A “Big” Addition and My Schedule Analysis

This past Friday, the Eagles made a trade with one of their two first round draft picks. Since the Eagles did have two first round picks, many Eagles fans were hoping the Eagles would use one of those picks to work a trade with the Arizona Cardinals as Anquan Boldin is apparently being shopped. Well the Eagles made a deal with one of those picks, but it wasn’t exactly the trade the Eagles fans were looking for. Instead of acquiring a big name wide receiver like Boldin, the Eagles traded for a little known wide body named Jason Peters.

Jason Peters is a 6’ 4” left tackle who has been with the Buffalo Bills for the past five seasons. In 2007 and 2008 he was selected to the Pro-Bowl. Last year’s selection to the Pro-Bowl was despite the fact that he led the league in sacks surrendered. Why did he surrender so many sacks last year? In listening to the pundits the last few days, it was due to the fact that he was unhappy with his contract going into last season so he held out and missed all of the mini-camps and the entire training camp. In fact, he did not report to the team until right before the start of the regular season. As a result, he was a step behind all season. Part of the deal the Eagles had with the Bills was that the trade would only go through if they were able to agree to a new contract with Peters, which they did. Presumably, he should be a happy “camper” and be present for all the pre-season practices.

So what do I think of the move? I’m thrilled! In fact, I think it is a better pick-up than if they would have traded for Boldin or another wide receiver. Why? In short, while lineman aren’t the “sexy” players, they are what lets you win games. You may recall when Tra Thomas left for the Jaguars, I said, “The simple fact of the matter is that the most crucial part of the offensive line is left tackle. In fact, after the quarterback, it is probably the second most important position on the team. Why? The left tackle protects the blind side of the quarterback.”

All the big name wide receivers in the world can’t catch the ball if the quarterback is on his back which is what will happen if there is no protection up front. Without Tra, the Eagles had a HUGE hole to fill and they did that with a two time pro-bowler. I was getting ready to do my draft preview and left tackle was going to be my number one need. Now the Eagles have answered that question in a big way. (By the way, look for my draft preview later this week).

On another note, the NFL gave me a birthday present on Tuesday by releasing the 2009 schedule. As is my usual custom, I went down the season schedule and predicted the wins and losses. The following is my analysis of the Eagles 2009 schedule:

Sun., Sept. 13 @ Panthers L
Sun., Sept. 20 SAINTS W
Sun., Sept. 27 CHIEFS W
Sun., Oct. 4 BYE
Sun., Oct. 11 BUCCANEERS W
Sun., Oct. 18 @ Raiders W
Mon., Oct. 26 @ Redskins L
Sun., Nov. 1 GIANTS W
Sun., Nov. 8 COWBOYS L
Sun., Nov. 15 @ Chargers L
Sun., Nov. 22 @ Bears W
Sun., Nov. 29 REDSKINS W
Sun., Dec. 6 @ Falcons W
Sun., Dec. 13 @ Giants L
Sun., Dec. 20 49ERS W
Sun., Dec. 27 BRONCOS W
Sun., Jan. 3 @ Cowboys W

This would give the Eagles, 11 wins and 5 losses. My general rule after I go through this process is to usually add one loss and that becomes my prediction. This makes my prediction for the Eagles 2009 record, 10-6. This should put them in the playoffs with a chance to win the division.

One final note, it looks like I may be looking for people to go to a few games with me this year. Those games will be the first two (Saints & Chiefs) and the last one (Broncos). Anyone interested?