Vandalay14
Contributor
An awkwardly-timed shakeup in team ownership and coaching has left the City of Brotherly Love with a fresh start. Last year, the Eagles finished the 2015 season with a very disappointing 6-10 record that literally led to riots in the streets and convinced former owner Jeff Lawrie to sell the team. New owner Art Vandalay swooped in with a purchase offer and promises to reward the fanatics in Philly with a successful and aggressive team. Said Vandalay, "This opportunity was simply too good to pass up."
Quarterback -
The Eagles are blessed with a great young signal-caller in rookie Daniel Adams. Adams was chosen with the 11th overall pick after a successful career at Florida State, and brings great arm talent. Because of his college experience, Adams comes in very good at the short and intermediate passing game, but he also has the arm strength and natural ability to become a very good deep passer as well. He's a truly exciting player and promises to bring a confidence that his predecessor, Sam Bradford, lacked. That said, he's a rookie and will be prone to having typical ups-and-downs. He needs work in the playaction game as well as time to develop his deep ball. Another negative is that Adams is not much of a running threat, though that should be minimized in this offensive system.
In terms of depth, journeyman Chase Daniel was signed to tutor the young Adams, as well as 3rd string holdover Stephen Morris.
Running Back -
The 2016 season was changed in the week 16 game of last season, when star DeMarco Murray went down with a serious knee injury. Murray was in the midst of a great season, compiling 1478 rushing yards, 452 receiving yards, and 13 total TDs. Murray will be missing until late this season and is impossible to replace.
That said, the show will go on. Both Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles will be featured until Murray's return. Mathews is likely to get a lion's share of the rushing attempts this year as an explosive, one-cut type of runner. Mathews did not get much playing time last season, compiling a paltry 137 all purpose yards, and he will surely surpass that this year. Meanwhile, Sproles was the primary backup last year, with 663 offensive yards and 10 TDs. Sproles is a quick, diminutive weapon who excels in space.
Wide Receiver -
Gone from last year's team are Riley Cooper and Miles Austin, though with them go their 1120 yards of combined production. The featured receiver will Jordan Matthews, who is coming off of a very solid 666 yard, 7 touchdown campaign. He is only 24 years old and a good all-around receiver entering his third season. The other wideout will be Vince Mayle, who was signed from the rival Dallas Cowboys, only gaining 4 catches for 27 yards last year. He's a pure possession player who isn't a burner but should be a reliable pass catcher.
The slot receiver will be Nelson Agholor, the former first round pick. Last year, he found himself in the doghouse and only earned 6 receptions for 78 yards. This year, he will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his outstanding speed and quickness. Josh Huff and Jaron Hanna will round out the receiving corps; Huff is another possession guy and Hanna is an elite athlete who needs learn the craft of wide receiver.
Tight End -
Last season, Zach Ertz led the team with 51 catches for 748 yards. He proved to be a very good downfield tight end, with above average speed and nice ball skills. This season, he's expected to match that performance, and provide a situational outlet as well as a red zone threat. Ertz has to make a difference in the passing game, as he's only an average blocker at best.
Ertz' backups are Brent Celek and Trey Burton. Celek is a veteran and a traditional tight end, as a solid receiver and the best blocker of the group. He will be the 2nd TE as well as the H-Back in this offense. Burton is a young, pass-catching TE in the mold of Ertz.
Offensive Line -
The Eagles offensive line is anchored in the middle by Jason Kelce. The veteran has become one of the best pivot linemen in the NFL and demonstrates outstanding run blocking ability in this zone scheme.
The left side of the line is young and unproven. Left tackle Bruce Campbell is getting his first opportunity to start; he is a very good pass blocker and has very good strength, though will need to gain experience to refine his skills. Starting at left guard will be second year pro Jamil Douglas, who also lacks experience but has great natural ability and needs to play to get better. He narrowly beats out Tanner Hawkinson, who will be the top backup interior lineman at all three spots, while rookie 3rd round pick Herschel Gaines is someone to watch as a long-term developmental prospect at tackle.
On the other hand, the right side is experienced and proven. Right tackle Lane Johnson is a former first round pick who is in his fourth season and has great all around skills. He's primed to eventually move to the blind side, but right now, he best serves as the right side stud. Andrew Gardner is the right guard and has outstanding run blocking skills.
Defensive Line -
The Eagles defense is known to be very tough "in the box" and they are very solid up front. Fletcher Cox is an absolute beast and someone opposing offenses have to account for at all times; Cox led last year's down linemen with 3 sacks and is expected to improve upon that number this year. On the opposite side, Cedric Thornton is a veteran with outstanding strength and a great run defender, while Parker Travis is a rookie 4th round pick who will be used in situational packages.
In the middle, Bennie Logan is on the verge of becoming an elite run stuffer at nose tackle. Meanwhile, 3rd year pro Beau Allen will provide depth with minimal dropoff. Both players are keys to soaking up blockers and closing running lanes and they will be tested this year.
