Philadelphia Eagles Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021NFC Preview 2021NFC East Preview 2021NFCNFC EastPhiladelphia Eagles

Sep 3

In compiling our Philadelphia Eagles preview 2021, we note that last season the team that won the 2017 Super Bowl finished last in the NFC East. It was quite a fall from grace, as the team that had made the playoffs 19-of-21 prior seasons, spiraled downward. They have a new starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, a new coach, Nick Sirianni, and 14-of-22 new coordinators/assistants. In other words, the Philadelphia Eagles are officially rebuilding. Don’t expect much this season from the Eagles.

Eagles Offense

Quarterback Carson Wentz was traded to Indianapolis in March. Jalen Hurts, who came to the Eagles in 2020 and started four games, takes over. Last season, Hurts completed 52.0 percent of his passes, tossing six TDs and four INTs. Hurts also ran for 354 yards, averaging 5.6 YPA and scoring three times. Hurts needs to work on his passing accuracy and run less. Sage veteran quarterback Joe Flacco backs up. Last season, the offensive line suffered numerous injuries, as they used 14 different combinations. That’s the most in NFL history. If they stay healthy, this will be one of the top lines in the league. Jason Kelce, one of the best centers in the NFL, anchors a veteran group that includes right guard Brandon Brooks and right tackle Lane Johnson. Together, the trio has combined for 347 starts and 10 Pro-Bowl invites. Additionally, left guard Isaac Seumalo is a skilled lineman. Plus, this unit has even more talent and depth.

In 2020, the receiving group underperformed. It’s hoped that rookie first-round draft pick DeVonta Smith (Alabama) will be able to upgrade the unit. In college, he attracted TD passes like a magnet. Slot receiver Greg Ward Jr. is sure-handed and dependable. Last season, he led the Eagles in receptions, third-down grabs, and TD catches. Wideout Jalen Reagor, who missed five games last season due to injury, and tight end Dallas Goedert should both benefit from the arrival of rookie Smith. With three years of pro experience, Miles Sanders returns to anchor Philadelphia’s running game. Sanders, a dual threat who last season averaged 5.3 YPA and scored six times, saw his receiving game fall off. If he can rebound, that will also help the passing game. Rookie running back Kenny Gainwell (Memphis) is another dual threat.

Philadelphia Eagles Preview – Defense

Our Philadelphia Eagles preview 2021 finds that the line is the strongest part of this defense. In 2020, edge rusher and veteran D-end Brandon Graham led the team with eight sacks. But his production fell off halfway through the season. At 33 years old, he can still bring it. Six-time Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox, who’s 30, is a solid player. However, the tackle is aging out. Look for tackle Javon Hargrave to hassle QBs and stop RBs. If end Derek Barnett, who’s missed 18 games in the past three seasons, can stay healthy, he’ll be a force.

The linebacking unit and secondary are both thin. Free-agent OLB Eric Wilson, who totaled 122 tackles with the Vikings last season, arrives to upgrade the group. Alex Singleton, OLB who led Philadelphia with 116 tackles, returns. MLB T.J. Edwards lacks cover-speed but is a fine first- and second-down defender. After those three, there’s little depth. In 2020, the Eagle secondary had the fifth-worse opponent passer rating. Corner Darius Slay came to Philly last year in a trade. He’s got talent and skills. However, Slay is inconsistent. Various players will battle for the second corner spot. Free-agent safety Anthony Harris joins the team. In 2019, as a Viking, he led the NFL with six picks. At 31 years old, Rodney McLeod, who’s rehabbed from an ACL tear, will take on the second safety spot. This backfield unit is questionable to say the least.

Philadelphia Eagles Special Teams

Long snapper Rick Lovato is reliable. After signing a five-year, $20 million contract prior to the 2020 season, kicker Jake Elliot suffered from inconsistency. He needs to get back on track in 2021. Punter Cam Johnson was not retained. Former Auburn punter Arryn Siposs, who spent the majority of last season on the Detroit practice squad, replaces Johnson. Greg Ward Jr. and Jalen Reagor will likely bring back punts and/or kicks.