Philadelphia Eagles Preview and Prediction

Team Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a pair of 7-9 seasons, one that was good enough for a second place finish in the NFC East while last year finishing dead last in the division. The defense drastically improved last year, allowing 99 points less than two years ago. However, the offense scored 10 less points and was inconsistent.

The inconsistency can be linked to having rookie Carson Wentz under center for the entire 2016-17 season. Wentz finished with 3,782 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing just over 62 percent of his passes. The rookie was also picked off 14 times. The Eagles will be looking for Wentz to cut down on the INT while increasing his TD thrown, completion percentage and passing yards. His development will be key in the Eagles' success this year.

Philadelphia had a running game that ranked in the top half of the league last year. Ryan Mathews led the way with 661 yards but is no longer with the team; instead, former New England Patriot LeGarrette Blount now figures to be the lead back after leading the NFL with 18 touchdowns a season ago. If Blount can reach double-digit TD's again, I think the Eagles would be thrilled. Darren Sproles (438 yards, 2 TD) and Wendell Smallwood (312 yards, 1 TD) should also be in the mix for carries while 2017 fourth round pick Donnel Pumphrey should also earn some kind of role this season. Sproles (52 receptions, 427 yards, 2 TD) also offers value as a pass-catcher, meaning the Eagles could have all four backs on the gameday roster and all making some sort of impact. Also keep an eye on undrafted free agent Corey Clement, who has dazzled this preseason. The former Wisconsin back could steal the roster spot of Pumphrey.

After trading away Jordan Matthews and signing former Chicago Bear Alshon Jeffery (52 catches, 821 yards, 2 TD), the Eagles' receiving corps will have a new look in the upcoming season. Jeffery will be joined by former San Francisco 49er Torrey Smith (20 receptions, 267 yards, 3 TD). Nelson Agholar is also expected to take on a bigger role after recording 36 catches for 365 yards and two scores a year ago. Marcus Johnson and 2017 fourth-rounder Mack Hollins are also expected to make the team while Bryce Treggs is on the roster bubble. Unless Johnson or Hollins can become consistent threats, the Eagles are still lacking in the WR department. Sproles should help fill the void for now, but drafting or signing another WR will be needed in the coming years.

Tight end Zach Ertz was one of the rookie quarterback's favorite targets a season ago; he tallied 78 catches for 816 yards and four scores, all team-highs. He should again be a key target for the Eagles, but don't expect him to lead the team in each statistic again. Jeffery should become the team's leading receiver, if he can remain healthy.

Nigel Bradham should again lead the Eagles on defense after a 102-total tackle campaign last year. Jordan Hicks (85 tackles) and Mychal Kendricks (32 tackles) will fill the other LB positions while 2016 seventh-rounder Joe Walker and 2017 fifth-rounder Nathan Gerry serve as depth.

Fletcher Cox (43 tackles, 6 ½ sacks) and Brandon Graham (59 tackles, 5 ½ sacks) lead the Eagles defensive line. Former Baltimore Raven Tim Jernigan adds another dimension to the d-line while 2017 first-rounder Derek Barnett figures to eventually take over for Vinny Curry. Beau Allen, former Patriot Chris Long and 2017 sixth-rounder Elijah Qualls should also all see the field, making this unit a solid and deep one.

With the addition of Ronald Darby (from the Matthews trade), the Eagles secondary will be a bit better than when Pro Football Focus ranked them the worst secondary back in July. Jalen Mills, a 2016 seventh-rounder, showed promise as a rookie, so if he can continue to improve, the unit could surprise. Ron Brooks has struggled in his career, so Patrick Robinson and 2017 third round pick Rasul Douglas could be in for a big roles. 2017 first-rounder Sidney Jones will most likely miss most of the upcoming season with an achilles injury; his presence would have been a big addition to the secondary. Rodney McLeod (83 tackles, 3 INT) and Malcolm Jenkins (72 tackles, 3 INT) will hold down the safety positions and offer the group some stability. Former Buffalo Bill Corey Graham should see time at safety and cornerback as the Eagles do whatever they can to stop opposing passing games.

2017-18 Schedule/Predictions 1 - at Washington Redskins (W) 2 - at Kansas City Chiefs (L) 3 - vs New York Giants (L) 4 - at Los Angeles Chargers (W) 5 - vs Arizona Cardinals (L) 6 - at Carolina Panthers (W) 7 - vs Washington Redskins (W) 8 - vs San Francisco 49ers (W) 9 - vs Denver Broncos (W) 10 - BYE 11 - at Dallas Cowboys (L) 12 - vs Chicago Bears (W) 13 - at Seattle Seahawks (L)

14 - at Los Angeles Rams (W) 15 - at New York Giants (L) 16 - vs Oakland Raiders (L) 17 - vs Dallas Cowboys (W) Season Record: 9-7, 3-3 NFC East

The Eagles' season may boil down to a brutal three-game stretch (New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys) that ends the season. Expect the Eagles to be competitive throughout the year and keep an eye out for the team making another trade to bolster the secondary. I think the Eagles will improve on offense as Wentz develops, but the defense will again underwhelm and keep the Philadelphia Eagles from making the postseason.

Next NFC Team Up - Detroit Lions

Sources not listed in article: ESPN - stats; Ourlads - depth chart; Playoff Predictors - schedule/record projections.

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