Much of the Eagles' success depends on Donovan McNabb and how he comes out for his sophomore season. He should have been handed the ball from the start of his rookie season. I was glad they finally began starting him at the end of last season. That experience gave him an opportunity to be a leader in the offseason and was important for his development. McNabb is running the team; now he needs to translate that leadership on the field. If he can perform well and lead the team, the Eagles should experience a rise in the standings.

"The talent is here to make the playoffs this year," Eagles CB Troy Vincent said. "We're a better team than we were last year, and the guys feel good about that.

"But the key to everything is how we do on the field. The depth chart looks so pretty, but talent alone doesn't win football games."

On paper, the Eagles look like Miss America, or at least like the first runner-up. Second-year head coach Andy Reid and director of football operations Tom Modrak did a solid job of upgrading key positions through free agency by signing ORT Jon Runyan, RB-KR Brian Mitchell and OLB Carlos Emmons. They also landed a potential standout in the draft in DT Corey Simon.

They will bolster a lineup that includes current standouts such as Vincent, FS Brian Dawkins and RB Duce Staley, plus a rising star in QB Donovan McNabb.

How fast McNabb progresses and how well his offensive supporting cast can step up to support an outstanding defense will determine just how much improvement the Eagles will make.

They should be better than last season's 5-11 team, but still could be a year or two away from wearing a crown.

Offense

	Donovan McNabb threw for 948 yards and eight TDs last season.

Quarterbacks: McNabb has impressed the coaching staff with his preseason performances and appears to be on his way to a solid season. Given his lack of experience, however, there will be some mistakes. Koy Detmer has a fiery on-field personality and a knack for producing that have endeared him to fans and teammates. Last season's starter, Doug Pederson, is best-suited to be a backup.
Grade: C+

Running backs: Staley has emerged as one of the league's most productive and effective backs. Although not a game-breaker, he'll pick up tough yards as a runner and is a reliable receiver. Second-year FB Cecil Martin has held off a challenge from free agent Stanley Pritchett. Mitchell will see action in third-down situations.
Grade: B

Receivers: Charles Johnson and Torrance Small are capable receivers but lack speed. Rookie WR Todd Pinkston could become a star with more experience. Na Brown, Dameane Douglas, Alex Van Dyke and rookie Gari Scott provide depth. None of the tight ends in camp -- Luther Broughton, Chad Lewis, Jeff Thomason and Jed Weaver -- stood out in the preseason.
Grade: C-

Offensive linemen: The addition of Runyan was huge in terms of size and impact. OLT Tra Thomas is just as big and more mobile. OLG Doug Brzezinski should be better this year. ORG Jermane Mayberry beat out rookie Bobby Williams for the starting job but could give it up to John Welbourn. C Bubba Miller is unproven but is considered a leader.
Grade: B-

Defense
Defensive linemen: TDRE Hugh Douglas could average a sack a game if he stays healthy and DLE Mike Mamula can supply consistent pressure from the other side. Simon has already displayed Pro Bowl potential. DTs Hollis Thomas, Brandon Whiting and Paul Grasmanis will also be in the rotation.
Grade: B

Linebackers: This unit should continue to flourish under the aggressive scheme favored by defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. MLB Jeremiah Trotter has emerged as one of the league's best. OLB Carlos Emmons is considered an upgrade over William Thomas, who was released in a salary-cap move. Second-year pro Barry Gardner is better-suited to play the inside, but he should improve with experience. James Darling, Mike Caldwell and converted DE Al Wallace supply depth to a position that is considered a strength.
Grade: A-

Defensive backs: Not too many defensive backfields feature two Pro Bowlers like Dawkins and Vincent. CB Bobby Taylor isn't far behind when he isn't hurt. Nickel DB Al Harris could start for many teams in the NFL. The one spot that is a little bit of a question mark is strong safety, where inexperienced Damon Moore replaces steady but undersized Tim Hauck. Getting a solid performance out of Moore is the key to this unit's success.
Grade: A

Special teams
PK David Akers has a strong leg but must be more consistent from inside 45 yards to keep the job. After serving in the NFL for 15 years, P Sean Landeta looks as if he could play another 10. Return specialist Mitchell is a valuable asset, although Allen Rossum is also dangerous on kickoffs. Long-snapper Mike Bartrum has few peers.
Grade: C+

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