The Eagles made yet another addition to their defensive unit yesterday in what has been their most aggressive offseason in recent history. His name is Rocky and he will be playing in Philadelphia. Cue the theme music and training montage.

Putting aside all of the marketing possibilities and similarities between Philadelphia’s favorite fictional son and Rocky Boiman, this is a very intelligent pick up. Boiman will join a very, young linebacking corps that boasts Omar Gaither as its most experienced player with a grand total of 2 seasons completed on his NFL service record. Boiman is a versatile contributor who has played all three linebacker spots in the 4-3 defense. His flexible abilities will give defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, plenty to experiment with. Although he will most likely serve as a back-up for Gaither, Chris Gocong and Stewart Bradley, Boiman will provide depth and veteran leadership, as well as a spark on special teams.

Boiman earned his keep as a special teams player and back-up linebacker in Tennessee and Indianapolis, but he’s produced results when given the opportunity. In Indy, he filled in as the starting strongside linebacker when Rob Morris went down with a season-ending injury. In his seven starts last season, Boiman amassed 64 tackles, 2 interceptions and 15 special teams’ tackles. For those of you counting, that’s just as many interceptions as the entire Eagles’ linebacking group combined for last season. There’s no question that there’s something for him to teach these young starters as far as hand technique is concerned.

The addition of Boiman, combined with the acquisitions of Asante Samuel, Chris Clemons and Dan Klecko makes it seem as though the Eagles’ front office has a sense of urgency in regard to building a championship team. Although the personnel department has yet to land a coveted, star wideout that the Philly fans have been clamoring for( I pray to Jesus, Allah, Yahweh and Xenu for a WR just to be safe and still no results!) I believe that the Eagles have built the foundation for recreating the fear-instilling defense that got them to three consecutive NFC championship games before their offense became the center of attention and exploded with T.O(exploded figuratively in ‘04 and literally in ‘05). The Eagles’ defensive squads of 2001-2003 recorded a season average 35 forced fumbles and 14 interceptions compared to the paltry performance by 2007’s roster: 10 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions.

The 2001-2003 teams featured former, defensive playmakers in Hugh Douglas, Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor and Jeremiah Trotter. Let’s compare those teams to the current roster for 2008. Pair of talented, pass-rushing defensive ends? Check. How about a quality group of linebackers? Check. Even though they’re young, they have potential. Playmaking cornerback that capitalizes on mistakes? Check….well, technically we have three for the moment, so triple check!

With the inclusion of some new puzzle pieces in Samuel, Clemons and Boiman, the Birds may be able to complete the picture and reestablish the smash-mouth, opportunistic defense that paved their path to the NFC championship game year after year.