2003 EAGLES
	Donovan McNabb missed six games last season.
	Head coach: Andy Reid (5th year). 2002 record: 12-4 NFC East finish: 1st Season opener: Sept. 8 vs. Buccaneers Schedule | Depth chart

The Eagles' expectations remain as high as the steel talons that jut into the sky from atop their new stadium. The loss of top-flight players and leaders such as defensive end Hugh Douglas, return specialist Brian Mitchell and outside linebacker Shawn Barber has done nothing to lower the team's confidence.

The Eagles believe the additions of fullback Jon Ritchie, middle linebacker Mark Simoneau, outside linebacker Nate Wayne and rookie defensive end Jerome McDougle -- when combined with an experienced, talented lineup -- are enough to keep them among the league's elite franchises.

They have every intention of reaching the NFC championship game for a third straight season and hope to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1980 season. "Every team goes into training camp thinking about the Super Bowl," Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Troy Vincent said. "But we are one of the few teams that is really capable of getting there. We've proven ourselves over the last two or three years, but we just haven't been able to close the deal. Now is the time for us. This is it."

Offense
Quarterbacks: The Eagles proved a year ago they can win without Donovan McNabb, but they need him for a full season to have any hope of getting to the next level. He is dangerous both as a passer and runner, is every bit as tough as that guy in Green Bay and has taken over more of a leadership role than in past seasons. If he gets hurt again, the Eagles will not panic. Both Koy Detmer and A.J. Feeley have shown they can take over the offense in a pinch. Grade: A.

Running backs: This position is the key to the season. Reid responded to running back Duce Staley's lengthy holdout by handing the job to Correll Buckhalter, who looks to be fully recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him last season. Staley reported to the Eagles on Aug. 23. Second-year running back Brian Westbrook looks ready to assume an expanded role. Ritchie is a major upgrade over Cecil Martin because of Ritchie's pass-catching ability. Grade: C-plus.

Receivers: There is no big-play receiver, but the Eagles insist they do not need one. James Thrash and Todd Pinkston are a capable duo, and Freddie Mitchell finally appears ready to step up after two disappointing seasons. Rookie wide receiver Billy McMullen should get better. Tight end Chad Lewis is a reliable receiver and solid blocker, but rookie L.J. Smith presents more of a down-field threat and should get more playing time as the season progresses. Grade: B-minus.

Offensive linemen: They may have the best unit in the NFL. Offensive lineman Tra Thomas is coming off a down season but is still among the best in the league. Right tackle Jon Runyan might be better but gets less respect around the league because of his dirty reputation. Offensive guards Jermane Mayberry and John Welbourn are both Pro Bowl-caliber players, as is underrated center Hank Fraley. The Eagles are counting on Bobbie Williams to replace Doug Brzezinski, who left for Carolina, as the team's top backup. Grade: A.

Defense
Defensive linemen: There is a lot of depth up front but plenty of question marks. Defensive tackle Darwin Walker must prove that last season's performance was not a fluke. Defensive tackle Corey Simon draws a lot of double-teams but is still capable of getting to the quarterback. Defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis is a reliable part of the rotation, and defensive tackle Hollis Thomas looked impressive in preseason. Defensive ends Derrick Burgess and N.D. Kalu will be expected to help offset the loss of Douglas. McDougle has showed potential in the preseason. Defensive end Brandon Whiting is a solid veteran. Grade: B-plus.

Linebackers: Once again, strongside linebacker Carlos Emmons has a new set of teammates. The Eagles still are trying to replace middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who is a Redskin now. The latest candidate is Simoneau, who is 11 pounds lighter than McNabb but adds sideline-to-sideline speed in the middle. Wayne will have a hard time replacing Barber as a playmaker on the weak side. Ike Reese can be plugged in almost anywhere in a pinch. Keith Adams supplies depth in the middle. Emmons' availability for Week 1 was up in the air at presstime because of a high ankle sprain suffered vs. the Patriots. Grade: C.

Defensive backs: This is easily the strongest part of the defense. Free safety Brian Dawkins is the league's best at his position and the unquestioned leader of the defense. Second-year strong safety Michael Lewis should be an upgrade over oft-injured Blaine Bishop. Vincent and fellow cornerback Bobby Taylor each made the Pro Bowl last yeart. Lito Sheppard is vastly improved and will replace Al Harris as the nickel back. Sheldon Brown will also play a lot. Grade: A.

Special teams
This had typically been a team strength, but it now has holes, aside from kicker David Akers, long snapper Mike Bartrum and Detmer, who is the holder. Westbrook and Sheppard will try to replace Mitchell, who never appeared to make a mistake returning kicks, gaining positive yardage. The team was never able to recover when punter Sean Landeta was hurt late last season. First-year man Dirk Johnson will try to fill that need. Grade: B.

Material from Pro Football Weekly.
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