They're back: Ryan's supporting cast crucial for Crane

Chris Crane will have one advantage over Matt Ryan -- a very experienced group of pass catchers. I don't think we'll pass as often or as effectively as last season, but I also don't think this returning production will disappear. These stats and factoids should make us all feel better about throwing the ball this season.

-- 15 Eagles caught passes in 2007. Eight of those Eagles return this year. Of the seven who left via graduation or disciplinary issues, only two caught more than 20 passes.
-- Three of 2007's four most productive pass catchers return.
-- The two most productive wide receivers return. The most productive tight end returns.
-- Our returning players accounted for 60% of our completions.
-- Our returning players accounted for 65% of our passing yards.
-- Our returning players accounted for 64% of our passing touchdowns.
-- Incoming freshman wide receiver Colin Larmond was All-State in New Jersey and ranked as the No. 7 prospect in the state of New Jersey according to Rivals.com.
-- Incoming freshman Clyde Lee was ranked within the top 100 recruits coming out of Texas by Rivals.com.
-- Redshirt freshman Lars Anderson was ranked by ESPN as the 26th-best tight end in the country and ranked as one of the Top 50 and #2 TE in the state of Florida.