2002 RECORD: 12-4 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (4th); Offense (10th) ADDITIONS: Free agents -- FB Jon Ritchie (Raiders), LB Nate Wayne (Packers), P Kyle Richardson (Vikings), K Doug Brien (Vikings), LB Mark Simoneau (Falcons). Draft picks -- 1. DE Jerome McDougle (Miami); 2. TE L.J. Smith (Rutgers); 3. WR Wilbur McMullen Jr. (Virginia); 4. DE Jamaal Green (Miami); 6. OT Jeremy Bridges (Southern Mississippi); 7. S Norman Lejeune (LSU). SUBTRACTIONS: LB Shawn Barber (Chiefs), PR Brian Mitchell (Giants), S Blaine Bishop (released), G Doug Brzezinski (Panthers), LB Barry Gardner (Browns), DE Hugh Douglas (Jaguars), P Sean Landeta (Rams), FB Cecil Martin (Raiders), RB Dorsey Levens (Giants), CB Al Harris (Packers). Team news | Roster | More on Eagles draft

		Thu., June 5 How much will the departures on defense (Barber, Douglas, etc.) hurt them? The popular spin in Philadelphia, at least from team officials, is that the replacements imported during the offseason are solid, that the overall speed on defense is improved, and that coordinator Jim Johnson will figure out a way to make it work. But on paper, at least, it is difficult to argue that the Eagles are better now than they were at this same juncture of the '02 offseason. The toughest task will be replacing right end Hugh Douglas and his 12½ sacks. Of the potential replacements, Derrick Burgess is coming off a pair of foot surgeries in the past six months; N.D. Kalu's eight sacks in '02 were more aberration than standard and he barely had that many in his previous five seasons combined; and first-round draft choice Jerome McDougle was never a double-digit sack guy at Miami. The projected middle linebacker Mark Simoneau, has seen his potential wiped out by injuries in his first three league seasons. Nate Wayne, signed to replace Shawn Barber at the weak-side linebacker spot, has lost a half-step. Second-year veteran Michael Lewis, who supplants Blaine Bishop at strong safety, is physically superior but lacks the savvy of his predecessor. There clearly is depth, and Johnson is a guru and will probably divine some new mind-boggling blitzes to camouflage shortcomings, but there has been a big turnover in two seasons and that fact can't be overlooked.

If last offseason was hard for Donovan McNabb, this spring has been excruciating.

McNabb openly talked about the pain of watching the Rams celebrate their Super Bowl berth after defeating Philadelphia in the 2001 NFC title game. The narrow defeat motivated McNabb and teammates to earn home-field advantage through this past season's NFC playoffs. But even with the NFC road to Super Bowl XXXVII going through Veterans Stadium, the Eagles fell short in their goal of reaching San Diego.

Philadelphia should enter the season as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, but this is a different team. Defensive end Hugh Douglas is gone. So too are linebackers Shawn Barber and Barry Gardner. While McNabb is a superstar, the defense has been more responsible for the Eagles rise as a legitimate power. If the new additions on defense don't measure up, Philadelphia could easily take a step or two back in '03.

What they've added?
The Eagles reportedly pursued several free agents in an effort to fill holes, but have only made a handful of acquisitions excluding the NFL draft thus far.

Philadelphia traded for Mark Simoneau and signed Nate Wayne as replacements for Barber and Gardner. They also traded up in the draft to take defensive end Jerome McDougle and later chose Miami teammate Jamaal Green, who should help them soften the blow of Douglas' departure. After that, their defense is pretty much intact.

Offensively, the biggest addition is fullback Jon Ritchie, who is expected to create more running room for McNabb and Duce Staley. In addition, they sought to improve their passing game by taking tight end L.J. Smith and wide receiver Wilbur McMullen Jr. in the second and third rounds of the draft, respectively. They also made a move on special teams, replacing punter Sean Landeta with Kyle Richardson.

What they're missing?
Team president Joe Banner and head coach Andy Reid are generally lauded for making astute personnel decisions. However, the decision to not re-sign an aging Douglas (32 in August) could have immediate and long-term ramifications. Not every team is fortunate enough to have a defender who produces double-digit sacks, especially not one as popular and considered a driving force such as Douglas. Philadelphia, which is well under the salary cap, might have taken an unnecessary financial risk here.

Not only do the Eagles have some concerns up front, where they're thin, but also at tackle. Hollis Thomas is returning to action after missing all of '02 with a broken foot and Corey Simon missed time last year because of injuries.

Another major, seemingly overlooked, loss is that of return specialist Brian Mitchell. The seasoned veteran averaged 27 yards per kick return and also returned a punt for a touchdown last year. However, the club believes Brian Westbrook, who had no returns as a rookie last year, is ready to handle the responsibility.

Fantasy Focus

Last year's running back starter Duce Staley is skipping the June minicamp because he wants a new contract. However, he has little leverage because Correll Buckhalter is healthy after missing the 2002 season with a torn ACL. Buckhalter ran well in the May minicamps and is set to play a role in the offense. Staley is the better receiver than Buckhalter, but he's not as talented a runner. The Eagles are emphasizing the running attack more as they ran 489 times last season compared to 412 attempts in 2001. Downgrade Staley in fantasy drafts and select Buckhalter as a sleeper in the later rounds in case he becomes the Eagles' featured back. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com fantasy editor

Last, but definitely not to be overlooked, the Eagles still carry a roster of receivers that fail to strike fear in opposition. Freddie Mitchell has yet to justify his first-round selection in 2001 and they lost a valuable option in veteran Antonio Freeman. If the Eagles make any moves between now and September, this would be the projected area to upgrade.

What it all means?
In a conference -- and league -- where every team is flawed, the Eagles still have a great shot of making the Super Bowl. They open the season at new Lincoln Financial Field against sudden rival Tampa Bay and probably will play with a chip on their shoulder all season long.

Yet, there will be obstacles and subtle distractions. Even if they don't dwell on the missed opportunity last year, that's a natural storyline of this season. Furthermore, unless McDougle, Kalu or another end gets off to a tremendous start, they're going to be saddled with questions about Douglas' departure all year. The same applies to Westbrook in regards to replacing Mitchell. And at some point, the lack of a star receiver will catch up to them. But who's to say any of these issues will cause major setbacks this year?

With McNabb behind the helm and a Pro Bowl-laden secondary featuring Brian Dawkins, Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, the Eagles have a strong enough foundation to finish what they started.

James C. Black is an NFL editor for ESPN.com.