_dynasty: A cornerback to replace Lito, as I really believe he is gone, and a safety and offensive tackle.
AIizdaking: A wide receiver.
m23uza1hem36: In the draft I think we should go for the best talent out there. However, if we are not able to grab a receiver from a trade, I think we should look at Malcolm Kelly.
xbl_sucks: Right now, I would have to say maybe a defensive end or linebacker who can be an effective pass rusher or run blocker.
8. Who do you hope the team drafts with their first pick?
Ong_dynasty: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (CB), but we’ll go probably with an offensive tackle.
m23uza1hem36: I hope they get an offensive lineman, to tell you the truth. Without receivers, McNabb has played well, and if he’s going to be mobile next year like the last four games of the season, we need to make our line stronger.
xbl_sucks: I would absolutely love to have Calais Campbell (DE); the guy is a monster and would be a very welcomed addition to our team. Quentin Groves would be another defensive end I would look at. He seems to have a great eye for crushing quarterbacks; we could use him to kill Eli, Campbell, and Romo.
9. Which player will be on the hot seat in 2008?
Ong_dynasty: McNabb.
AIizdaking: Of course, Donovan McNabb.
m23uza1hem36: Unfortunately, McNabb will be on the hot seat no matter how good he's been to this team. Philadelphia is a demanding city with demanding fans. Look for rumors of him in trade talks to come up next offseason if we struggle again.
xbl_sucks: McNabb, by far.
10. What are the realistic expectations for 2008 at this point?
Ong_dynasty: NFC Title game.
AIizdaking: At this point, it's just making the playoffs.
m23uza1hem36: I really think this team is a top contender and could go all the way in the weak NFC. Regardless of the Giants and Cowboys, for who I believe our defense is good enough to shut down, I expect the second round of the playoffs or the NFC Title game.
xbl_sucks: 12-4 would be a dream, but I think 11-5 is where we will be with a healthy team.
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