No football season goes without obstacles to overcome. The Eagles will certainly face their fair share.
Coming off a successful first season under Chip Kelly, the Eagles will face a difficult schedule and many other challenges.
Here are five challenges the Eagles will have overcome during the season that could cause concern.
Wide Receivers: Between two rookie receivers and a veteran coming off major knee surgery, the Eagles are relying heavily on three players that need to prove they can play. The rookies obviously have a lot to prove. But Jeremy Maclin is the real wildcard. After such a serious injury, he’ll be kept under a magnifying glass. The Eagles may rely on tight ends and running backs for the offense, but the receivers will make or break success.
Foles second year: Nick Foles isn’t a franchise quarterback. That’s what some people think. The best response to comments like that for Foles will come on the field. His first season as Eagles starter was nearly flawless. Over 16 games, he won’t be able to completely repeat that success, but coming close should take care of the doubters. That said, the scale can tilt either way. Foles controls his own destiny. The Eagles have to hope it’s a positive one.
Safeties: This was a clear weakness for the Eagles in 2013 and the only difference in personnel is the exit of Patrick Chung and the entrance of Malcolm Jenkins. So far, it appears to be an upgrade. But against the top-notch offenses, this will be the most crucial position. The Eagles simply can’t have the lapses they did in the secondary this season. Is Jenkins enough to change their fortune? It remains a burning question entering the season.
Injuries: The Eagles are already walking a dangerous line in terms of injuries. The depth appears to be good at quarterback, with Mark Sanchez ready should anything happen to Foles. But if Maclin or LeSean McCoy go down, the Eagles lose a key component to the offense. The entire roster has depth, but at some positions, the Eagles can’t afford to lose any player.
Kicker: For now, the problem seems to be solved. Cody Parkey swiped the roster spot from Alex Henery with two field goals over 50 yards. It was impressive. But at some point, Parkey will miss. And when he does, the questions facing the position will surface again. Parkey’s resilience will be a key, but ultimately, can the Eagles get to the playoffs and win a game that comes down to the leg of the kicker? That is the real concern.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
