mollyfamwatOK, so it’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles offense is an abomination. How could it be otherwise, with head coach Doug Pederson and offensive coordinator Frank Reich getting to call the shots? On Monday, the Eagles made it the core of their game plan, adopting a run-heavy attack based on the trend that has become popular in college football. By the end of the day, they had put up 20 points, but they’re still a long way from turning that kind of performance into a Super Bowl victory.
The Eagles’ offense has been “better, worse or the same?” for much of the season, but the team’s hopes rest with their quarterback, who may or may not get enough snaps in the regular season finale against the Redskins to be ready for the playoffs.
PHILADELPHIA – Is the Philadelphia Eagles offense better, worse or the same compared to the 2020 version?
Since the disastrous season of 4-11-1 that ended in January, there have been some drastic changes, that’s for sure. The long-term plan for the quarterback was scrapped when the Eagles agreed to a Carson Wentz swap with the Indianapolis Colts in February. The man who replaced the struggling Wentz in the lineup during the final quarter of the season, 2020 second-round pick Jalen Harts, is now at the helm. He is surrounded by a talented but inexperienced group of veterans, led by Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.
The biggest free agent came on the defensive side of the ball: Philadelphia signed a one-year, $4 million contract for rebound guard Anthony Harris and added veteran guard Ryan Kerrigan to bolster the defensive front.
Have the changes to the season had a positive effect on the Eagles? Here’s a look at the offense for 2021, broken down by position:
Quarterback
Additions : Joe Flacco (one-year contract, $3.5 million), Nick Mullens (one-year contract, $970,000).
Losing: Wentz (Colts), Nate Sudfeld (49ers).
Review: It hurts.
Better, worse or the same: Worst
Last season, Wentz was statistically last in the league. He leads the NFL in interceptions (15) and sacks (50), despite only playing in 12 games. Harts should have no problem topping that performance, so on one hand, the Eagles are ready for an upgrade at quarterback this season.
Jalen Harts threw six passes and four interceptions in limited action last season as a freshman. Tim Heitman/USA Today
But we all know Wentz is better than he showed in 2020. Despite a disappointing campaign, he still ranks second among all Eagles quarterbacks in interception percentage (2.0) and completion rate (89.2) and third in completion percentage (62.7 percent). While he may not return to MVP form in 2017, it’s hard to deny that Wentz, 28, is a better prospect than Flacco, 36, at this point in his career, and the prognosis for Wentz is less bleak than for Harts.
Still, feedback on Hart’s leadership has been positive since he’s been with the team, and there should be a healthier atmosphere in the QB room now that the quarterback controversy is over.
Running Backs
What you need to know about the Philadelphia Eagles team:
– Eagles free agents
– Free agents report | More NFL
– Analysis of each Eagles draft pick
– Kipper’s scores for each team
– McShay’s favorite pick for all 32 teams
– Eagles 2021 schedule | All games
Additions : Kenneth Gainwell (fifth pick), Kerryon Johnson (Detroit Lions waiver list).
Losing: Corey Clement (New York Giants)
The boys are back: Miles Sanders, Jordan Howard, Elijah Holyfield, Jason Huntley, Adrian Killins Jr.
Better, worse or the same: Best
Sanders played just 12 games in 2020 due to injury, and the Eagles have struggled to find consistency behind him.
Philadelphia is intrigued by Gainwell’s versatility. At Memphis, he played all over the field, catching 51 balls for 610 yards and 1,459 rushing yards in his final college season. Johnson defends the ball well and should be a new player in that area if he makes the team.
The addition of new talent will provide strong competition in training camp and improve the overall depth of the team.
Receiver
Additions : Smith (first pick), Jamon Ausbon (UFA), Michael Walker (one-year contract, $780,000).
Losing: DeSean Jackson (Los Angeles Rams), Alshon Jeffery (free agent), Marquis Goodwin (Chicago Bears).
The boys are back: Jalen Rigor, Greg Ward, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Travis Fulgham, John Hightower, Quas Watkins.
Better, worse or the same: Best
The Eagles didn’t get much from their receivers last season. Their best player, Fulgham, ranks 82nd in the league with 539 yards receiving.
Much of the optimism surrounding this group is due to Smith, who raced through the NCAA last season with 117 balls, 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s a refined road racer with sensational hands and body control, so he won’t have to learn too much when he makes the transition from the SEC to the pros. He will be paired with Reagor, their 2020 first-rounder who was hampered by injuries as a rookie.
It’s a very young play. No catcher on the roster is over 25.
Centre field
Among the nominees for the 2021 ESPYS are many NFL players. Vote today.
Best male athlete
– Tom Brady makes the list
Best NFL Player
– Brady, Rodgers, Donald or Henry?
Best Team
– Can Tampa Bay win the title?
Best Play
– Murray and Metcalfe Magic
Best Breakthrough Sports
– Herbert and Young among nominees
Best Game
– Ravens Memories
Additions : Tyree Jackson (UVA), Jack Stoll (UVA).
Losing: Josh Perkins (freelance)
The boys are back: Dallas Guedert, Richard Rogers, Caleb Wilson, Jason Krum, Hakeem Butler, Zach Ertz (so far).
Better, worse or the same: Worst
It’s annoying that Ertz is still on the team. The Eagles allowed him to be traded this offseason and there was interest in him, but general manager Howie Roseman remained adamant that the compensation offered did not match Ertz’s value. Still, it’s hard to imagine Ertz playing in Philadelphia this season. And while Guedert has real prospects, it’s hard to replace the three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl hero.
Plumb line
Additions : Landon Dickerson (second pick), Le’Raven Clark (one-year, $1 million contract), Kayode Awosika (UFA), Harry Kreider (UFA).
Losing: Jason Peters (Independent)
The boys are back: Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Isaac Ceumalo, Jordan Mailata, Andre Dillard, Jack Driscoll, Sua Opeta, Luke Juriga, Ross Pierschbacher, Nate Herbig, Matt Pryor, Brett Toth, Casey Tucker
Better, worse or the same: Best
Last season’s string of injuries was incredible, as the Eagles had to use a record 13 different offensive line formations in the first 14 weeks. Better health, along with the addition of Dickerson from Alabama, should make the product stronger in 2021.
Age is the main issue here and cannot be ignored when it comes to injuries. With Johnson (31), Kels (33) and Brooks (31) already in their 30s, this unit has put in a lot of miles on rough terrain.
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