As
the NFL offseason is in full swing, it’s a perfect opportunity to evaluate
where each team was in 2017, and where they plan to go in the New Year. Let’s
begin the review of the Philadelphia Eagles.
2017 Season Recap:
Coming off a 7-9 season in 2016, the Philadelphia
Eagles expected a lot more going into their 2017 campaign. With second year
quarterback Carson Wentz showing good progression from his rookie year, it was
clear the Eagles brain trust would do almost anything to provide adequate
weapons for him to succeed. Philly general manager Howie Roseman instantly got
to work adding key talent and depth to make this team look extremely impressive
on paper. Understanding the production at wide receiver was a clear issue,
Roseman recruited former Chicago Bears standout Alshon Jeffery and former 49er
and Raven speedster Torrey Smith to join the team. Rounding out the offensive
line with difference makers – Stefen Wisniewski, Chance Warmack were signed to
help solidify a line that would have to protect the young pivot for this
offense to excel. Reuniting former Eagle Nick Foles to stand as the clear
backup for the club was a move Roseman thought would be great for insurance
purposes, and boy was he right. Also realizing appropriate depth at the running
back position was needed, Roseman signed former Patriots battering ram LeGarrette
Blount and undrafted - overlooked prospect Corey Clement to the fold. With all
these new toys on the roster, former Eagles draft pick Jordan Matthews services
became expendable. Orchestrating a trade with the Buffalo Bills Roseman sent
Matthews packing receiving young up and comer Ronald Darby to help solidify the
back end of the defense. Quite the impressive start to the 2017 year as
expectations began to rise further.
As the season kicked off, Philly walked into FedEx
Field and ran all over the Redskins with a great foreshadow of what this team
could potentially be in 2017. Dropping a very competitive contest in week 2
verses the Kansas City Chiefs provided the naysayers ammunition to criticize
the team and how they are built. Coach Peterson rallied his troops early on to
build a formula that would be sustainable from that point forward exploiting
the talents they had on the roster. With a 1-1 record going into week three,
the Eagles went on a tear where they would overcome any obstacle faced in
putting together a fantastic winning streak that could carry them into the
postseason. From week 3 to week 12, Philadelphia gained confidence and swagger
to be victories in their next nine contests. Within that streak the Eagles were
able to beat the Giants, Chargers, Cardinals, Panthers, Redskins, 49ers, the
Broncos, Cowboys, and the Bears, very impressive! During their winning ways and
foreseeing the potential of a playoff run, GM Roseman pulled off a trade at the
dead-line to further bolster the running back depth getting Jay Ajayi from the
Dolphins.
Holding a record of 10-1 entering week 13, the
Eagles had a slight hiccup losing to the Seahawks rather miserably in early
December. Licking their wounds, Philly traveled to Los Angeles to face off
against the Rams in what was the game-of-the-week. Excitement filled the
stadium as both teams went back and forth putting on a show scoring a whopping
78 points combined to ultimately see the Eagles come out on top. While the
Eagles were able to win the contest, concern overshadowed their joy as a late
Carson Wentz scramble diving for the endzone saw his leg swing awkwardly between
two defenders. Having still thrown a touchdown pass after feeling the effects
of the play, Wentz was removed from the game to evaluate his knee. Fear had
grown from media speculation that Wentz tore his ACL and would potentially be
done for the year. All fears were realized the following day, as confirmation
proved Carson Wentz was in fact done for the year.
Having no choice but to roll with experienced backup
quarterback Nick Foles, the coaching staff banned together providing a gleaming
endorsement that the Eagles would be fine with Foles behind center. Making
quick work of the rest of the regular season, Philly finished the year with a
record of 13-3 securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs. As the
divisional round approached, the Eagles where set to take on last years Super
Bowl runner up in the Atlanta Falcons. Understanding the difficult task at
hand, the Eagles defense showed up in great form stifling the Falcons from
producing any offense while Nick Foles executed enough in the second half to
win the game 15-10. Heading back to the NFC championship, the Eagles had a
difficult matchup on paper against the best defense in the NFL in the Minnesota
Vikings. Having come out of the gates with an extreme attacking game-plan,
Philadelphia made quick work of the Vikings routing them in the most lopsided
contest of the postseason defeating them 38-07 - on the strength of Nick Foles
350-yard 3 touchdown performance.
