5 breakout stars to watch for Philadelphia Eagles in 2020

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 05: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside #19 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 29: Avonte Maddox #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 29, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

3. CB Avonte Maddox

While the Eagles have been a playoff team the past three years and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and his unit has had a big hand in the club’s successes, the Birds have had their issues when it comes to the secondary. Injuries and inefficiency at the cornerback position have had an effect on this club.

Keep in mind that Doug Pederson’s team won an NFL championship despite the fact that New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady threw for a Super Bowl record 505 yards and three scores in a losing effort.

In 2019, Philadelphia ranked 19th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. Pederson’s squad allowed 27 scores through the air and picked off only 11 passes. This offseason, the franchise opted to move on from veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins (who returned to the Saints as a free agent). And oft-injured cornerback Ronald Darby wound up signing with the rival Washington Redskins.

Things should be much better with the acquisition of Darius Slay via a trade with the Lions. And perhaps the three-time Pro Bowler can give two-year performer Avonte Maddox a little guidance. In his brief career, the 2018 fourth-round pick comes off a ’19 regular season in which he made only 12 appearances. And despite not totaling an interception, he tied for second on the club was 10 passes defensed. The third year could be pretty charming for the 24-year-old pro.

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