As we move on throughout the NFC East, we now go to Philly to check on the Eagles.
Eagles fans were certainly angry at that 4-11-1 season last year and demanded change. They indeed got change. Drastic change.
Doug Pederson was shown the door, Carson Wentz got traded to the Colts, Alshon Jeffery and Malik Jackson were let go, and the team decided to turn to their young guys on offense, led by Jalen Hurts. Leading the charge is new head coach Nick Sirianni, who spent the last three seasons as the Colts’ offensive coordinator.
Although Joe Flacco was brought to the team, this is Hurts’ team. Hurts has shown the ability to run and showed promise when passing. However, he completed just 52% of his throws, and it’s hard to tell why, whether it be his own shortcomings or the Eagles’ weak receiving core or that he was playing behind an O-line marred by injuries. Now he has to develop to be a solid starter behind OC Shane Steichen, who helped Justin Herbert win OROY last season.
The Eagles’ receivers had the third-worst yards in the NFL last season, at 2,082. There is hope for them to rebound from that, as DeVonta Smith is their primary source of hope. He has the quickness to get open. Jalen Reagor had 31 receptions and had just one touchdown, although he averaged 12.8 yards per reception. Travis Fulgham looked like a steal for a moment, but he slumped in the latter half of last season. He still managed 14.2 yards per reception. Greg Ward is still a reliable slot receiver. Dallas Goedert emerged as the team’s top tight end, with 104 receptions and 8 touchdowns the last two season.
Miles Sanders, despite missing four games, still finished with 867 yards and is due for a 1,000-yard season. Boston Scott is a nice “passing back” option, as he had 25 receptions out of the backfield.
The O-line, however, was ravaged with injuries to where the Eagles used an NFL-record 14 different starting combinations in 16 games. Jason Kelce was the only one who remained consistently healthy last season, and he remains as a tough and smart O-lineman and a great leader.
The Eagles are hoping that Lane Johnson stays healthy and doesn’t get bothered by ankle troubles, and they need Brandon Brooks to be fully healthy from a torn Achilles that cost him his 2020 season. Isaac Seumalo has that left guard spot locked up, but what is uncertain is left tackle. Andre Dillard is returning from the torn biceps he suffered before last season and should do battle with Jordan Mailata for the starting spot.
Out goes Jim Schwartz, in comes Jonathan Gannon at defensive coordinator. He is tasked with improving a defensive unit that finished 19th in total defense and was susceptible against the run (125.8 yards per game allowed).
Fletcher Cox is coming off his 6th consecutive Pro Bowl season where he registered 6.5 sacks and forced at least one fumble for the 7th straight season. Although he will turn 31 in December, he still has gas left in the tank. Javon Hargrave is a solid complement to Cox on the inside.
Brandon Graham registered at least 8 sacks in the past four seasons, including in 2020, and he is a solid run stopper. Even if he is 33, he is still playing at a high level. That same level of confidence cannot be said for Derek Barnett, who hasn’t really displayed the kind of production that warrants his 1st round status. Despite his 5.5 sacks last season, he has yet to play a full season.
They added Eric Wilson to the linebacking core on a one-year deal. He broke out in 2020 with 122 tackles and three picks after Anthony Barr went down with an injury. He will play alongside another 2020 breakout linebacker in Alex Singleton, who had 120 tackles last season. It’s not decided who the other starter will be, whether it be Genard Avery or TJ Edwards, who have rotational value.
The Eagles signed Darius Slay last offseason to be a shutdown corner, but he only managed one pick and allowed a 76.7 completion percentage. Steven Nelson was brought in to start opposite him after having two solid seasons with the Steelers. Avonte Maddox has shown potential in 2019, where he had 10 passes defensed in six starts. Zech McPhearson has potential to help in the slot as well. Rodney McLeod returns for a 6th season in Philly. Anthony Harris was brought in to fill in the free safety position after a career-high 104 tackles and seven passes defensed in 2020.
The main reason the Eagles stayed alive last season was because the NFC East was a walking meme. Don’t expect much of the same this season if the Cowboys’ Dak Prescott stays healthy throughout the season.
