With the season set to start on time with or without fans, there’s been a sense of growing optimism on where the Eagles stand among the top contenders in the NFL.
Howie Roseman has done a lot to put this team in a better position than they were last year. He landed one of the top corners in the game in Darius Slay, snagged the speedy Marquise Goodwin for peanuts, and ensured there are weapons at all the necessary spots. While all of the Eagles fanbase will have reasons for optimism or reasons for concern, here are some reasons why I believe you should be looking forward to this season:
The next big star
If Carson Wentz is the king of Philadelphia then that should make Miles Sanders the Prince. Sanders has been working tirelessly this offseason to help propel his game to the next level. Miles had an incredible rookie season. Sanders made history as he surpassed DeSean Jackson’s all-purpose yards rookie record and he was the only rookie in the top 10 of NFL leaders in that same category. While the media crowned Josh Jacobs at the Rookie of the Year, Sanders should’ve been more seriously considered.
It’s not every year where you see a rookie running back with more receiving yards than the whole receiving group. What’s even more exciting is the fact that Sanders wants to get better as not only a running back but as a receiver as well. Sanders recently came out and stated that he wants to be one of the best receiving/rushing threats in the game. Not a bad feat for a player that’s already cracked his way into the top 10 of the league in just his rookie year.
With Jordan Howard now in Miami, it seems like the Eagles will rely heavily on Miles Sanders for the future. It should be very interesting to see how they deploy the backfield with a true RB1 in the stable after injuries had impacted names like Howard and Ajayi. Sanders is ready to step up and carry the position on his back – he proved that last year. It’s time to let the fun begin!
Offensive coordinator by committee
Taylor’s name should cause more excitement than worry. The 32-year-old offensive pass game coordinator/QB coach is one of the young bright minds in the league. Press Taylor has a proven track record, one that you’re not aware of. He led his junior college team to two national titles which paved the way for him to be where he is now. He’s also responsible for bringing one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history to Pederson’s attention – the Philly Special.
Press is definitely a young name to be excited about, especially now that he’s surrounded by great offensive minds. The offensive coordinator position will become a committee effort in 20202, with names like Rich Scangarello and Marty Mornhinweg adding plenty of fuel to the fire, the offense should see a relatively large change over what Mike Groh was able to do.
While being the QB coach over the last two seasons, his QB’s have thrown for 56 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. Not to mention that ability to keep Wentz focused while several players and media members continued to slander him.
Taylor is now joined by senior coaches who have years of experience and all bring something different to the table. This is sure to bring something new to the passing game, especially with the new toys Wentz has at his disposal.
Zoom zoom
This is definitely a reason that you should be excited about the upcoming season – I mean how could it not be? From a healthy DeSean Jackson and Marquise Goodwin, to new faces in Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins, and John Hightower, this isn’t even including last year’s breakout receiver in Greg Ward Jr and the rookie that has more questions than answers in JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Let’s not forget the newly redeemed Alshon Jeffery who, according to Howie Roseman, is looking to show the Eagles that he belongs here.
This position alone will bring all of the news and electricity this season. With so many weapons are their disposal, it’ll be interesting to see how many receivers the Eagles choose to keep on the active roster.
Playing it safe
The Safety position is the counterpart equivalent of the WR position. With Malcolm Jenkins now gone, the Eagles re-signed Rodney McLeod to a one year deal as well as Jalen Mills who will switch positions this season. They also signed the versatile Will Parks to a one-year bargain deal.
K’Von Wallace. Wallace was drafted in the 4th round and was considered by PFF to be the steal of the draft. He may be the most ideal candidate to replace Malcolm Jenkins in the long run and he may even be the focus player of the group alongside Parks and Mills for the 2020 season and beyond. It seems the Eagles have given Schwartz unlimited options at this position as they hope to groom a player to be their next great safety.
Packing a punch
This is one position that fans should be ecstatic about. The Eagles will have a healthy Fletcher Cox to enter the new season and they may have found the perfect pairings for him as well. If you’ve noticed the greatness of Aaron Donald then you must’ve noticed that Donald has always been paired with a player that was always more than good enough. As for Cox, he has struggled to find any familiarity around him due to the injury bug that has haunted his peers for the last few seasons.
The Eagles will get a healthy Malik Jackson back to help against the pass but it’s likely that Jackson will be playing DT3 behind the newly signed Javon Hargrave. Hargrave has been a player that’s gotten better every year since entering the league.
Let’s not forget Hassan Ridgeway who proved he was more than capable of holding his own in this defense last year.
The interesting part about pairing him with Cox is that now offenses will have to pick their poison on who to double while the other will surely make them pay. The Eagles will finally have a healthy DT rotation with the newly built secondary to help buy them time.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
