The Eagles ended their Rollercoaster campaign in perfect fashion yesterday, defeating their bitter rivals on home turf. Although the game didn’t hold any playoff implications, it was still an important opportunity for many. But who made the most of their final opportunity to impress the Eagles Front Office..and who didn’t?
Winners:
Zach Ertz:
It’s been a long time coming, but the franchise TE finally burst free of his chains in explosive fashion. Ertz received for 139 yards and 2 touchdowns in the final game of the year, highlighting just how dangerous he can be. Although the game was meaningless, the argument that Ertz has been battling injury all year can be made..and when forced to rely on the TE, it’s clear that the growing chemistry between Wentz and Ertz will be a massive factor in years to come.
Byron Marshall:
With the Eagles backfield uncertain and a lack of depth on the day, this was Marshall’s chance to prove to the Eagles brass that he has what it takes to emerge as a reliable back. Rushing for 42-yards and leading the Birds in carries was certainly a good impression to make.
Marshall flashed once again on Sunday, just as he did against the Ravens. If the Eagles are going to move on from Ryan Mathews this offseason, Byron Marshall has done more than throw his name into the mix when looking at how to handle the current backfield situation.
Jordan Hicks:
Hicks has shone in every meeting against the Cowboys..but his brightest performance came in Week 17. With TWO interceptions and enough tackles to lead the team yet again, it’s clear that the second year linebacker is an integral part of the Eagles Defense.
Not only has he managed to stay healthy this season, shattering former concerns, but he’s also been able to emerge as a leader of the Jim Schwartz unit. Hicks is one of the most exciting talents on the roster and he proved that again yesterday.
Marcus Smith:
The future of the former first round pick is uncertain..and he needed a big day against the Cowboys in order to create any kind of leverage, showing that he can still grow into the shoes we all hoped he would fill.
Smith was able to get a notable sack on Sunday as well as two tackles. It wasn’t the most explosive breakout in Eagles history..but when evaluating depth at the DE position, it may just swing his name back into the conversation.
Losers:
Nelson Agholor:
The Eagles receiving corps has been among the most criticized units in the NFC this season and is sure to be shaken up during the offseason. With that in mind, it was imperative that Nelson Agholor, who has had his fair share of battles in 2016, fought his way to end on a high.
Leaving the game in the first half with an Ankle injury was not something he anticipated. The second-year receiver has struggled with several issues this season and missing an opportunity such as this could have large consequences when it comes to depth chart placing.
Nolan Carroll:
It was reported earlier this week that Nolan Carroll’s Agent is currently in the early stages of negotiating a new deal for the Eagles cornerback. A big game here would have certainly helped his leverage, but instead, Carroll racked up his seventh (and league leading) Pass Interference call this year, as well as giving up several big plays.
Cornerback is a huge hole on the Eagles roster that could only grow in size depending on how Roseman negotiates his way through Free Agency. Carroll doesn’t have much in the way of breathing room when it comes to negotiating a long-term deal..and that final game may have hampered it even more.
Mychal Kendricks:
The Eagles linebacker has been silent all season, falling in a very lightly filled linebacker corps after some preseason struggles. Stephen Tulloch, who has played less than 6% of snaps this season, played over Kendricks this weekend..which does not bode well for his future.
Nigel Bradham only amassed one tackle and Tulloch two, but the fact that Kendricks wasn’t played in a game where the Eagles were supposed to be focusing on development and youth, speaks volumes.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