Smith is an intriguing addition to the team, but if the O-line cannot stay healthy, then he may not have much of an impact. It’s going to fall to Hurts and Sanders to carry the load with their legs.
The defense isn’t entirely awful, but if the front four can’t rack up the sack machine, they can be vulnerable in the passing game. There are also depth concerns throughout the roster.
Schedule
Week 1: @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, September 12, 1:00 PM on FOX
Here, we get our first showdown between DeVonta Smith and Kyle Pitts to kick off the season. Although Matt Ryan has superior weapons on offense, including Calvin Ridley, the Eagles pull off the upset because Hurts is fast with his legs and the Eagles have a vastly superior defense.
Week 1 score: Eagles 37, Falcons 31
Week 2: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, September 19, 1:00 PM on FOX
The 49ers don’t match up that well against the Eagles, but they have a much better all-around team and a better front seven on defense. Plus, they still have an experienced quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. This game should be closer than most people anticipate it to be, but the 49ers still prevail here.
Week 2 score: 49ers 24, Eagles 20
Week 3: @ Dallas Cowboys (MNF)
Monday, September 27, 8:15 PM on ESPN
Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys have high-scoring games like these. Them having these kinds of games throughout the season is not out of the question. Here, Dak Prescott overwhelms the Eagles’ secondary for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns to lead his team to victory.
Week 3 score: Cowboys 38, Eagles 20
Week 4: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, October 3, 1:00 PM on CBS
No contest here. Never doubt Patrick Mahomes and co., especially on the road. Because a road loss to an inferior opponent for them is simply not happening. Keep dreaming, Philly, Hurts isn’t winning a head-to-head matchup with Mahomes.
Week 4 score: Chiefs 34, Eagles 23
Week 5: @ Carolina Panthers
Sunday, October 10, 1:00 PM on FOX
The fact that the Panthers have the best running back in the league gives them a fighting chance against the Eagles’ sturdy defensive line. However, this all comes down to who makes the fewer mistakes between Hurts and Sam Darnold. That is one tough question, but even though Hurts is a dual-threat QB, he lacks the weapons that the Panthers have.
Week 5 score: Panthers 28, Eagles 16
Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (TNF)
Thursday, October 14, 8:20 PM on FOX
A low-scoring battle wouldn’t be a surprise here. Cox can collapse a pocket and can knock Tom Brady off his feet at times. The Buccaneers run a vertical passing game that takes time to develop, and it is difficult to execute against the Eagles’ front seven. The Eagles could possibly put up a fight, but the Bucs defense will find ways to shut down the Eagles offense as the passing game develops. All in all, it’s hard not to see the Bucs not winning by a one score games.
Week 6 score: Buccaneers 27, Eagles 13
Week 7: @ Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday, October 24, 4:05 PM on FOX
Expect lots of shootouts with the Raiders this season. That is emphasizes further by their defense being mostly unproven young talent and replacement level veterans. The Eagles should have no trouble on establishing the run against them, leading to a win in the Sin City.
Week 7 score: Eagles 38, Raiders 30
Week 8: @ Detroit Lions
Sunday, October 31, 1:00 PM on FOX
When your best quarterback on your team is Jared Goff, you have a serious problem. He was terrible on a Rams team that boasted the best defense in the league in 2020, and now he is in an even worse situation in Detroit where the only weapons he has are D’Andre Swift and TJ Hockenson. He is facing an Eagles team with a strong front seven, and that screams trouble if his O-line doesn’t hold up. That won’t matter since the Eagles will put this one away by the 3rd quarter.
Week 8 score: Eagles 31, Lions 16
Week 9: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Sunday, November 7, 4:05 PM on CBS
The Chargers look to be one of the new playoff teams this season with Justin Herbert entering his second season as their starting QB. He can thrive in any situation, even when he had a patchwork offensive line in his rookie season. As long as he plays to his fullest potential, he will neutralize the Eagles’ biggest strength and lead his team to a convincing win.
Week 9 score: Chargers 31, Eagles 21
Week 10: @ Denver Broncos
Sunday, November 14, 4:25 PM on CBS
There are a few teams in the NFL that don’t have a starting quarterback figured out, and the Broncos are one of those teams. Whoever is under center for them is likely going to collapse under the pressure of keeping pace with the AFC West, and the Eagles’ defense, especially the front seven, should give their O-line a hard time to pull off an upset victory.
