The Philadelphia Eagles are obviously moving in a new offensive direction after trading QB Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins. But they will be more than happy if new QB Kevin Kolb can emulate the Aaron Rodgers model in Green Bay of successfully following in the footsteps of a legend even if it involves some bumps in the road this season. Kolb has more potential than McNabb as a pure passer – he is the only QB in NFL history to throw for 300+ yards in his first two starts – although the Eagles are also hoping second-year RB LeSean McCoy can replace the departed Brian Westbrook. This will be tough task for Philly head coach Andy Reid, who must make his players believe they are still a playoff-caliber team.
Odds to win NFC East Division: +350
Odds to win the NFC Conference: 13/1
Philadelphia Eagles Odds to win Super Bowl XLV: 25/1
Regular Season Wins Total Line: 8.5
*all odds quoted from Bodog*
Here’s what this year’s schedule looks like for the Eagles:
Week 1 Sunday, September 12, 2010 vs. Green Bay Packers
Analysis: Ironically, Kolb will try to start his own legacy for the Eagles against another player in Aaron Rodgers who has already established himself as one of the best QBs in the NFL following the departure of future Hall of Famer Brett Favre.
Week 2 Sunday, September 19, 2010 @ Detroit Lions
Analysis: While Kolb might struggle against Green Bay in the season opener, he could not have a more favorable opponent to face in Week 2.
Week 3 Sunday, September 26, 2010 @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Analysis: The Jaguars will be coming off a cross country road trip after visiting San Diego.
Week 4 Sunday, October 3, 2010 vs. Washington Redskins
Analysis: The Eagles welcome back former QB McNabb in what should be an emotional homecoming despite being an NFC East showdown.
Week 5 Sunday, October 10, 2010 @ San Francisco 49ers
Analysis: The 49ers host Philly following three road games in four weeks, including the last two at Kansas City and Atlanta.
Week 6 Sunday, October 17, 2010 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Analysis: If Kolb struggles early in the season, could this be a spot for Michael Vick to shine against his former team?
Week 7 Sunday, October 24, 2010 @ Tennessee Titans
Analysis: The Titans will be coming off back-to-back road games at Dallas and Jacksonville with a visit to San Diego on deck while the Eagles will try to enter their bye week with a victory.
Week 8 — BYE WEEK —
Week 9 Sunday, November 7, 2010 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Analysis: Philadelphia hosts the first of two Manning brothers in three weeks.
Week 10 Monday, November 15, 2010 @ Washington Redskins
Analysis: The Eagles hope another rematch with McNabb will end like their previous trip to Washington last year (a 27-17 victory).
Week 11 Sunday, November 21, 2010 vs. New York Giants
Analysis: Philly will be playing on short rest following Monday Night Football for the team’s second straight prime-time TV appearance against the Giants.
Week 12 Sunday, November 28, 2010 @ Chicago Bears
Analysis: The Eagles play three of their next four games on the road and visit Chicago for the second time in as many years after winning 24-20 there in 2009.
Week 13 Thursday, December 2, 2010 vs. Houston Texans
Analysis: Philadelphia plays its first of two straight games against Texas teams, although the second one will be against an NFC East rival.
Week 14 Sunday, December 12, 2010 @ Dallas Cowboys
Analysis: The Eagles look to end a three-game series losing streak against the Cowboys, who won the last two meetings at the end of last year by a combined score of 58-14.
Week 15 Sunday, December 19, 2010 @ New York Giants
Analysis: Philly concludes a tough stretch on the road against another division rival before finishing off the regular season with two home games.
Week 16 Sunday, December 26, 2010 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Analysis: The Vikings must wrap up their season with consecutive road games, although this will be the tougher of the two since they finish at Detroit.
Week 17 Sunday, January 2, 2011 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Analysis: The Eagles end their season against the Cowboys for the third straight year and would love a result similar to two years ago in Philadelphia (a 44-6 rout of Dallas).
