Memory Lane - 1976 Philadelphia Eagles Preview

Rookie Head coach Dick Vermeil, fresh off a UCLA upset win over Ohio State and legendary coach Woody Hayes in the Rose Bowl, will join an organization that has gone through four coaches in six years. The 1975 Eagles finished last in the NFC East at 4-10.

Dick Vermeil will have to decide between veteran QB Roman Gabriel and youngster Mike Boryla, combined they threw 19 TD’s and 23 INT’s in 1975. The RB position didn’t produce well last year averaging 3.7 yds per carry and 3 TD’s. They didn’t address RB in the draft until the 9^th round with Mike Hogan. For WR’s they have 6’8” tall Harold Carmichael, Charlie Smith and TE Charles Young. The offensive line gave up 30 sacks in 1975.

The defense has a few players, LB Bill Bergey, Safeties Bill Bradley and Randy Logan. Vermeil did concede that the defensive line needs an upgrade and improvement because they only sacked the opposing QB 17 times in fourteen regular season games.

The Eagles didn't have a draft choice until the 111th pick in the fourth round so it will take some time to build his roster. The additions: DE Carl Hairston, LB Terry Tautolo. We will see if Vermeil can succeed in the NFL where many college coaches have failed.

1975 Rankings:

Tot Yds Off: 17

Tot Yds Def: 20

Tot Pts Scored: 21

Tot Pts Against: 16

1975 Results:

1976 Opening Day Roster:

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