The Paradox Of Expectations Reinforcement

Like most of you, I am extremely optimistic about the Eagles' Super Bowl chances in 2009.  Not to go all Spadaro on you, but the team did exactly what it needed to do this offseason:  build on a solid roster foundation with difference-makers at key positions like offensive line, fullback and pass catcher.  These guys are ready to go.

The problem is that too many other people are noticing the same thing, nationally.  When the first couple NFLniks mentioned they had a good feeling about the Eagles, it was nice in that it reinforced our expectations.  When the trickle became a flood, however, it started to get unnerving. 

On one level, this makes no sense.  We should be happy that the Eagles' improvement is so self-evident that we're not just seeing things.

On the other hand, we spend so much time arguing that the herd mentality and groupthink of the national folks obscures good analysis, it's kind of awkward when they agree with us.  And we know the randomness of the NFL season is going to spit out some surpising results, so everyone wants to be the under-the-radar team that strikes it big, rather than the consensus offseason champ everyone's gunning for -- even though rationally it's always better to be the better team.

All of which is a lengthy way of saying that I didn't love reading this:

To be honest, I had a hard time coming up with something to choose for Philadelphia. Obviously, I am very high on this team and yes, the Eagles are my current pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Of the 32 articles I did about each team's biggest weakness, this one was the last I wrote. I just couldn't really come up with much. That doesn't mean the Eagles are far and away the top team in the league right now, but they are the team with fewest holes.

But I loved reading this:

Obviously, DeSean Jackson was a pleasant surprise in his rookie year, pretty much asserting himself as Donovan McNabb's go-to guy -- if this team has such a thing. He is a big play waiting to happen and is terrific with the ball in his hands, but he also isn't the most polished or mature player around. He is undersized and doesn't play big, and he managed only two touchdown grabs last year. Jackson isn't a big-time red zone threat and probably will never be a No. 1 wideout in this league.

Keep doubting him, guys.  Just make him work harder.