Articles by Paul Macrie (53)
During Wednesday’s 30-minute press conference, Howie Roseman also stated that Joe Douglas, Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel, will have the responsibility of building the draft board and leading the draft room in April when the draft is held in their backyard, so to speak.
It appears the Eagles has its long-term solution at quarterback in Carson Wentz, but there is simply not enough talent and depth on the roster to say right now that this team is “close” to being a playoff contender. The next three-to-four months will determine whether the front office can make the necessary additions and changes to put this team in a position to succeed.
Schwartz has ultimately failed to produce consistent results in his first year as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. He might have passed the first phase of the test this season, but there were two other parts of the examination. The good news for him is that he has another shot at this test next season, but there might not be another chance after that.
For the third consecutive season, Week 17 will provide no meaning for the Eagles. Even though the Cowboys will be headed to the playoffs, they have nothing at stake this week either. It will be a bonafide preseason-type atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field on New Year’s Day.
The Eagles have a short week of game preparation, as they play on Thursday night against the division rival New York Giants. Can Philadelphia avoid being embarrassed on Thursday Night Football — a night where there has been plenty of tough-to-watch football games in 2016?
Last Sunday, Fletcher Cox played his best game in months with 1.5 sacks, four total tackles and several knockdowns of Kirk Cousins. In Week 13 against the Bengals, a lack of effort from several players was a concern. Cox was one of the names getting attention. He responded in a huge way last week.
The current statistics don’t tell the entire story with Carson Wentz. Yes, the rookie quarterback has had his expected ups and down this season. But in last Sunday’s game against the Redskins, he put together one of his best performances of the season. The great effort didn’t equate in a win, but it should remind doubters that the North Dakota State product remains the franchise quarterback for years to come.
Last Sunday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Eagles will look to sign impending free agent DeSean Jackson in the offseason. It makes sense. The team is in desperate need of wide receiver help. However, a reunion with the speedy wide receiver, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2008, isn’t the answer.
At one point this season, the Eagles were playing defense at a near elite level. The dominating defensive performances against the Steelers, Vikings and Falcons, in particular, seem like it was many months ago. After three straight underwhelming efforts from the unit, the decline can be described as dramatic.
With five games remaining, three at home, now it is time to see if the Eagles will play with pride as many are performing on the field for jobs in 2017 or if they will unravel.