Entering the Super Bowl, the temperature outside was frigid, but the Eagles turned the heat up
catching fire inside U.S. Bank Stadium! On the largest stage in football, the
Eagles marched in with their heads high, filled with confidence not letting the
pressure over take them. Coming into Super Bowl 52 the Eagles were again pegged
the underdog against the seemingly unbeatable New England Patriots. What we
witnessed that night could be anointed one of the greatest Super Bowls of all
time. The offense was plenty, as both teams knew they had to match blow for
blow like a heavy weight boxing match leaving both fighters bloody and
exhausted. The entire night was magical, filled with big play after big play
until the final throw sealed the contest. With one last gasp, Tom Brady evaded
a three man pass rush, threw a prayer Hail Mary to the endzone, as in the eyes
of the Philly faithful stayed in the air for what seemed like an eternity. To
the jubilation of the Eagles Nation – the ball hit the ground and the
Philadelphia Eagles become SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS for the first
time in Franchise history. What a season by the Eagles as they overcame the
largest obstacle in losing their franchise quarterback while still finding a
way to be victorious in the biggest game becoming the league champion.
2018 Offseason Workbook:
Offseason Review:
With
the season ending exactly how the Eagles brain trust had hoped, the inevitable
review of how to sustain this type of success would be the next challenge on
the books. Coach Peterson had to have known his coaching staff would be picked
apart as winning programs usually become front runners to assisting failing
teams in recreating their systems. Biggest name to note that was pilfered off
the Eagles staff was offensive coordinator Frank Reich. Once Josh McDaniels
chose to resend his agreement with the Colts, Frank Reich became the benefactor
and was offered the position which he gladly accepted. Doug Peterson eventually
promoted wide receivers coach (Mike Groh) to take over the duties as offensive
coordinator.
Reviewing
the offense, what the Eagles have put together is easy to see how they were
able to be champions of the NFL. Starting with the offensive line, the Eagles
possess a solid unit that gelled together at the right time stopping any pass
rush and providing gaping holes for their running backs to gallop through. What
was more surprising was the fact that all this was completed without all star
tackle Jason Peters as he was lost to injury during the season. The running
back core preformed extremely well forming a three-headed monster that most
teams couldn’t stop. The receiving core stepped up their level of play
especially when speaking of slot receiver Nelson Agholor. Having his best
season as a pro, Nelson was able to find room exploiting defense’s in most games
he played. Zach Ertz was another player that raised the bar in terms of his
performance as he was putting up career numbers and surly would’ve achieved
those new heights had he not lost two games to injury. Offensively they
produced numbers in the top ten in most categories with exception to passing
yards where they finished the season ranked 13th overall. With the
concern of Carson Wentz’s knee injury, some have made claim that he might not
be ready come back week one of the 2018 season. Keeping Nick Foles as insurance
once again could bode well for this team if they choose to not rush the young
potential super star in hopes to protect him for the long haul of his NFL
career. When reviewing the receiving core, ADF is of the opinion that Philly
requires a true number one threat as Alshon Jeffery would be better utilized as
a supportive receiver that would deem unstoppable provided he had someone pull
coverage away from his side. Work could still be done to improve this core.
Defensively,
the Eagles were a much-improved unit from a year ago as Coach Jim Schwartz had
them playing at their absolute best. Housing a fantastic front four and a solid
front seven, the Eagles were able to shut down their opponents run attack on a
weekly basis with getting pressure on the quarterbacks. Earning the team a +11
turnover differential, Philly was able to generate a healthy 14 fumbles and 19
interceptions this season. Housing statistics in the top five in all categories
with exception to one (passing defense), showed the NFL that they meant
business. If we wanted to poke holes on this unit, it would undoubtedly roll to
the side of the secondary and the depth at line backer. While Nigel Bradham and
Mychal Kendricks form a viable tandem with athleticism and ability, the cupboards
remain somewhat bare if one was forced to miss time. The secondary was much
improved but still lacks the overall shutdown corner that would help create
scheme creativity with not having to provide a safety on one side of the field.
