2015 NFL Preview: Eagles look to soar again after roster shakeup
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Philadelphia Eagles
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 10-6 | 2nd in NFC East/6th in NFC |
The Eagles entered 2014 with high expectations after getting knocked out of the playoffs by the New Orleans Saints a year earlier. They started the season off strong by winning five of their first six games and had one of the NFL's best special teams units, scoring a league-high seven touchdowns. But a late-season collapse saw the team finish just shy of a playoff berth at 10-6.
Highlight of 2014
Running back Darren Sproles plows his way through several Indianapolis Colts defenders and into the end zone to tie the score at 20-20. The Eagles went on to win the game 30-27.
Preseason Power Ranking - #12
The Eagles are reportedly discussing a short-term contract extension with Sam Bradford, suggesting they like what they've seen from him at training camp so far. Nick Foles' stats were impressive, but his play was frequently subpar. It can't be overstated what a boost in quarterback efficiency could mean for Chip Kelly's offense. More...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Chip Kelly
Off. Coordinator: Pat Shurmur
Def. Coordinator: Bill Davis
Chip Kelly had some wondering whether he had gone crazy with all the moves he made this offseason, but through it all, one thing became clear: this team is all his.
The Eagles lost one of their top wide receivers for the second year in a row, but there is a lot of hype surrounding Jordan Matthews and Nelson Agholor. Factoring in the talent Philadelphia has at running back and tight end, the offense should have no problem putting up points this season.
Key Additions
- QB Sam Bradford
- QB Tim Tebow
- RB DeMarco Murray
- RB Ryan Mathews
- WR Nelson Agholor (1st round)
- CB Byron Maxwell
- S Walter Thurmond
- LB Kiko Alonso
Key Departures
- QB Nick Foles
- RB LeSean McCoy
- WR Jeremy Maclin
- CB Bradley Fletcher
- CB Cary Williams
- S Nate Allen
- LB Casey Matthews
- LB Trent Cole
Kelly shook things up in a big way this offseason, trading Nick Foles to the St. Louis Rams for the oft-injured Sam Bradford and shipping the franchise's all-time leading rusher, LeSean McCoy, off to Buffalo for one of his former Oregon Ducks players, Kiko Alonso.
The Eagles also added two talented and proven running backs in DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, and boosted their secondary with the additions of Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond, both of whom come with Super Bowl experience.
Bold Predictions
Zach Ertz will lead team with 12+ touchdown catches. The Eagles' high-powered offense will be looking for a red zone target to lean on at the goal line, and Zach Ertz should be in for a breakout year as a result. His yardage total may not rival that of the league's top tight ends, but putting points on the board is far more important. - Dan Wilkins
The Eagles will not attempt an extra point during the 2015 season. There's only one head coach stubborn enough and in love with his own genius enough to try this concept. That coach is Chip Kelly. Tim Tebow will be trotted out after every touchdown to the delight of ESPN and NFL Network. - Joe Thomson
Ryan Mathews will lead the Eagles in rushing yards. The Eagles made DeMarco Murray the highest-paid running back in free agency, but Murray's body is teetering at the edge of a breakdown following his absurd 449 touches in 2014. Mathews is a very capable player and will make the most of the opportunity to run behind the best offensive line he's ever seen. - David P. Woods