Which Eagles Pro Bowlers Will Return In 2015 And Who Could Join Them?
January 26, 2014; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Sanders quarterback Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles (9) throws a pass during the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Team Rice defeated Team Sanders 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles’ season just keeps on getting better after becoming the offensive player of the game on Sunday Night in the Pro Bowl. The game had the same uncompetitive feel to it that has made the game boring at times, but that didn’t stop Foles from impressing on the big stage despite being a last-minute addition to the roster.
Foles was seven for 10 and threw for 89 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile wide receiver Desean Jackson also had himself a quiet game having three receptions for 40 yards and the game’s first touchdown. Running back LeSean McCoy was basically a non factor and had three rushes for 14 yards and a fumble as well as an 18 yard reception.
The Eagles have a bright future ahead of them, and because we are always looking ahead in the NFL we are going to take a look at which of these players will return to Hawaii in 2015 and who could join them.
Nick Foles
Foles had a great 2013 campaign and if he continues to play at the level that he was playing at there is no doubt that Foles will return to Hawaii in 2015. That is the big question though, can Foles continue to play at that high of a level? I say yes he can, and that Foles does return to Hawaii next season.
Verdict: 2015 Pro Bowler
LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy finished the season as the NFL’s leading rusher and being in head coach Chip Kelly’s offense, there is no question McCoy can continue to produce with big numbers especially due to the fact that he is still young at only 25 years old.
Verdict: 2015 Pro Bowler
Desean Jackson
With Nick Foles playing quarterback it is hard to see Jackson’s numbers going down, however I believe that they will. Jackson wants a new contract and I don’t see the Eagles giving him one. This will distract Jackson throughout the offseason and force him to get off to a slow start in 2015.
Verdict: Misses Pro Bowl
Jason Peters
Peters has been a premier left tackle ever since he entered the league and it will be hard to see that changing next season. Peters didn’t make the trip to Hawaii this season as he opted out, but I believe he will get another shot to go next season.
Verdict: 2015 Pro Bowler
Evan Mathis
Mathis was the top rated guard on pro football focus and still managed to miss out in the initial voting. However Mathis lucked out, and ended up making the trip. Mathis has consistently been a good player for the Eagles and that should definitely continue.
Verdict: 2015 Pro Bowler
Those are this year’s players who made the Pro Bowl, no let’s see which player’s could join them.
Jason Kelce
Kelce was the top rated center on Pro Football Focus and you really have to wonder how this guy missed out this season, definitely a snub. That changes next season though, and Kelce makes the Pro Bowl.
Brent Celek
Celek turned out to be one of Foles’ favorite targets in 2013, and the only way that will change is if Zach Ertz gets more opportunities in the passing game. The other reason Celek could miss out is just because the NFL is deep at the tight end position.
Cedric Thornton
Defensive end Cedric Thornton had a decent 2013 season and showed some bright spots for the future. Thornton is only 25 years old and with some improvement this offseason he could be one of the best.
Riley Cooper
Cooper was another player that benefited when Foles took over. Cooper had his best season yet and really filled in well for the injured side receiver, Jeremy Maclin. Cooper had 835 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last season. If Maclin returns it will be hard for Cooper to repeat what he did in 2013, but if not Cooper could find himself in Hawaii.
Brandon Boykin
Boykin was one of the few players in the Eagles secondary that impressed last season and he definitely has a future in Philadelphia. Boykin had six interceptions in 2013 as well as two forced fumbles.
Another offseason under his belt and some better players in the secondary to help him out and Boykin could go off in 2014 and become one of the league’s top cornerbacks. He was ranked 14th on Pro Football Focus, but next year he could break into the top ten and find himself on the Hawaiian Islands.
Obviously Eagles fans would prefer not to see their players in Hawaii and rather in the Super Bowl, but if the Eagles do miss out on the Super Bowl, these players could represent them in the Pro Bowl instead.