By Sean Gannon

May 19, 2020

The Eagles were riddled with injuries throughout the entire 2019 campaign especially in the wide receiver position. By Week 17 there top three receivers would all be injured, forcing Carson Wentz to throw to guys like former college quarterback, Greg Ward Jr. Despite the injuries the Eagles were able to finish the regular season 9-7 on a four-game win streak where they beat the Giants twice, Cowboys and Redskins. They would win the NFC East division and a make a playoff appearance.

       The Eagles didn’t have the best offseason, but they made important moves to add depth and solidify positions they were weak in. The Eagles made a splash when they traded for all-pro cornerback Darius Slay in exchange for a 2020 third round and fifth round pick. Slay is a complete corner, not afraid to be physical and can track the top the receiver of any team. In 2019 Slay allowed 55.5% of all passes thrown his way, which is an improvement over Ronald Darby’s 64.2% and Jalen Mills 57.4%. The biggest thing that Slay adds outside of being a top corner, is his ability to teach the young corners already on the roster. Sidney Jones took a big step forward in 2019 and despite only starting in four games, Jones appeared in twelve, in which he only allowed 51.6% of all passes thrown his was completed. While Mills took somewhat of a step back, the team resigned him on a one-year deal, showing that they do believe in his ability, Slay will be able to teach him a few tricks and this secondary should be much improved in 2020.

I didn’t personally love the Eagles draft, I felt like Jalen Reagor was taken higher than he should have been, but with that being said, his skill set is very similar to DeSean Jackson. Jackson should be back and healthy for 2020 but at 33 years old there is only so much left in the tank. The drafted Reagor for two main reasons, the first let him learn under Jackson, and gain all the knowledge he has. They are fast, great on the deep route, can work all three levels and shake defenders with their route running. He can learn so much for Jackson, and when he retires, Reagor can step in and fill the void he would potentially leave. The second reason is for depth. After all the injuries they sustained in this position group last year, the Eagles need to make sure if it happens again, they are prepared. To make sure they’re prepared for any injury they also traded for one of the fastest receivers in Marquise Goodwin. Goodwin had a down year in 2019, in which he accumulated less than 200 receiving yards total. But his speed in the offense combined with the speed of Reagor, Jackson and the size of Alshon Jeffery makes this a difficult offense to try to defend against. They’re going to have fun setting up mismatches built around the speed and size of their receivers.

Doug Pederson is a great head coach and the team is completely behind him. He found a way to rally them last year with all the injuries for a playoff appearance and I have no doubt he’s going to do all he can in 2020 to replicate that. Carson Wentz is a solid quarterback, with a great offensive line and new weapons this offense will find success. Despite releasing linebacker Nigel Bradham and safety Malcom Jenkins, the defense is still well put together. With Fletcher Cox wrecking the inside of offenses, Brandon Graham coming off the edge to get after the quarterback and Darius Slay locking down the backend, this defense can easily stop opposing offenses. With the 8^th easiest strength of schedule, the Eagles have an opportunity to repeat as NFC East champions and make the playoffs yet again. Look out for the Eagles in 2020!