Eagles need return of elite special teams

0 Comments | Philadelphia Inquirer, The, August, 2008 | by Bob Brookover Inquirer Staff Writer

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The rise of the Eagles from a 5-11 team in coach Andy Reid's first season to a franchise that made five consecutive playoff appearances, won four straight NFC East titles, and consistently contended for a Super Bowl appearance can be traced to many things. Donovan McNabb emerged as a premier playmaker at quarterback, Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan gave the offense two outstanding and durable tackles, and the defense was among the best in the NFL at creating turnovers and preventing points.

But special teams played an equally vital role in the Eagles' ascent. Brian Mitchell was an elite returner, and when he involuntarily handed the baton to Brian Westbrook in 2003, the kid from Villanova made the return game even better. J.R. Reed, as a rookie, kept the...