Detroit Lions 2016 Opponent Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Checking in on the Philadelphia Eagles, the Detroit Lions’ week five opponent for the 2016 NFL season, with Chuck Booth of Section 215.

After starting their 2016 season with three of the first four games on the road, the Detroit Lions return home in week five to face the Philadelphia Eagles for the first three-straight games at home.

To check in on the Philadelphia Eagles, I got together with Section 215’s Chuck Booth. My questions followed by his answers are below.

1. How would you assess the Eagles’ offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?

The first step of the offseason was washing away the bad taste from the Chip Kelly era and Howie Roseman accomplished that with some shrewd deals to net the team some draft picks. The Eagles then had a decent draft that hopefully netted the team a franchise quarterback in Carson Wentz. The Eagles were also active in free agency adding Brandon Brooks, Leodis McKelvin, Nigel Bradham, Ron Brooks and Rodney McLeod.

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The Addition of McLeod is one that especially excites me because the Eagles already had one strong safety in Malcolm Jenkins and adding McLeod will help him immensely. Since McLeod is very strong in coverage it can free up McLeod on blitzes and allow him to be a free roamer in Jim Schwartz’s defense.

The best thing that the Eagles did during this offseason is double down on their own. With the offseason deals that were made, Fletcher Cox, Lane Johnson, Zach Ertz, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Carson Wentz, and Mychal Kendricks all signed to 2020 and beyond. It may have cost a lot of money but that’s a good core to build around. With the right additions in the future, that’s a core that could feasibly lead the Eagles to a super bowl sooner rather than later.

2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2016 and why?

The obvious answer should be Carson Wentz but since he’s not expected to be active during most games I’ll have to say, Wendall Smallwood. Smallwood was the Eagles 5th round draft pick out of West Virginia. Smallwood led the Big 12 with 1,519 yards on the ground in 2015 and if he brings that to the Eagles in 2015 he could turn into something special for the birds. Also with their great run blocking offensive line the Eagles should be able to open holes for Smallwood to succeed.

3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?

Are the wide receivers and running backs good enough?

While the Eagles have a good collection of players at both positions but no true top options that will scare teams. While Jordan Matthews is coming into his own he’s better suited as a slot option than a true number one that will take the top off of a defense. Chris Givens is the only deep threat receiver on the team and he’s an unreliable option.

At running back the Eagles have Ryan Matthews, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner and Wendell Smallwood. While Matthews is a good starting option, his injury history is concerning and if he goes down the Eagles could be in trouble.

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4. What are your expectations for the Eagles in 2016?

Most people expect the team to finish at the bottom of the NFC East in 2016 and I just don’t see it. While the team isn’t very good, the NFC East is a weak division so they could easily win it by finishing 8-8. The Eagles were able to finish 7-9 last season with one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Bringing in former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz will do wonders for the defense so if the team can have an average offense again they could probably win nine games.

I’d set that as the bar to clear but I wouldn’t be disappointed to see them fall short if the team shows progress as a whole. If players like Zach Ertz can take steps forward and realize their star potential the team could be set up very well for their true window during the 2018 season.

5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up for the Eagles?

Currently, I’d mark the game as a toss up. While the Eagles aren’t a very strong team they will put up a fight in all of their games. Their defense also matches up well with the Lions offense with Calvin Johnson out of the picture. It could end up as a shoot out but the birds have a fighting chance.

Next: Checking in on the Chicago Bears

For more on the Eagles and the rest of the Philadelphia sports scene, check out Section 215.

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