The Philadelphia Eagles were probably the biggest disappointment of the 2011 NFL season. Self-dubbed a “Dream Team” by Vince Young in the offseason, the Eagles started off 1-4, were unable to stop the run, and they dealt with injuries to Michael Vick, and a bad attitude from DeSean Jackson. They ended the season on a four-game winning streak to finish 8-8.
Even though Philly was only a .500 team, defensive end Trent Cole says they were close to being great.
“We had a bad year. We just couldn’t pull it off at the last minute,” Cole said at an outdoors show Tuesday. “We were right there, inches away from being great, being a dominant team. I think some teams are going to be worried about playing us” in 2012.
He’s not the only one expecting the Eagles to be dangerous next season — sports books have them as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl next year. The Eagles had many problems, but they got it together toward the end of the year. If they can keep their star players healthy — ahem Michael Vick — they should contend for a playoff spot.
But inches away from being great? I’m not sure I’d go that far.
