The pass is the thing in Philadelphia

By Os Davis  |   Tuesday, September 05, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Philadelphia Eagles
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Most football fans probably don't realize just how badly the Philadelphia Eagles needed Donte' Stallworth and, while guys like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning get all the press for their leadership abilities, the most leaned-upon quarterback in the NFL may well be Donovan McNabb. If one quick glance at the names populating the depth chart at running back doesn't convince you, here's a statistic that should: The 2005 Eagles called a pass play on approximately 66.4 percent - nearly two-thirds - of all downs.

You'd guess that the revealing number (topped only by the Arizona Cardinals and their pass-happy Kurt Warner offense) is due solely to the desperation of an oft-trailing 6-10 team. Well, think before you say that, pilgrim. In 2004, armed with T.O. and running up a 13-3 record on the way to the Super Bowl, that ratio was over 65 percent. In 2003, a "mere" 57 percent of calls were pass plays, and just about 60 percent in 2002.

Yet, even in a division of four top-quality coaching staffs and certain status as the most competitive in the league, head coach Andy Reid and co. are seemingly comfortable with a list of running backs carrying more question marks than a week's worth of "Jeopardy" episodes. These backs include perpetual injury worries Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter. Former third-round draft pick Ryan Moats, a guy Philly brass reportedly wanted to trade just two weeks ago for Ashley Lelie, is now officially on the roster. Reno Mahe and Bruce Perry survived the cutting season, but they're slated for special teams work. Starting at fullback will be Thomas Tapeh, who sat out all of last season due to injury.

Considering the one-dimensionality of the Eagles' offense, a few have to be surprised at the team roster's thinness at wide receiver (Especially vets Jabar Gaffney and Darnerien McCants, late casualties of roster trimming). Joining Stallworth will be Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis alongside rookies Jason Avant and former University of New Mexico Lobo Hank Baskett. Compulsive fantasy-league tweakers should be tempted by any of these guys, and Stallworth's stats seem destined for the fattening. Don't be surprised if Brown and Lewis rack up career years, while Avant and Baskett threaten for All-Rookie team honors.

One can only imagine what sort of offensive scheme the Eagles might have had to dream up this year with no deep threat had they not bagged Stallworth ... the bootleg, anyone?

How far can Donovan McNabb's arm take the Philadelphia Eagles? Stay tuned to RealFootball365.com to find out.
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About Os Davis

Os Davis has taken a twisted route to get to RealFootball365.com in his nearly 17 years in professional writing, working in any number of capacities in the sportswriting, news reporting and film criticism worlds. In print media, Os has served as editor at a few publications, including Albuquerque's...
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