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Using the Eagles' organization as a model

One NFL team that hasn't made the playoffs in seven seasons is modeling its franchise after the Eagles. Plus, one national writer doesn't think much of the Eagles' running back situation.

The San Francisco 49ers have won five Super Bowls.

The Eagles have won none.

The Eagles have made the playoffs eight of the last 10 seasons. The 49ers have missed out on the postseason for seven straight seasons, their longest drought since 1973-1980.

And according to one writer, the Eagles can serve as the model for the Niners as they try to make their way back to relevancy.

Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle makes the argument that the way the Niners are currently building their franchise resembles what the Eagles did when they brought Andy Reid and Joe Banner on board:

One example I used was the Eagles with president Joe Banner and head coach Andy Reid. Blogger Geomark then pointed out that when Banner and Reid first started in Philly, they were both inexperienced. Much like 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Reid had only seven years of NFL coaching experience and none as a coordinator. Banner was working for talk radio before moving up the ranks to the president's role. Banner's career arch parallels that of the 49ers' Paraag Marathe, the team's cap manager and chief contract negotiator. Marathe also works on stadium issues and heads the team's football research arm. Banner is known as possibly the best cap manager in the game. Marathe is also drawing plaudits for his cap manipulations. Banner came from a non-football background, and so did Marathe. If there's a model out there for the 49ers front office, it's the Eagles.

I'll put the over-under on comments from you guys before I see the words "gold standard" at two.

Thanks to reader David for passing along the link.

RUNNING GAME GETS RIPPED

Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports ranks every team's rushing attack, one through 32.

Where do the Eagles come in?

Last in the NFC and second-to-last overall:

After cutting Westbrook, the Eagles are clearly banking on LeSean McCoy(notes) becoming the all-around running and receiving threat to trigger the offense. Based on how McCoy played last season, that may be a bit of a stretch. McCoy looked tentative as a runner and out of place as a receiver. He's a talented guy, so there's still a chance, but the first impression was questionable. Bullish Leonard Weaver(notes) is around to pick up some change-of-pace yards, but he's not a true backup.

Maybe I should ask McCoy, Mike Bell and Leonard Weaver about this next week and see what they think.

OTAs RESUME

The Eagles practice Friday and then pick up again Monday. Their last practice before Lehigh is on Thursday. I will not be in the house today but hope to get back to NovaCare next week.

If you missed them, here are my practice observations from Thursday and our video report.

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