While the Philadelphia Eagles managed to record a winning record and win the NFC East in 2019 to reach the playoffs, in the end, the Birds came up well short of their preseason Super Bowl hopes. Sure, they were riddled with injuries to several of their core performers, but that wasn’t the only cause for their postseason coming to an abrupt halt a year ago.
Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LV Odds & Analysis After Draft
Now, as they get set for the upcoming 2020 NFL regular season, the Eagles have some renewed hopes of flying high, even if they’re not quite expected to be Super Bowl contenders at the moment. Will the 2017 Super Bowl champs fly high while exceeding expectations or should football fans and betting enthusiasts expect a more modest campaign out of Philadelphia? Following free agency and the recently completed 2020 NFL Draft, let’s find out how the upcoming season could go for the Eagles.
Eagles Offense AnalysisPhilly went 9-7 to win the ‘NFC Least’ over Dallas by one game while going 7-9 ATS. The Birds were solid, if not outstanding on offense in finishing the 2019 campaign ranked 14th in total offense, 11th in passing, 11th in rushing and 12th in scoring by putting up 24.1 points per contest.
To address their needs on the offensive side of the ball, Philadelphia re-signed veteran quarterback Nate Sudfeld and running back Corey Clement in free agency before pulling off a pair of head-scratching moves in the NFL draft. First, the Birds bypassed higher-rated receivers like Justin Jefferson and Tee Higgins in favor of TCU wideout Jalen Reagor. Philly then picked Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round although they had needs at other positions and just signed franchise quarterback Carson Wentz to a four-year deal worth $128 million. The Eagles also selected Auburn guard Jack Driscoll in the fourth round, Boise State wide receiver John Hightower in the fifth round, Southern Miss wide receiver Quez Watkins and Auburn tackle Prince Tega Wanogho, both, in the sixth round.
Eagles Defense AnalysisThe Birds were an uneven bunch of defense as they finished the 2019 season ranked 10th in total defense, but 19th against the pass, a stellar third against the run and 15th in points allowed (22.1 ppg). To improve their defense, Philly re-signed defensive back Jalen Mills to a one-year deal while also signing safety Rodney McLeod, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway, linebacker Jatavis Brown, safety Will Parks and cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman in free agency.
Philadelphia then selected Colorado outside linebacker Davion Taylor in the third round, Clemson safety K’Von Wallace in the fourth round, Temple linebacker Shaun Bradley in the sixth round and Stanford tackle Casey Toohill in the seventh and final round.
Philadelphia 2020 OutlookMaybe it’s me, but I’m going on record right now to say that Philly really blew it in the NFL draft by passing up on Justin Jefferson while picking a quarterback in Jalen Hurts that will almost assuredly be ready to start somewhere inside of the next season or two at the most. I do like the vast majority of veterans they brought in via free agency, but the fact of the matter s that Dallas had a far better draft and looks like a far more dangerous team long before the 2020 regular season gets underway.
While it’s possible Philly could fly high this coming campaign, I think expectations should be tempered because the Birds look like a nine-win team at best, no matter how hard I try to envision them becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Expect nine wins from the Birds in 20202 and 10 at most!
