This has undoubtedly been the craziest and most talked about Eagles offseason that I can remember, and I’m almost sad that it’s pretty much over. The Draft and Free Agency are both complete and at this rate, it seems like no more trades are imminent, but who knows with Chip. Now that the team is heading into OTAs, I’ve been able to review the roster, digest Chip’s thought process, and do my best to evaluate this team. The easiest way for me to break it down was to look at it in three categories, strengths, weaknesses, and question marks. I understand that weaknesses and question marks can be similar, but I’m viewing a weakness as a spot that is an area of concern with subpar options and I’m viewing “questions marks” as unknowns with viable solutions.
Weaknesses
1. Safety
Malcolm Jenkins proved last year that he was a very good signing by the Eagles front office, but yet again, there’s a safety spot that hasn’t been addressed. I can’t even rip Chip Kelly for not addressing the position because the Eagles made a very strong offer (reportedly north of New England’s offer), for the top Free Agent Safety, Devin McCourty. However, they didn’t land their guy and there’s no clear answer. At this rate, the job seems 100 percent up for grabs between Walter Thurmond, Jaylen Watkins, and possibly Eric Rowe, none of which instill much confidence in me.
2. Offensive Line Depth
For the second year in a row, the Eagles disregarded the offensive line position in the draft. This is a head scratcher for me for a few different reasons. You have one side of your line that is aging with Mathis and Peters, an unknown player (Matt Tobin) starting at the guard position opposite Mathis, and you really don’t know if/when Mathis will show up. While I think Mathis shows up at camp and essentially plays this season, he was hurt last season and we don’t have much depth behind him. Unless someone really developed, or an undrafted free agent wows the Eagles in camp, this is a very thin unit that dealt with a lot of injuries a year ago.
Question Marks
1. Sam Bradford
Okay, let’s be honest, this is the season. Chip Kelly wanted Marcus Mariota and he just couldn’t make it happen, so he ended up with Sam Bradford. If Sam Bradford miraculously stays healthy and, that’s a big and, plays up to his ability that we’ve seen flashes of, the Eagles have upgraded at quarterback. Bradford is coming off of two ACL surgeries, he’s had a shoulder issue in the past, and an ankle injury. Call me crazy, but I don’t have a lot of confidence in Bradford being able to stay healthy. I don’t doubt his ability at all, but I can’t imagine he stays upright for 16 games. Remember how we all held our breath every time Maclin went down, or got tackled last year? Take that and amplify it by ten. Anytime Bradford drops back, gets hit, or breaks containment, Philadelphia will collectively hold their breath.
2. Brandon Graham
I seriously can’t believe we’re still talking about him. He had a stain on his name every since we drafted him instead of Earl Thomas. Graham isn’t a flat out bust, but he’s a 4-3 defensive end playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He resigned a pretty nice deal to stay in Philadelphia and will be the unquestioned starter for the first time in his career. Will this be the year he finally puts it all together?
3. Wide Receiver
I was never a big Jeremy Maclin fan, but the guy was certainly productive in this offense last season. I’m glad Chip didn’t overpay a guy like Maclin, but after cutting DeSean Jackson the year before and getting nothing in return, a position of strength became an area of concern quickly. I think we all loved what we saw out of Jordan Matthews last year, but the expectations will be much higher for the second year pro. Chip will also be need more out of Josh Huff and expect Nelson Agholor to come in and contribute immediately. I think this position group could be very talented and become a large part of this offense for years to come. However, this year could be a year of growing pains for this young group.
Strengths
1. Running Backs
Chip Kelly has basically told us what he wants to do on offense without saying a word. Anytime you deal the shiftiest runner in football (and your franchise rushing leader) and spend a lot of money replacing him with a couple of bigger, more physical, downhill running backs, the plan is pretty clear. Chip upgraded his stable of running backs because he wants longer drives out of his offense, and more rest for his defense. Murray was arguably the best running back in all of football last year. While he won’t touch the ball as much as he did last year, he’s a punishing running back that will wear down defenses while Mathews and Sproles add elements themselves. Mathews is also a big and physical runner, but he’s had issues staying healthy. Now that Mathews isn’t the lead back and will most likely get 13-16 touches a game, he should be able to stay fresh. Not to mention, Darren Sproles can line up all over the field and add elements that very few other players can.
2. Front Seven
There’s really nothing “sexy” about this group of guys. There’s no JJ Watt or Clay Matthews, but there’s a group of guys that work in conjunction and have quietly become a very formidable front seven. Guys like Connor Barwin and Fletcher Cox get most of the recognition, but Bennie Logan, Cedric Thornton, and DeMeco Ryans are true professionals. Add in Mychal Kendricks, Kiko Alonso, and Brandon Graham, and you’ve got a very solid group that can pressure the quarterback and provide a stout run defense.
3. Special Teams
Nobody is expecting this unit to replicate what they did last season, but they were incredible. Chip clearly values Special Teams and seems to think it’s truly a third of the game of football. They had four return touchdowns, went 32/36 on field goals, and only allowed one punt return for a TD. If this unit can play anywhere near the level they did last year, Eagles fans will be very pleased.
Overview
It’s so hard to put any kind of expectation or number on this team at this point. They have their biggest question mark at the most important position in all of sports, quarterback. Again, I don’t think anyone doubts his arm, or his talents, it’s always been his ability to stay on the field. I’ll feel much more comfortable and confident if Bradford is ready to go at the start of training camp. I don’t care how he looks, he just needs to be on the field, moving well, and getting acclimated. With nothing else going on in the sports scene here in Philadelphia, we need a good season from the Eagles. Maybe the Pope can bless Bradford’s knees?
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