Week 10 score: Eagles 27, Broncos 24
Week 11: vs. New Orleans Saints
Sunday, November 21, 1:00 PM on FOX
We all know what happened the last time these two teams met. However, Jameis Winston, who threw 30 touchdowns and 30 picks in his last season as a full-time starter, should have his career turned around thanks to the wonders of Pete Carmichael Jr. and Sean Payton. Although Hurts shows promise, he is still a work in progress. Assuming that Winston has fixed his decision-making problems, expect the results to be different this time around.
Week 11 score: Saints 24, Eagles 20
Week 12: @ New York Giants
Sunday, November 28, 1:00 PM on FOX
There is a lot of pressure on both sides on how they will fare in 2021. The Giants still have many question marks on their offensive line, which will be tested by the Eagles’ front seven. However, the Giants boast a top 10 defense. It’s a lot to ask for Hurts to go into the Meadowlands and win more than one NFC East game with the way the Eagles are right now.
Week 12 score: Giants 24, Eagles 22
Week 13: @ New York Jets
Sunday, December 5, 1:00 PM on CBS
Robert Saleh will throw all that he can at Hurts to confuse the young QB. Here’s the problem for the first-year head coach: His team doesn’t have enough talent defensively to stop most opponents, and the only good defensive players he has on his team are Quinnen Williams and Marcus Maye. It’s going to be a long season for his team, and Zach Wilson is bound to face tons of pressure against the Eagles’ front seven.
Week 13 score: Eagles 23, Jets 17
Week 14: BYE WEEK
Week 15: vs. Washington Football Team
Either Saturday, December 18 or Sunday, December 19, time and network TBD
As long as Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t get too greedy and gets on his gunslinger habits that cost him his starting opportunities, this Washington offense could be a prolific one. The Football Team also has one of the better defenses in the league, and this could mean trouble for the Eagles.
Week 15 score: Washington 20, Eagles 6
Week 16: vs. New York Giants
Sunday, December 26, 1:00 PM on FOX
Daniel Jones has been a turnover-prone QB ever since he entered the NFL. He is entering his 3rd season, and if he doesn’t deliver for the Giants, chances are that he will be replaced. As he is facing an Eagles team with a solid defensive line at Philly, chances are that the Eagles can capitalize on that to send the Giants walking with an L.
Week 16 score: Eagles 27, Giants 19
Week 17: @ Washington Football Team
Sunday, January 2, 1:00 PM on FOX
It doesn’t really matter where this matchup is being played. Washington is the defending NFC East champion for one reason: Their defense. It’s a top 5, arguably top 3, unit in the NFL. Although The Eagles’ O-line is going to be better this season after all the injuries that happened in 2020, it’s not enough to take out the Football Team in the nation’s capital.
Week 17 score: Washington 23, Eagles 9
Week 18: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, January 9, 1:00 PM on FOX
The Cowboys are likely making the playoffs by this point, while the Eagles are going to be watching them from their couch. Although the Eagles will do all they can to lead their team to a win, the Cowboys want to have a higher seed here, so they may be opting not to rest their starters. If Dak Prescott plays like how he was doing last season, then this leads to a Cowboys win.
Week 18 score: Cowboys 27, Eagles 20
Final Record Prediction: 6-11
Projected Starters
Offense
QB: Jalen Hurts
RB: Miles Sanders
WR: DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor/Travis Fulgham, Greg Ward Jr.
TE: Dallas Goedert
OL: Andre Dillard/Jordan Mailata (LT), Isaac Seumalo (LG), Jason Kelce (C), Brandon Brooks (RG), Lane Johnson (RT)
Defense
DE: Brandon Graham (LE), Derek Barnett (RE)
DT: Javon Hargrave (LDT), Fletcher Cox (RDT)
LB: Alex Singleton (WLB), Eric Wilson (MLB), Genard Avery/TJ Edwards (SLB)
CB: Darius Slay Jr. (LCB), Steven Nelson (RCB)
S: Rodney McLeod Jr. (SS), Anthony Harris (FS)
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