As we watched the divisional round unfold this weekend, it’s tough knowing that the Eagles could still be playing and we wouldn’t be evaluating the season and looking ahead to next season right now. But, when you put it all into perspective it’s very impressive that the Eagles were even able to host that home playoff game nine days ago against New Orleans, especially after winning just four games last season. They won 10 games and the NFC East with two different quarterbacks, a defense that entered the season projected to be one of the worst in the NFL, and most importantly a brand new coaching staff headed by a man right out of the college ranks. Chip Kelly was doubted by many as an NFL head coach. No such cynicism now after the 2013 season.
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| USA Today Sports Nick Foles was exceptional upon winning the starting quarterback job. |
Offensively the Eagles had an outstanding season in 2013 and are in great shape for the future. They appear to have found their franchise quarterback in Nick Foles, and have perhaps the best rushing attack in the NFL. LeSean McCoy won the rushing title this season and figures to win another one in the future if he can stay healthy with Chip Kelly calling the plays and the offensive line of the Eagles opening up holes. Desean Jackson had a strong season, Riley Cooper emerged as a viable secondary receiver, and the Eagles used tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz effectively in the passing game. Not to mention what the possibility of re-signing Jeremy Maclin can bring to an offense that didn’t have him all season.
The defense overachieved in 2013 but there are definitely some bright spots for the future and now it seems like the Eagles need to tie up some loose ends on defense as opposed to bringing in lots of new personnel. Starting up front, down linemen Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, and Cedric Thornton are all young and on the rise. Linebackers Demeco Ryans, Trent Cole, and Connor Barwin bring some experience to the defensive unit and the young linebacker Mychal Kendricks appears to be a real nice find in the second round of the 2012 draft. The secondary is where the Eagles need to improve this offseason. Cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams showed flashes at times and Brandon Boykin certainly looks like a nice nickel corner but there was some inconsistency on behalf of the entire secondary including safeties Patrick Chung and Nate Allen.
I’m not sure how the Eagles plan on addressing these needs as there are an abundance of good corners that are in this upcoming draft and you would have to figure one would be available at 22 when the Eagles pick in the first round. There are a few solid safeties as well in the draft. The Eagles have been linked to Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd who is going to be a free agent this offseason. Byrd played for Chip Kelly at Oregon and would probably be a good fit. In addition to help in the secondary, the Eagles could use a pass rusher who can generate more pressure on quarterbacks as they struggled particularly in the second Dallas game and the playoff game in getting to quarterback.
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| Associated Press Chip Kelly had a lot to smile about during the 2013 season |
While it may seem crazy after the Eagles are just one year removed from a 4-12 season in 2012, they are not far from a Super Bowl. Now of course they need to stay healthy, and they’ll have to get a few good breaks here and there, but if they can make the additions they need to make on defense, we’re looking at a really talented and young football team. The Eagles are back. And they’re here to stay.
Photos:
http://www.zimbio.com/Blogging/articles/hiqSHvWSetr/Nick+Foles+ties+NFL+record+7+TDs+Eagles+roll
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/05/chip-kelly-says-his-approach-to-keeping-players-healthy-is-working/
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/05/chip-kelly-says-his-approach-to-keeping-players-healthy-is-working/
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