One of yesterday’s Eagles links was a post by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell titled “NFL teams most likely to decline in 2017.” The Eagles weren’t on the list, but I decided to include it because the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys did make the cut.
That’s because Barnwell put the Eagles in the “NFL teams most likely to improve in 2017” post. Barnwell writes that no other team has a better “stat-nerd case” than the Birds:
Advanced metrics suggest Doug Pederson's team was already playoff-caliber last season; the Eagles finished fourth in DVOA (just ahead of the Steelers) and had the sixth-best point differential in the NFC, which should have been enough to push them into a wild-card spot.
Instead, the Eagles became one of five teams in 2016 to post a losing record despite a positive point differential, which is a particularly weird feat because it hadn't happened once in the league across either of the previous two campaigns.
Eagles fans are sure hoping that the Eagles’ record catches up to those advanced metrics this season, which would likely mean a playoff spot for the Birds.
Eagles news and coverage at PhillyVoice
There was a whole bunch of Eagles content on Tuesday. Let’s get right to it.
1. Practice notes: The Eagles running backs had a good day at training camp during the live scrimmage portion, in particular, Wendell Smallwood. On the other hand…
2. Burnt toast: I have no idea of the Eagles are going to get better at cornerback, but they flat out need to upgrade at that position.
3. Enemy territory: How about the Cowboys fan that showed up at Eagles training camp with a Dez Bryant jersey on?
4. “No ego”: Derek Barnett hasn’t particularly stood out in camp yet, but the Eagles’ first-round draft pick has drawn praise for everything he is doing to improve.
5. Stepping up: The corners have been admittedly pretty poor so far, but if Marcus Johnson is going to keep making a couple of big plays every day, he’s going to make the Eagles roster.
6. Trade talk: Even though it sounds like Mychal Kendricks will be an Eagle when the regular season starts, it also seems like he won’t get much playing time. No matter he asked for a trade.
7. Keeping busy: Here’s a very interesting profile on how Brandon Brooks spent his summer away from the football field, which included working for the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Finance and Revenue.
8. The Worldwide Leader: ESPN is higher on the Eagles playoff chances this season than Vegas.
Other Eagles news, notes and analysis from around the web
Ranking all 32 NFL teams' five-year success by draft class: Josh Liskiewitz
The Eagles ranked 19th in the NFL here, which hurts even more because the Cowboys are first:
Jordan Hicks was a surprise standout last year for the Eagles, as his performance in coverage put him among the league’s best linebackers. He gave up just one touchdown and one reception over 20 yards into his coverage in 2016, while he racked up five interceptions, three other pass break ups posted a passer rating against of just 53.7.
Carson Wentz comfortable pushing ENTIRE Eagles organization: Michael Silver, NFL.com
Wentz will usual deny his involvement in the Eagles’ personnel decisions, but well, you be the judge:
Said Pederson: "You catch yourself saying sometimes, 'Carson, don't worry about that right there. That'll take care of itself.' In the spring, he'd text me and say, 'Hey, who are you guys looking at (in the draft)? What are you working on today?' I mean, I'm having a staff meeting and I don't really need the extra input."
Asked if he texted any advice to his bosses while the Eagles were on the clock during the draft, Wentz smiled and said, "No comment."
Triplets rankings: Dave Dameshek, NFL.com
With the additions of LeGarrette Blount and Alshon Jeffery, the Eagles have moved up from 30th to 21st in Dameshek’s yearly triplets rankings:
Skeptical Eagles fans might have questioned their citizenship in Wentzylvania after the QB's second-half swoon, but those who remain will be rewarded in Wentz's second campaign, thanks to the return of Lane Johnson and a much-needed upgrade in the pass-catching department. Jeffery is among the best in the league, but he's also had just two 16-game seasons in his five-year career. Blount once again played a big role for the Super Bowl champs, registering 1,161 yards and 18 scores (both career bests) in New England, but when it comes to expecting the same level of production from an ex-Patriot, caveat emptor!
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