It’s been absolutely incredible to see the Eagles players out in practice hitting and getting ready for a season that is creeping up closer to returning. Wentz found success early in day one of practice with Jalen Reagor and praised the rookie:
I asked Carson Wentz about working with @jalenreagor ??
“A lot of fun. He is an explosive athlete. They want to grow and they want to be great. I see that in him and I see an extremely bright future with him. And I’m excited to help him become the player he dreams of being” pic.twitter.com/j8Pmw57fiG
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 18, 2020
Wentz also threw two TD passes to sixth-round pick Quez Watkins in red zone drills.
The absence of Marquise Goodwin gives rookies Watkins and John Hightower their chance to shine in training camp and make the 53-man roster.
Recently, head coach Doug Pederson unveiled his plan for second-year running back Miles Sanders:
Doug Pederson says they have told Miles Sanders
“You’re the guy this season”
Doug says they want to increase Miles reps#Eagles pic.twitter.com/C5S7FdJ6qD
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 17, 2020
DeSean Jackson feels like a new car:
“I feel like the surgery put some more years on these legs! It’s like putting a new engine in a Ferrari. Let’s go win a championship and show these people you’re still a household name. They’re going to see a different #10 this year!”
Oh, and you still have the dynamic tight end duo of Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert.
So how will this new, explosive offense look in 2020? Here are my stat predictions:
Carson Wentz
With Wentz’s new “dad weight”, he should be able to fend off injury this season. For those of you concerned over his 250 lb stature, you just have to look across the state to fellow Pennsylvania QB Ben Roethlisberger. Prior to 2019, Big Ben played in 216 out of a possible 240 games in 15 seasons. His rookie year got off to a late start due to not being the starter to begin the season so if you do not count the first three games, he’s played in 216 out of 237. Sure, 21 games is a lot but 1.4 games missed per year isn’t completely “injury prone”.
Other notable quarterbacks who played at that weight:
- Cam Newton
- Nick Foles
- Joe Flacco
With more muscle and more weapons, we could see a better Carson Wentz than we did in 2017.
Stat predictions:
- 16 games. 5,000 yards. 41 touchdowns. 8 interceptions. 96.7 QB rating. 225 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns.
Yeah I said it.
Miles Sanders
The reigns are off. This is Miles Sanders’ backfield.
After failing to sign an established veteran to add to the running back corps, the Eagles are set to roll with Sanders, Boston Scott, Corey Clement as the top three running backs.
Sanders had a hell of a season in 2019:
While the numbers may never be the same, the skill set is. Sanders one of 7 players ever with 800 rushing/500 receiving yards in 1st year. 4th to also avg 4.5 YPC. 1 of 6 ever to do 800/500/300 kick return yards, 3rd rookie to do so. #Eagles got a weapon https://t.co/kAfnOwP3kP
— Chris Infante (@Infante54) April 14, 2020
Doing that while splitting time with Jordan Howard in the beginning of the season is impressive in itself, but imagine what he can do with a full workload.
Sanders holds the Eagles rookie records for yards from scrimmage, all-purpose yards, and rushing yards. The sky’s the limit for the second year budding superstar.
Stat predictions:
- 275 attempts (17.2 attempts per game). 1,250 yards (78.1 rushing yards per game, 4.55 YPC). 8 TD. 60 receptions (3.75 receptions per game). 650 yards (40.6 receiving yards per game). 5 TD.
Boston Scott
Scott was trusted with a lot of responsibilities in the final four games of the season:
Running backs on a four game or more streak of at least four receptions and three rush attempts:
1. Christian McCaffrey (1148 total yards, 6 TD)
2. Austin Ekeler (651 total yards, 0 TD)
3. @BostonScott2 (350 total yards, 4 TD)
4. Melvin Gordon (317 total yards, 4 TD)— Chris Infante (@Infante54) January 2, 2020
His dual-threat ability, akin to Miles Sanders, allowed Doug Pederson to deploy him in a myriad of roles.
His role shouldn’t change too much in 2020, but with the other sunning backs behind him, he may see fewer snaps.
He could also see snaps with Sanders in the backfield or in the slot. His Sproles-Esque skill set allows for him to be a dangerous weapon for the Eagles.
Stat predictions:
- 80 attempts (5 attempts per game). 336 yards (21 rushing yards per game, 4.2 YPC). 2 TD. 48 receptions (3 receptions per game). 320 receiving yards (20 receiving yards per game). 3 TD.
Check out the wide receivers and tight ends on the next page.
Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
