In a series on what each team needs to improve in the off-season, *The Sporting News *says that the biggest question facing the Eagles is how to improve the pass rush from the front four.
"The team has relied too heavily on rushing more than four players to get pressure on quarterbacks, and its only consistent pass rush has come from Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole. Another three-down pass-rushing lineman opposite Cole would lessen the burden on coordinator Sean McDermott to blitz linebackers and defensive backs."
The Eagles will certainly need all the help they can get to off-set the stable of quarterbacks set to visit Lincoln Financial Field including NFL MVP Peyton Manning, Pro Bowl MVP Matt Schaub and the Cowboys' Tony Romo.
"Our goal in any game is always the same. Any quarterback doesn't play as good when there is direct pressure in his face," defensive end Victor Abiamiri told The Sporting News.
Believe it or not, the Eagles were tied for third in the NFL with 44 sacks in 2009. They were led by the aforementioned Cole, who had 12.5 sacks which tied his career high.
The Eagles did give up 21.0 points per game in 2009 which was the highest total since the 2005 season (24.2). It was also the highest total for an Eagles team that made the playoffs in the Andy Reid era.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:40 a.m., February 10
