Since drafting Carson Wentz back in 2016, consistency has been a major issue for the Philadelphia Eagles offense.
For 10 years, Donovan McNabb played at a Hall of Fame level, then Michael Vick took over from 2011 until 2013, then it was a revolving door until Wentz took the helm.
Even though inconsistencies were aplenty, the Eagles did win a Super Bowl in 2017, but that offensive outburst––led by Nick Foles––seems like more of an anomaly than many would admit. Wentz has always had stability with Zach Ertz at tight end, but the injury-riddled DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery, along with the drop-prone Nelson Agohlor has been Wentz’ top targets.
It’s been even more paper-thin at running back, as their rushing leader last season was Miles Sanders––and he didn’t even crack 900 yards.
The Eagles have done something that the Packers have done to Aaron Rodgers: not provide much help for their quarterback.
It is super imperative that, for Doug Pederson to succeed and turning mediocrity to consistent success, that they surround Wentz with either more receiving help, or a stable running back to ease the pressure. The Eagles have attempted to get that receiving help via the draft and trade, sending over some late-round picks to Kyle Shanahan’s San Fransisco 49ers in exchange for speedy wideout Marquise Goodwin. The 29-year-old has a career average of 16.6 yards in part due to his great speed which can certainly ease some pressure from Carson Wentz even if he isn’t a star.
They also drafted Jalen Reagor out of TSU with the 21st pick. Reagor, 21, is 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash and had a 42-inch vertical jump. He is fast and agile, but will he turn into a number one threat? Time will tell.
With all the questions, should the Eagles try to improve via strengthening another position? They have a 50-50 shot at this recovering group turning out to its full potential, but their running game has no shot at being top 15 or even top 20.
There is a player in the AFC South who is up for a trade and could do wonders for improving the Eagles’ running back situation.
The fourth pick in the 2017 draft to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Leonard Fournette, has had his injuries but has been top-notch since coming into the league. The 6-foot, 227-pound 25-year-old has played 36 of 48 possible games and has accumulated 2,631 yards on 666 attempts, with 17 touchdowns, and only two fumbles.
The Eagles would immediately boast a top-five offense with an addition like that. Couple that with their already intriguing defense, and they can change that 9-7 record to something reminiscent of their 2017 season––possibly better.
One Response
This is an intriguing fit!