Malcolm Jenkins is a true quarterback on the defensive side as the skill he
provides allows his defensive backs more freedom to jump routes and take
chances. The front four with the depth they possess, the Eagles still house a
unit that would rival any in the NFL. With that said, the rich continue to gain
more wealth as general manager Howie Roseman started his offseason with a bang
– trading for former Seattle Seahawk defensive lineman Michael Bennett. Adding
Bennett to the fold just increased the ability and depth of this defensive line
making them potentially the best in all of football. Just thinking about
Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett and now Michael Bennett on the same
line rushing quarterbacks – its quite scary and impressive.
Rostered Free Agents:
With
the recent trade for Bennett, the Eagles find themselves in cap difficulty to
say the least. Currently sitting 10 million over the cap, and a decent listing
of free agents to contend with, Roseman is tasked with keeping this unit intact
while adding depth in the correct places. Notable names residing on their free
agent list include: Darren Sproles, Nigel Bradham, Trey Burton, LeGarrette
Blount, and Patrick Robinson. Roseman has already confirmed that back up tight
end Trey Burton has already rejected a contract offer and chosen to test the
free agent market where he expects to hit gold. With Darren Sproles coming off
a season ending injury looks to be on the path to return as he contemplated
retirement but is looking for redemption before he hangs up his cleats. Sproles
should be on the watch list for Roseman to receive another contract. Nigel
Bradham has more than likely priced his way out of town and should be playing
for another team coming off the market day one. LeGarrette Blount is an interesting
player that may not make it back to Philly as Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement look
to have sealed their roles and are under contract for the upcoming season.
Blount may get snubbed once again after showing his value and helping take a
team over the top.
As
mentioned, the Eagles are above the cap by 10 million dollars and will need to
cut players or adjust contracts to get back in the positive. With the
acquisition of Michael Bennett, Vinny Curry looks to be an instant cut
candidate as he would create 5 million in cap space upon his release. Rumor has
it that the Eagles have approached tackle Jason Peters to entertain a pay cut
as his 10.6-million-dollar salary takes up 5.4% of their current cap space, we
shall see if he bites. Tight end Brent Celek would save the Eagles 4 million
making him another prime cut candidate. While Brandon Graham is a fixture on
this team, he is another player that would fall into the renegotiation platform
as he currently makes 8 million against the cap and could help the team to sign
a deal with a more favorable contract. Outside of those moves, many depth
players could help get Philadelphia under the cap but shouldn’t make them big
players on March 14th.
NFL Draft:
Holding
only six picks in the upcoming draft, Philly is without their 2nd
round pick, their 3rd round pick, and their 7th round
pick. Throughout all the trading from the past season and the start of this
offseason, they have accumulated two 4th round and two 5th
round selections to round out their board. With the potential of losing key
talent to the free agent market, the draft would’ve been a viable spot to
replenish those roster spots, but the lack of ammunition could make that a
difficult task. With no glaring holes other than line backer (if Bradham walks),
Philly could virtually employ the same team as they did a season ago with an
upgrade on the defensive line (Michael Bennett). Depth players should fill this
draft class for the Eagles.
Overall for 2018:
Being
a Super Bowl Champion is a fantastic achievement that will stay with the team
for the life of their franchise. Howie Roseman has done a wonderful job
building this club to this point but has the incredible task of keeping it
together for long sustainable success. The saving grace for this team is that
franchise quarterback Carson Wentz still resides under his rookie contract
allowing the Eagles to push for a second title without having to commit big
dollars to the most important position. This team is extremely well coached and
benefits from a scheme that’s conducive to never letting off the gas and having
that killer instinct to take over games. ADF fully expects the Eagles to
contend in the new year even with some critical change over on the roster.
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