Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Philadelphia Eagles
By Zac Snyder
For the third year in a row the Detroit Lions host an NFC opponent on Thanksgiving Day. This time they step out of division play with the Philadelphia Eagles set to spend Thanksgiving in Detroit.
To check up on the Eagles as they prepare to report to training camp, I got together with Inside the Iggles editor Anthony DiBona.
Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"I’d give the Philadelphia Eagles a B for their offseason. Head coach Chip Kelly was handed full control of all personnel decisions and wasted little time putting his stamp on the team. He made plenty of controversial decisions such as trading running back LeSean McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso. As well as trading Nick Foles for often injured quarterback Sam Bradford.For the most part, Kelly made the right moves this offseason in terms of addressing the team’s needs. He signed cornerback Byron Maxwell to an expensive but necessary contract. Kelly more than filled the void left by McCoy‘s departure with DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews added to the mix at running back. The only concern regarding the Eagles’ offseason is the situation along the offensive line. Releasing guard Evan Mathis was a huge risk and not adding any young talent via the 2015 NFL Draft could prove costly during the upcoming season."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"While most will go with the team’s first round pick, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, I’m going to go with cornerback Eric Rowe. The competition is wide open at the starting cornerback spot opposite of Byron Maxwell and Rowe has all the tools to be the starter Week 1. It’ll just be a matter of him putting it all together on the field during training camp and preseason action to earn that spot."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"As I mentioned before, it’s the offensive line, specifically at guard. There will be two new starters with journeyman Allen Barbre holding down the left guard spot and an open competition at right guard. In a scheme that stresses guards that can move and block at the second level, it’ll be important for the Eagles to have reliable starters at both guard spots. Chip Kelly certainly seems confident that the team will be fine up front but I’m not buying it just yet."
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"Honestly, if Sam Bradford can stay healthy and hold down the quarterback spot, the sky is the limit for the Eagles in 2015. Yet that likely won’t be the case and once again Kelly could very well be doing a juggling act at quarterback. Another 10-6 season while missing the playoffs would be a major disappointment. The time is now for the Eagles and their season rest on the not so steady knees of Bradford."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"I’ll go the safe route and say it’ll be a toss-up. The Lions likely present one of the league’s best passing attacks and it’ll certainly be a major test for the Eagles’ revamped secondary. But at the same time, the Eagles uptempo offense could cause the Lions’ defense some problems as well. Luckily there won’t be a “snow bowl” this time around and we’re likely looking at a good old fashion shootout in the Motor City."
For more on the Eagles, check out Inside the Iggles.
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