It seems as if this very moment was written in the stars for the Eagles this season. The team started the season on the ropes and has battled back ever since. In week 1, the Eagles came back to defeat the Redskins after trailing for most of the first half. That was the last game we ever saw with both Jeffery and Jackson as the two top receivers.
Since then it’s been a shuffle as to who will be playing. Jeffery has been in and out with lingering injuries, Jackson hasn’t really played since week 1, and Agholor, well, Nelly has been Nelly. So what’s the worst that could happen now?
Well, all three of the Eagles top receivers are injured. Alshon and DeSean are both on IR and Agholor may be taking a trip there soon. Who would’ve thought that the second time the Eagles play the Redskins, with the NFC East on the line, their entire team would look different?
When the Eagles started their season, they were the 3rd oldest team in the league. Now, they’re the 17th oldest with an average age of 23.3 years old. But it may just be a blessing in disguise if you really think about it. Wentz and the old guys were struggling to get it done, they just had no juice.
Now, Wentz and the kids have Philly singing a different tune. The “new kids on the block” might be the juice that this team has needed all along. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they’re going to be all-pros by season end; instead, I’m saying that they’re going to help revitalize Wentz and Pederson.
The playcalling is going to change. Let’s face it, Ertz is the only dynamic threat out there and he’ll be doubled for the majority of the game. So what is Wentz forced to do? Be Carson Wentz. That my friends is what has been missing all season.
The world saw a glimpse of it as Wentz led his team back from a 17-3 deficit to win on Monday Night Football. He was loose, he was getting rid of the ball quickly, and there wasn’t much hesitation in doing so either. This youth movement could be the remedy for this offense.
No one knows what to expect and that’s perfectly fine. You need teams to guess about your players while, inconspicuously, you do the same. It’s the perfect advantage to have. No one knows what to expect from J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward JR., and Robert Davis. Defenses may just get a little cocky and underestimate these young receivers, it’s very possible.
One thing is for sure, while this youth movement has been forced on to the Eagles offense by injuries. It’s become exactly what Pederson and company need. It’s also exactly what Wentz needs to rekindle is magic.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
