Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Philadelphia Eagles
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
NFC Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | LA | SF | SEA
Philadelphia Eagles
| 2015 Record | 2015 Finish |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | 2nd in NFC East |
Coaching Staff
Head coach: Doug Pederson
Offensive coordinator: Frank Reich
Defensive coordinator: Jim Schwartz
Key Additions
- QB Carson Wentz (1st round)
- HC Doug Pederson
- S Rodney McLeod
- G Brandon Brooks
- LB Nigel Bradham
- CB Leodis McKelvin
- QB Chase Daniel
- WR Dorial Green-Beckham
- CB Ron Brooks
- G Isaac Seumalo (3rd round)
- WR Rueben Randle
Key Departures
- QB Sam Bradford
- HC Chip Kelly
- RB DeMarco Murray
- CB Byron Maxwell
- LB Kiko Alonso
- S Walter Thurmond
- DE Cedric Thornton
- OT Dennis Allen
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Projected Starting Lineup
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| WR | Jordan Matthews |
| WR | Nelson Agholor |
| WR | Josh Huff |
| LT | Jason Peters |
| LG | Isaac Seumalo (R) |
| C | Jason Kelce |
| RG | Brandon Brooks |
| RT | Allen Barbre* |
| TE | Zach Ertz |
| QB | Carson Wentz* |
| RB | Ryan Mathews |
*Barbre replaces Lane Johnson, who is reportedly facing a 10-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
*If Wentz is not healthy by Week 1, Chase Daniel will start at quarterback
| Position | Starter |
|---|---|
| DE | Vinny Curry |
| DT | Fletcher Cox |
| DT | Bennie Logan |
| DE | Connor Barwin |
| OLB | Nigel Bradham |
| ILB | Jordan Hicks |
| OLB | Mychal Kendricks |
| CB | Leodis McKelvin |
| S | Rodney McLeod |
| S | Malcolm Jenkins |
| CB | Ron Brooks |
Questions to Answer
- How will Wentz fare as the surprise starter in his rookie season?
- Is Kelly's mess too big to clean up?
- Can the defense play well enough under Jim Schwartz to carry Wentz as he learns the ropes?
Best-case Scenario
Wentz's preseason injury heals up quick and he stays positive in the transition from FCS college ball to the big leagues. Each running back finds a groove and fills a specific role as they split time and touches. Schwartz leads the defense to be among the league's best with his patented pass-rushing schemes, and Fletcher Cox leads the league is sacks. The NFC disappoints as a whole, and the Eagles slip into the wild-card round with a 9-7 record before being bounced.
Worst-case Scenario
Wentz struggles to catch up with the speed of the pro game and takes hit after hit with Lane Johnson serving a 10-game suspension. The Eagles regret starting their rookie, and put Chase Daniel in to stop the bleeding. The offense can't find a rhythm, and the defense is forced to play close to 40 minutes a game, equating to frustration and injuries. The team settles for a 4-12 record and get a high pick, which Eagles fans will inevitably boo when the city hosts the 2017 draft.