HomeFeaturesNFC East Preview: The Philadelphia Eagles

NFC East Preview: The Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have a new head coach, two new quarterbacks and some veteran players in new roles this coming season. First round pick Carson Wentz’s jersey may be the team’s top seller thus far, but Sam Bradford will still be the starter. Meanwhile, draft picks and holdovers from last season have something to prove.
In a wide-open NFC East, here are my thoughts on what to expect from each part of Philly’s 2016 roster and staff:
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Head coach and coaching staff: Doug Pederson is inexperienced as a head coach, but was brought in to groom Wentz into a franchise QB. A protégé of Andy Reid, we can almost certainly expect some screens in the playbook. Hopefully, the former Eagles QB can manage his timeouts and the play clock better. His new staff is out to prove they can refine a team with low expectations.
Quarterbacks: Bradford, when healthy, is pretty accurate and serviceable. Expect more of the same, but don’t expect 16 starts this season. Being out of Chip Kelly’s offense, Bradford’s accuracy should play better in Pederson’s system. Chase Daniel may be the back-up, but Wentz lurks in the shadows.

Philadelphia Eagles
Sam Bradford

Running Backs: Darren Sproles has been an MVP for the Eagles. The 12-year pro can still change a game in one play. Still, Ryan Mathews should get the bulk of the handoffs. Kenjon Barner showed some flashes under Kelly, but was fumble-prone. Expect lots of screens out of the backfield, like when Reid was the head coach.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Thus far in training camp, Jordan Matthews looks more sure-handed. He and Nelson Agholor killed the Eagles with drops in 2015. This offense will spin its wheels if that happens again. Look for Zach Ertz to be the go-to guy on big third downs, while Brent Celek and Trey Burton provide good depth.
Offensive Line: The success of the offense will come down to the performance of Jason Peters. A perennial All-Pro, the veteran is beyond his prime, which means Lane Johnson, Allen Barbre and the rest need to step up. Expect a mediocre line using inexperienced youngsters to fill gaps all season.
Defensive Line: Fletcher Cox, Vinny Curry, Connor Barwin and the rest made up a really good bunch who kept the 2015 Eagles competitive. The crew up front should once again provide pressure; if we’re lucky, we might even see Marcus Smith actually play a few games!
Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox

Linebackers: If Mychal Kendricks remains healthy, he along with Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham will hold their own. Still, controlling plays underneath will stand as the biggest issue to fix from 2015.
Secondary: New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will probably scheme less one-on-one matchups for his secondary. Which will help, as the unproven corner combo of Leodis McKelvin and Ron Brooks will need it. Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod will lead the safety core. It’s not a scary group, but at least Schwartz will be there to help, not hinder them.
Special teams: Expect Sproles and others to provide solid returns, as Kicker Cody Parkey and Punter Donnie Jones hold down the kicking game.
Prediction: I predict another 7 wins, 9 losses-type season, as Wentz watches from the sidelines holding a clipboard.
Philadelphia Eagles
Carson Wentz

For more Philly sports commentary and analysis, follow Michael on Twitter @mcollazo215.


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