Five biggest questions for the Eagles heading into Week 1
By Simon Williams
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off of an extremely impressive preseason in which they averaged an astronomical 33.3 points per game. Although it was the preseason, the Eagles still blew the doors off of three of their four opponents. Coming into Week 1, look for the Eagles to continue their hot streak offensively against a mediocre Atlanta Falcons defense. There are several question marks heading into Week 1 however, specifically several injury concerns. Here are the 5 biggest questions:
1. Can Sam Bradford stay healthy for all 16 games?
This is the million dollar question for Eagles fans and coaching staff alike. Bradford shined in limited preseason action and looked very efficient, particularly in the Green Bay game where he went 10-10 with 3 TDs through the air. If Bradford can stay healthy for the entire season, the Eagles will have a very solid shot at the NFC East crown and could make a deep run in the playoffs. That is obviously a big if, one that will have fans holding their breath every time Bradford takes a hit. Look for Bradford to play a majority of the games, potentially missing a few leading to QB Mark Sanchez seeing some game action.
2. How will Chip Kelly use his stable of running backs?
This is another question that pertains to the health of some of the Eagles star players. Will RB DeMarco Murray remain healthy for all 16 games this year? Following an astounding 449 touches in 2014, it will be fascinating to see how Murray will hold up in 2015. With RB's Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles in the fold, Murray will obviously not see nearly as big of a workload so he should be afforded every opportunity to hold up for the duration of the season. Murray, much like Bradford has a checkered past as far as injury is concerned, so it will still be something to watch.
3. How Chip Kelly spread the ball to his receivers?
Former No. 1 WR Jeremy Maclin was targeted 143 times in 2014 and was by far the Eagles most productive WR hauling in 85 balls for more than 1,300 yards. Kelly will look to rely on 2 second year receivers in Jordan Matthews and Josh Huffto help shoulder the load. 3rd year TE Zach Ertz will also look to take a big step in the Eagles offense and become a versatile weapon for Kelly. The most intriguing option coming into 2015 is Eagles 1st round draft pick Nelson Agholor who looks to make an immediate impact. Kelly has been known to ease his rookies into live game action, but with Agholor impressing in the preseason coupled with the need for pass catchers in this explosive offense, look for Kelly to get Agholor involved early and often. This will be an extremely fun group to watch.
4. How much has the Eagles secondary actually improved?
The Eagles secondary was atrocious in 2014 ranking 31 out of 32 teams in passing yards allowed. Naturally, Kelly shook up the position group in a big way this offseason. With the acquisitions of CB Byron Maxwell and S Walter Thurmond, the Eagles automatically improved from a year ago with a secondary that featured CBs Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher. The Eagles feature three new starters in the secondary as well as the addition of 2nd round pick CB Eric Rowe into that mix. Rowe struggled at times on the outside and in the nickel in the preseason. For that reason, the position still remains in flux. Starting CB Nolan Carroll stated today that he expects to shift over to nickel when the Eagles switch to that package, but it remains to be seen who will play outside when that happens. Week 1 packages will go a long way in helping the fans see how the Eagles will look in the secondary.
5. How will the guards fair on the Eagles new look offensive line?
With the departures of LG and RG Todd Herremans and Evan Mathis, the Eagles will feature two new starters on an exceptionally talented offensive line. With incumbent starters LT Jason Peters, C Jason Kelce and RT Lane Johnson, Allen Barbre and Andrew Gardner will look to slide into the two remaining guard spots and look to flourish out of the gate. It remains to be seen how these two will fair in the Eagles fast-paced offense, but all signs point to what should be a dominant group once again.
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