The Philadelphia Eagles have moved from the Chip Kelly era to the new Doug Pederson era. The offseason gave way to a number of changes that shipped out a large number of Chip’s players. What can we expect from the Eagles in 2016?
3 Position Battles To Watch:
- Quarterback: Sam Bradford vs. Chase Daniel vs. Carson Wentz
The Eagles have a serious quarterback triumvirate on their hands. The plan for the moment is for the 2nd overall pick Carson Wentz to sit and learn for year one. That leaves Bradford vs. Daniel to start the season. Bradford likely gets the start but I would not be shocked if Daniel is the guy.
2. Wide Receiver: Nelson Agholor vs. Rueben Randle
Jordan Matthews is slowly becoming the star I anticipated he would become. That leaves the battle above to see who else will start. Agholor made me look silly a year ago when I predicted him to win rookie of the year. He did anything but looking like a bust in the process. Randle on the other hand has done nothing but produce in 4 years with the Giants. Randle probably gets the start with Agholor needing a good camp to prove doubters wrong.
3. Kicker: Cody Parkey vs. Caleb Sturgis
It’s another kicker battle! Parkey missed nearly the entire 2015 season with a groin injury. Sturgis finished the year as the Eagles starter making this a battle to watch.
Ready To Breakout: Mychal Kendricks
Everyone knows Fletcher Cox is the Eagles biggest star but someone else needs to help the big guy out. That could be Kendricks who’s brother Eric is a future superstar with the Vikings. He will now be given the reigns in a new 4-3 defense as the middle linebacker in what should be a breakout season.
Fantasy Sleeper: Ryan Mathews
Mathews is now the starter with DeMarco Murray out of town. Darren Sproles will stay the man on third downs with rookie Wendall Smallwood getting a crack at things as well. Remember Mathews was a former top ten pick by the Chargers and if there is ever a time to live up to it it’s now.
Rookie To Watch: Carson Wentz
This draft was all about Carson Wentz for the Eagles. Wentz showed the tools of a future franchise quarterback and is must see TV during the preseason. (I almost went Jalen Mills who is a corner from LSU)
The 2016 season for Philadelphia is very simple, Waiting for Wentz. I expect the Eagles to stay in the hunt for the NFC East crown but fall short due to the lack of offense. I do expect the defense to be much improved however.
