Philadelphia Eagles: Offensive Preview – Will new weapons explode?
Last season was awful. A rookie may have led the Philadelphia Eagles but it was other issues that ruined their promise.
It began with a suspension to Lane Johnson then injuries, all the way down to dropped balls and awful play calling. As good, as Wentz was his rookie year– things could have gone better. That is why it was just one year.
Wentz now has weapons at his disposal. Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery will replace Doral Beckham-Green and Nelson Agholor. This move gives the offense a chance they never had in 2016.
However, the Eagles not only upgraded their receiving core this offseason, they somehow managed to surprise everyone with the free agent signing of LeGarrette Blount. This move is not big due to Blount’s name but what his contributions could possibly mean.
The Eagles have been in search of a true big body back for years and Blount fits that mold. While with the New England Patriots, Blount ran for 1100 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016. With the Eagles having a great and healthy O-Line for the 2017 season, there is no telling the damage Blount can do.
However, he will not be alone.
The Philadelphia Eagles are still loaded with Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood in the backfield. Each back made solid contributions last season and while reps may be tough to come by with Blount as the lead back, opposing teams should consider both players threats when called upon.
The key to the success of the offense still lies with Wentz and the O-Line.
As great as the Dallas Cowboys line is– that would not be true if they were not healthy. This is the Eagles main concern. In 2016, when the Eagles started the year 3-0, it was due to their offensive line. They started the year as one the league’s top rushing attacks. When the NFL suspended Johnson for 10 games, the offense lost its spunk and leader, which in turn hurt Wentz.
Wentz has the arm and smarts to lead the team, however, he needs help. He threw for 3456 yards, 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a completion percentage of 61. If Frank Reich will open the playbook in 2017 Wentz has a shot at 4500 yard and 30 touchdowns.
Not a bad year for a sophomore offense.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
