Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the Philadelphia Eagles.
2014 in a nutshell: Chip Kelly’s offense once again ranks near the top of the league, but the O endures some killer injuries, quarterback Nick Foles comes crashing back to earth, they lead the NFL in turnovers and the defense ranks 28th. Despite that, they still win 10 games but fall just short of the playoffs anyway.
Why 2015 could be different: Foles has been replaced by former No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford. They also parted with top receiver Jeremy Maclin, stud guard Evan Mathis and star back LeSean McCoy while they also adding reigning offensive player of the year DeMarco Murray, running back Ryan Mathews and corner Byron Maxwell.
Major additions: Bradford, Murray, Mathews, Tim Tebow, Maxwell, Kiko Alonso and rookies Nelson Agholor and Eric Rowe.
Major losses: Maclin, McCoy, Trent Cole and defensive backs Nate Allen, Bradley Fletcher, Brandon Boykin and Cary Williams.
Breakout watch: Second-year receiver Jordan Matthews has star written all over him and will have a big chance to get there now that Maclin and DeSean Jackson are gone. Also keep an eye on right tackle Lane Johnson, a No. 4 overall pick from 2013.
Position to watch: At corner, they’re replacing Williams, Fletcher and Boykin with Maxwell, Rowe and whoever else steps up. Quite bold from Kelly and Co. It’ll also be fun to see how they juggle Murray, Mathews and Darren Sproles in the backfield.
Prediction: If Bradford can stay healthy, the offense should still be very good. But that’s a huge if, and they’re just not as good on paper as Dallas or the Giants. Let’s go with 8-8.
