South Philly Review

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February has the fewest days, but next year’s version could yield the most memories for long-suffering Birds’ buffs. Coveting a trip to Indianapolis, Ind., for Super Bowl XLVI, their squad has become many prognosticators’ darlings by nabbing accomplished free agents, trading for a stellar cornerback and drafting a promising offensive lineman.


Last year’s NFC East Champions, the Eagles finished 12th in the league with 327.2 yards allowed per game, landed in 10th place with 39 sacks and claimed the third spot with 23 interceptions. First-year defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will look to five acquisitions to better those figures.


The top free agent, Nnamdi Asomugha left the wretched Oakland Raiders, signing a five-year contract worth $60 million. A four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, the 30-year-old spent eight seasons with the AFC West team and owns 11 interceptions, with eight coming in his brilliant 2006 campaign. His first name means “My father is alive.” His new supporters surely hope his reputation will prove as vivacious.


Jason Babin returns after a year with the Tennessese Titans, with whom he set a career high with 12.5 sacks. At 31, the defensive end showed he wants to end his playing days as a Bird, as he inked a five-year deal for $28 million. 


Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins has already experienced a fruitful February, as he helped the Green Bay Packers to win this year’s title. A 30-year-old 300-pounder, he brought his 29 career sacks to South Philadelphia by agreeing to a five-year, $25 million contract.


Twenty-six-year-old safety Jarrod Page has tallied one more interception than Asumugha and will team with the Nigerian to thwart receivers’ routes. A former New England Patriot, he entered the flock last month by placing his John Hancock on a one-year agreement for $735,000.


Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie rounds out the qualified quintet of defensive dynamos. The 25-year-old arrived from the Arizona Cardinals via a trade for quarterback Kevin Kolb. In three years with the NFC West unit, he earned a Pro Bowl selection and snared 13 interceptions, including four in ’08 when he helped to secure a Super Bowl appearance. He will earn $16 million from a six-year pact.


The local gang’s offense averaged 27.4 points and 389.4 yards last year, totals that put it in third and second, respectively, among the 32 teams. Its running attack topped the charts with a 5.4-yards-per-carry mark. Quarterback Michael Vick, who in his third year with the Birds will be the chief signal caller, aided the average with his scampers.


Running back Ronnie Brown, 29, jettisoned the Miami Dolphins last month after six seasons to give Vick’s legs a rest. A Pro Bowler in ’08, he settled on a one-year, $1 million offer to add to his 4,815 yards rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. With 184 receptions, he will also present challenges for linebackers and defensive backs.


Brown will need help from Evan Mathis, another 29-year-old, to annoy opponents. Mathis escaped the woeful Cincinnati Bengals this summer to sign a one-year, $735,000 deal. The price seems low considering the left guard surrendered no sacks the last two years and his new team allowed 49, the league’s fourth-highest number.


Mathis may mentor first-round draft pick Danny Watkins from Baylor University. A right guard, the rookie earned First Team All-Big 12 distinction last year, and his 26-year-old frame will look to justify his four-year, $7.9 million contract with consistent blocking.


If Vick falters, 28-year-old quarterback Vince Young will propel the pigskin. A two-time Pro Bowler and the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in ’06, he parted with the Titans this summer. His one-year, $4 million deal will have fans hoping he can be a competent backup and emergency replacement.


Their 79th season begins Sunday, and the Birds certainly want a triumphant end 116 days later. With so much newness, maybe their forlorn fans will finally frolic. SPR


Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.