NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
Philadelphia Eagles
, NFC East
The 2017 season will be year two of the Carson Wentz Show, and he showed last season that he has the ability to be a franchise quarterback. Despite having no true WR1 on the roster, Wentz hung in there, making all 16 starts for the Birds. The team went out and added some quality weapons around him this offseason, and it starts with two playmakers who should help out immensely in the passing game.
Wentz’s No. 1 target from last year, Jordan Matthews, was traded to the Buffalo Bills this offseason. Standing atop the wide receiver depth chart in 2017 are Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, two guys who can really stretch the field. Having them in the fold should help Wentz take the next step this season, and Eagles fans should be very excited about the franchise with him under center.
The running back position, however, is a bit cloudy, as a big free agent signing may not even make the team. LeGarrette Blount led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season, but he is in danger of being cut by the Eagles. The Eagles already released Ryan Mathews, and Wendell Smallwood is still not healthy, so the question is, who is going to tote the rock.
In exchange for Matthews, the Eagles got Ronald Darby from the Bills, and he has already proven to be a solid pickup. Rookie Derek Barnett broke Reggie White’s sack record during his time at Tennessee, and has shown flashes of brilliance this Summer. The NFC East is going to be loaded this season, but the Eagles have the talent to hang with any of the other three teams.