Let’s strike reality before we get to state facts and possibilities for this Eagles team.
THE CARSON WENTZ ERA
Carson Wentz was selected 2nd overall by the Eagles in the 2016 draft at the time viewed as the Eagles’ future. In his rookie season, the team finished 7-9 while Wentz threw for 16 TDs and 14 INTs, not the ideal rookie season.
His sophomore season was his claim to fame, well maybe not claim to fame but beat showcase to date. He leads the team to 11-2 before his injury finishing with 33 TDS to 7 INTs in just 13 games. A torn ACL is what shot Wentz down that season, despite that the Eagles held glory as Nick Foles propelled the Eagles to Super Bowl glory.
And while Wentz wasn’t throwing lasers in February he put the Eagles in the best possible position he could that season. From that point on injuries seemed to rattle Wentz and while he never exactly had a horrible season he never regained that season’s magic and the Eagles eventually cut ties with Carson. His jersey color changed but his injuries didn’t. However, this Eagles Article is not about Carson Wentz. But as a side note, Carson Wentz was the replacement for Philip Rivers, or at least was supposed to be
Jim Irsay stated that the Carson Wentz era if you call it was a mistake on the Colts particularly pointing to the team’s 26-11 collapse to the putrid Jaguars with a trip to the playoffs on the line at the end of the season. Wentz signed with the Commanders this off-season and will look for another chance to rewrite the script, he’ll have Terry McLaurin at his side.
JALEN HURTS INBOUND
The post-Carson Wentz era Eagles drafted current QB Jalen Hurts in the second round. In his rookie season hurts only started 4 games and 15 this past season his first office as a starter. Jalen had over 3000 yds 16 TDS and 9 interceptions. He lead the Eagles to the playoffs where they were put six feet deep against Brady and the Bucs. What is the expectation for a young quarterback everyone can’t be Joe Burrow / Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen?
NO TARGETS? IN COMES AJ BROWN
While everyone is quick to point fingers at a quarterback’s poor performance, Jalen Hurt’s performance wasn’t necessarily poor, a large factor was the fact the Eagles have been wide receiver deprived for years. The addition of jumping the Giants in the draft and getting Devonta Smith has been a great addition and Dallas Godert has performed every chance he has gotten.
Hurts also rushed for nearly 809 yds last season. And even stronger. After trading with the Titans the team acquired tier 1 receiver AJ Brown and in case you missed his highlight reels over the years as a lifelong Titans fan myself I can validate he has been one of the best wideouts in the league.
OFF-SEASON UPGRADES
Key off-season additional for the Eagles includes solid draft picks. The signing of Jason Reddick, Zach Pascal who looks to revive his once stellar ways from the Colts.
As it stands the Eagles have the 2nd best-ranked offensive line in the league only behind the Browns. The Eagles have the 5th best defensive line in the league also ranked top 5
POOR SECONDARY
One of the primary problems for the Eagles last season was pass defense they weren’t able to cover as necessary and opposing teams converted on 3rd down 72% of the time
The Eagles relied heavily on the run game which wasn’t bad but deep in the red zone Jalen Hurts struggled. He needs to show he can be a better passer. No arm for slingshots like Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford but with the edition of elite wideout Aj Brown, AJ is certainly capable of catching a 10 yd slant and taking it 50 yds for a TD.
SO NOW?
Like I always say in the event of injury or poor performance backing up hurts will be Gardner Minshew and despite some solid moments on the Jags and the adoption of mustache magic which to be clear his mustache is league-best not viewed as a leader-esque quarterback so the Eagles fans will cross fingers that hurts can remain in full health. In the chaotic event because it has happened before that both go down the Eagles will have Reid Sinett who has never once thrown a ball in the NFL.
TO PHILLY AND BEYOND
But let’s avoid all that, let the Eagles fans cheer on to fly Eagles Fly, let Aj Brown shred the turf ripping towards the end zone for 6, let the lines at Pat’s and Geno’s cheesesteaks flood, let the Liberty Bell continue to remain immortal, and last but not least let Jalen Hurts rise to the occasion, because if not it’ll be back to the drawing board in the City of Brotherly Love something the Eagles are all too familiar with.