Linebacker -
The Eagles run a 3-4 scheme and have a number of very good linebackers. In the middle, Mychal Kendricks and Kiko Alonso provide the team with two outstanding, athletic, hard-hitting football players. They are centerpieces in the scheme and above average in every facet of the game. Kendricks led the '15 Eagles with 61 tackles, and added 3 sacks. Young backup Khairi Fortt was signed to provide depth and gives the team another athlete to stuff the middle.
On the outside, they are joined by Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin, both solid run down linebackers and great pass rushers. Graham led the team with 7 sacks last year and forced 2 fumbles. Young second year player Adrian Hubbard was signed to provide immediate help on run downs and has plus athletic ability for the position. Backup Marcus Smith II is yet another young LB who will provide some depth in passing situations.
Cornerback -
Two years ago, Byron Maxwell was lured away from the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, and he now anchors the cornerbacks in Philly. Last season, he led the team with 7 interceptions and will provide a rock solid, all-around option, helping slow or stop opponent's attacks on one side of the field. Second year player Eric Rowe is possibly an even better athlete who needs more experience. Rowe was forced into service early last year and played admirably, tallying 44 tackles and 3 interceptions, but still has a lot to prove.
Chance Casey will be playing the role of nickel back this season, while youngster JaCorey Shepherd will play in dime situations. Neither played much last season and will be tested by opposing defenses if only because of their youth.
Safety -
Playing center field for the Eagles is Malcolm Jenkins, who has developed into one of the better free safeties in the league. Jenkins has very good athleticism and solid football skills. He finished last season third on the team with 53 tackles.
Strong safety will be primarily manned by veteran Kenny Phillips. Phillips is a free safety by trade and known as a good athlete and hard hitter. He will get some help from Sean Richardson. Richardson came via free agency from the Packers and had 24 tackles and 3 sacks. It's also possible that the team signs another player to help as well.
Quarterback -
In terms of depth, journeyman Chase Daniel was signed to tutor the young Adams, as well as 3rd string holdover Stephen Morris.
Running Back -
That said, the show will go on. Both Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles will be featured until Murray's return. Mathews is likely to get a lion's share of the rushing attempts this year as an explosive, one-cut type of runner. Mathews did not get much playing time last season, compiling a paltry 137 all purpose yards, and he will surely surpass that this year. Meanwhile, Sproles was the primary backup last year, with 663 offensive yards and 10 TDs. Sproles is a quick, diminutive weapon who excels in space.
Wide Receiver -
The slot receiver will be Nelson Agholor, the former first round pick. Last year, he found himself in the doghouse and only earned 6 receptions for 78 yards. This year, he will have plenty of opportunities to showcase his outstanding speed and quickness. Josh Huff and Jaron Hanna will round out the receiving corps; Huff is another possession guy and Hanna is an elite athlete who needs learn the craft of wide receiver.
Tight End -
Ertz' backups are Brent Celek and Trey Burton. Celek is a veteran and a traditional tight end, as a solid receiver and the best blocker of the group. He will be the 2nd TE as well as the H-Back in this offense. Burton is a young, pass-catching TE in the mold of Ertz.
Offensive Line -
The left side of the line is young and unproven. Left tackle Bruce Campbell is getting his first opportunity to start; he is a very good pass blocker and has very good strength, though will need to gain experience to refine his skills. Starting at left guard will be second year pro Jamil Douglas, who also lacks experience but has great natural ability and needs to play to get better. He narrowly beats out Tanner Hawkinson, who will be the top backup interior lineman at all three spots, while rookie 3rd round pick Herschel Gaines is someone to watch as a long-term developmental prospect at tackle.
On the other hand, the right side is experienced and proven. Right tackle Lane Johnson is a former first round pick who is in his fourth season and has great all around skills. He's primed to eventually move to the blind side, but right now, he best serves as the right side stud. Andrew Gardner is the right guard and has outstanding run blocking skills.
Defensive Line -
In the middle, Bennie Logan is on the verge of becoming an elite run stuffer at nose tackle. Meanwhile, 3rd year pro Beau Allen will provide depth with minimal dropoff. Both players are keys to soaking up blockers and closing running lanes and they will be tested this year.
Linebacker -
On the outside, they are joined by Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin, both solid run down linebackers and great pass rushers. Graham led the team with 7 sacks last year and forced 2 fumbles. Young second year player Adrian Hubbard was signed to provide immediate help on run downs and has plus athletic ability for the position. Backup Marcus Smith II is yet another young LB who will provide some depth in passing situations.
Cornerback -
Chance Casey will be playing the role of nickel back this season, while youngster JaCorey Shepherd will play in dime situations. Neither played much last season and will be tested by opposing defenses if only because of their youth.
Safety -
Strong safety will be primarily manned by veteran Kenny Phillips. Phillips is a free safety by trade and known as a good athlete and hard hitter. He will get some help from Sean Richardson. Richardson came via free agency from the Packers and had 24 tackles and 3 sacks. It's also possible that the team signs another player to help as well.
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