IS TALKING EAGLES WITH TAMARI
Before we know it, Super Bowl predictions are going to start emerging from publications across the country.
And judging by the national reaction to the Eagles' offseason moves, several of those are going to have the Birds going to Miami.
But one national writer doesn't seem to think too much of the Eagles' individual talent. CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco put together a list of the top 50 players in the league, and no Birds player is listed among the top 48. Donovan McNabb squeezes in at 49:
He bounced back from his benching to have a big season in 2008 and a very good postseason. With a lot of weapons on board now, plus a big line, I think he will be even better in 2009.
The QBs listed ahead of McNabb are Peyton Manning (1), Tom Brady (2), Drew Brees (5), Ben Roethlisberger (10), Philip Rivers (20), Carson Palmer (26; that one I really don't get) and Kurt Warner (29).
No Asante Samuel? No Brian Westbrook? Well, they make Prisco's 'Just Missed' section. Jason Peters doesn't get a mention at all.
CBS' Web site displays Prisco's list from the past three seasons. In 2008, Westbrook was listed at No. 20. Quite a difference a year can make, huh? Samuel was at 37. Shawn Andrews at 38. And Peters, then obviously with the Bills, at No. 27.
In 2007, Andrews was the top Eagles player listed at No. 31. McNabb made it at No. 39. And Westbrook just missed.
And finally, in 2006, it was McNabb at No. 32. Brian Dawkins, otherwise not mentioned, was on the 'Just Missed' list.
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ESPN.com has named its All-Decade Offense and Defense, and despite the Eagles' success during this recent stretch, they only had one player, Troy Vincent, on either list.
Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson did get recognized in a tie for best assistant of the decade with the Steelers' Dick LeBeau.
In the All-Decade power rankings, the Eagles came in at No. 4, behind the Patriots, Colts and Steelers.
No Eagles players made the list of top 25 players of the decade. If you're wondering about McNabb, five quarterbacks are ranked ahead of him: Brady, Manning, Warner, Roethlisberger and Brett Favre.
