A two-time Pro Bowl corner, Lito Sheppard did not have the impact he would have liked to have had in 2007. Injuries to Sheppard as well as safety Brian Dawkins and others had a ripple effect in the secondary. Sheppard's absence was most noticeable in the league-low 11 interceptions generated by the defense.

A knee injury that Sheppard sustained in the season opener at Green Bay slowed him throughout much of the season. However, when he was on last year, he was very, very on, especially against Dallas.

Sheppard blanketed Dallas' Terrell Owens and had a huge interception to key the defensive effort in a 10-6 win over Dallas in December. Sheppard limited Owens to just two catches (lowest total as a Cowboy) for 37 yards. That performance earned him honors as NFC Defensive Player of the Week, marking the third time in his career that he received the award. That is the most by any defensive back in Eagles history.

At his best, Sheppard is a terrific playmaker who has the kind of play-making ability the defense missed so much last season. Still, he was part of an Eagles defense which held opponents to a 36.4% success rate (20 TDs in 55 trips) in the red zone, tops in the NFL and their lowest since 2001 (30.4% - 14 in 46).

Sheppard suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain in the opening game at Green Bay. He went on to miss the next four games. Sheppard returned to action against the Bears and recorded eight tackles and a knockdown. Two weeks later, in the first game against Dallas, Sheppard collected his first interception of the season. The pick thwarted a Dallas scoring drive. He left the game in third quarter after re-aggravating the MCL sprain.

At New England on Nov. 25, Sheppard logged six solo tackles against the Patriots' high-powered offense. A week later against Seattle, Sheppard exited the game in the third quarter due to knee inflammation.

In December games at Dallas and at New Orleans, Sheppard and Co. were terrific on third down against two opponents which came into each respective game ranked fifth and first in third-down offense. The Eagles held Dallas to then-season lows in points (10), net yards (240), rushing yards (53) and first downs (11). They also held quarterback Tony Romo to his lowest QB rating as a starter (22.2).

Sheppard's interception on Dec. 16 marked the fifth straight game against Dallas in which he has intercepted at least one pass. All told, Sheppard has eight interceptions in nine career starts against the Cowboys.

Sheppard leads the Eagles with 17 interceptions during his four years as a starter. He currently ranks fourth in franchise history with 460 interception return yards and has returned three interceptions for scores, tying Joe Scarpati for second on the Eagles' all-time list.

Since 2003, Sheppard boasts 27.1 yards per interception return, which leads the NFL. Over the course of his career, the Eagles boast an 11-4 record when he records an interception.

Health is key for this former first-round pick, and right now he is healthy.

- BOB KENT

NOTE: PhiladelphiaEagles.com will not profile players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.

One of the real disappointments for the Eagles defense last season was the lack of turnovers, which can directly be attributed to the injuries suffered by Sheppard and safety Brian Dawkins. Sheppard's injuries proved especially damaging to the defense, because he has been such a great playmaker for this team and his absence was felt by the team.

Understanding Sheppard's importance to the team is easy. Just look at how well he plays against Dallas and the big plays he makes against that offense. Sheppard had an interception in the first meeting between the teams, but Dallas rolled to a win. He had another interception late in the year and the Eagles won the game. Sheppard has tremendous anticipation and break on the ball, and he is as dangerous as anybody with the ball in his hands.

The Eagles' cornerback situation improved a great deal with the acquisition of Asante Samuel, and it remains to be seen how the presence of Samuel will affect Sheppard. The Eagles know this, though: With Sheppard healthy and on the field, the defense has been so much better. He has missed a lot of games with injuries, and the difference has been easy to see between Sheppard on the field and Sheppard off the field.