Philadelphia Eagles 2014 Team Preview and Predictions

The start of football season is getting nearer and the NFL frenzy is about to get more intense. We take an early look at every team’s offseason activities, training camp news, as well as 2014 team previews. Read on for everything you need to know about the Philadelphia Eagles and check out our New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys pieces for other NFC East previews.

The Philadelphia Eagles finished last season at the top of the NFC East, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2010. They ultimately came up short against the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round, but the improvement of the Eagles, particularly on offense, has given fans optimism that the Eagles will build on their 2013 success.
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Philadelphia Eagles Team Preview for the 2014/2015 NFL Season

Offseason Update (8/5/2014)

Former New York Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez has emerged as the frontrunner for the backup QB position to Nick Foles this coming season as he has edged past Matt Barkley in terms of practice reps during the team’s training camp. Sanchez and Barkley both have looked sharp but the Eagles invested a lot of money, $4 million to be exact, back in March in the sixth-year veteran and it is highly doubtful that he will spend his time on the bench as the third QB in the team.

[sc:NFL240banner ]With the departure of wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who was an integral part of their offense last season, head coach Chip Kelly has been busy at training camp designing new plays as part of his arsenal this coming campaign. One of the interesting developments has been the involvement of running backs LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles in the Eagles’ passing game as they try to utilize the pass-catching abilities of the two.

The Eagles, though, suffered a big blow as they will miss the services of offensive tackle Lane Johnson for the first four games of the season due to suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Kelly will have to make do with journeyman Allen Barbre before the 2013 fourth overall pick returns. Fortunately for Kelly, there are no such problems on the defensive end with Malcolm Jenkins proving to be a great investment for the Eagles at the safety position.

Overview

2013 Regular Season Record: 10-6 SU/8-7-1 ATS

The Philadelphia Eagles enjoyed a tremendous first season under former Orgeon head coach Chip Kelly. Hired to replace longtime Eagles boss Andy Reid and revive a franchise coming off a horrendous 4-12 SU season in 2012, Kelly did just that. He led the Eagles to an impressive 10-6 record, which was good enough to grab their first division title since 2010.

One of Kelly’s big hits in his first year was to place Nick Foles as starting quarterback over Michael Vick. With the output Foles produced, Kelly’s decision proved to be the right one. In ten games as starter, Foles posted an 8-2 record with 2,891 yards on 203-for-317 passing (64%) for 27 touchdowns, two interceptions and a league-best 119.2 QB rating.

Kelly’s up-tempo, wide-open offense saw the Eagles dominate offensive stats across the league. The Eagles were the best rushing team in the league, averaging 160.4 yards per game thanks in large part to Kelly’s up-tempo style. They were also ninth in the passing yards area with a 256.9 yard per game average.

With their 2013 lineup just about intact this season, expect the Eagles to continue where they left off and build on their impressive run so far. Philadelphia is a +115 favorite to retain its NFC East title.

Offseason Highlights

The biggest news concerning the Eagles this past offseason was the release of star wide receiver DeSean Jackson, just two years after he signed a five-year contract extension with the club.

Though some have speculated that the Eagles cut the 27-year old Jackson because of his gang ties, something that the Eagles have vehemently denied, the fact of the matter is Jackson was one of the key reasons why the Eagles had such a potent offense last season.

Jackson posted career-best numbers of 1,332 receiving yards in 82 receptions but Chip Kelly and the rest of the Eagles coaching staff remain confident that the Eagles will flourish without Jackson.

Part of that confidence stems from the fact that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is returning to the team after missing the entire 2013 season with a torn ACL. Before suffering that knee injury, Maclin was one of the Eagles’ best and most consistent wide receivers. With Jackson gone, the Eagles will need Maclin to return to pre-injury form which saw him average 65 catches and 6.5 touchdowns in his first four seasons.

The Eagles also signed veteran wide receiver Riley Cooper to an extension deal worth $25 million over five years after he posted career-high numbers of 835 receiving yards on 47 receptions with eight touchdowns. With the addition of Eagles rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews as well, Chip Kelly is adamant that there are plenty of options for Nick Foles.

Kelly also addressed some defensive concerns, signing free agent safety Malcolm Jenkins from the New Orleans Saints. Jenkins’ ability to cover fast wide receivers and intercept passes, as well as deliver the big hit if necessary, will allow the Eagle cornerbacks to take more chances and will provide a big boost to the Eagles’ pass defense which ranked last in the league last year.

Key Betting Matchups of 2014 NFL Season

The Eagles returned to the playoffs last season with an impressive 10-6 record that helped them top the NFC East. Though they lost to the Saints in the wildcard playoff, they are expected to improve even further under the guidance of their second year coach Chip Kelly and are listed at 9.0 for their season win totals line.

Their path back to the playoffs will be tested particularly by these two games:

November 27 – @ Dallas Cowboys

For the sixth time in its history, and the first since 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles will take part in the NFL’s Thanksgiving Day festivities as they travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in a nationally-televised divisional showdown.

December 7 – vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Eagles will have a better understanding of where they stand in the league’s power rankings when they host the defending champions Seattle Seahawks in December, as Nick Foles takes on Russell Wilson for the first time in a meeting of two of the league’s best young quarterbacks.

Writer’s Prediction

The Eagles will once again dominate the NFC East and finish the division on top with a 10-6 slate, going over their total wins line of 9.0. Create a betting account now to see if you can predict where the Eagles will finish in the NFC East.
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