Over the next ten days we will be counting down the top 10 players who could well send the Eagles to the Superbowl..or at least an NFC Championship if they have a breakout season..in our opinion.
Kicking things off at number ten is Wide Receiver Jordan Matthews. The 22 year old will once again go into the season without the teams leading receiver now Jeremy Maclin has reunited with Andy Reid in Kansas. With DeSean Jackson leaving the year before, Philly has seen an abundance of top flight receivers leave, giving the next generation of Eagles some mighty big boots to fill.
Matthews was somewhat quiet in the early stages of the season when Foles was commanding the offense. But once the NFL record setter fell injured and Mark Sanchez took the reigns, the rookie began to show a lot of promise. Finishing second on the team with 67 receptions, 872 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns, his partnership with Sanchez whom with he spent the opening games practicing tirelessly was evident as the chemistry was reflected in his stats. His breakout performance came against the Panthers when he caught two touchdowns on seven receptions for 138 yards.
Currently, the Eagles lack both depth and superstar quality at wide receiver with Matthews and Cooper joining Miles Austin, Josh Huff, Jeff Maehl and Seyi Ajirotutu.
All his production came out of the slot last year, but Chip Kelly was insistent about keeping the rookie on the inside. How did Matthews respond? By setting a franchise record for receptions by a rookie wide receiver, just 40 less than DeSean Jackson.
If he does move outside permanently, Matthews would be facing much faster corners than what he is used to in the slot, and it would be a big jump since he would have to prove he can get off the start line quickly and efficiently. But if Matthews can do this, he has the potential to build on what was a fantastic first season. Whilst he may not be a superstar name or a player people would associate with replacing Maclin, he has the potential, speed and confidence to slip under the radar, fill the void and become a reliable option for the new Eagles Quarterback..keep your eyes on Jordan Matthews this season.
