Eagles Have Most Complete Offense In NFC East

Nov 3, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback

(9) directs the offense against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

It is true, the Philadelphia Eagles carry the least explosive offense in the NFC East; but they are certainly the most efficient.  Like any team, it all starts and ends with the play of its signal-caller.  Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles proved his prowess in 2013, only throwing two interceptions, while completing passes to a plethora of options. Even with some of the subtractions from the roster this season, the front office did enough to supplant their production and remain the most complete offense in the division (and possibly in the NFL).

Now after the release of wide receiver DeSean Jackson, the Eagles gave up their best deep threat. And after the Redskins acquired his services, they will certainly have an explosive offense. Parring Jackson with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III and wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts will lead to many big plays. But they still have many questions including: their ability to keep their quarterback healthy, with their porous offensive line and running back Alfred Morris‘ ability to adapt to new scheme.  The Redskins will certainly be dangerous, but will have problems with consistency.

The New York Giants attempted to revamp their lackluster offense by signing running back Rashad Jennings and drafting LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. But their offensive line also struggled mightily in 2013, while quarterback Eli Manning was plagued with the turnover bug.  Hopes are the new additions can admonish last season’s issues, but the New York Giants will rely heavily on unproven players and obtain more consistency from their playmakers.

Owner Jerry Jones has tried tirelessly to build a complete offense for the Dallas Cowboys. Yet they still do not have an efficient running game to take pressure away from quarterback Tony Romo.  They will also be dependent on young wide receivers Terrance Williams and Devin Street to pull attention away from wide receiver Dez Bryant.  Their offensive line should be better after taking Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin in the first round though.  Their season outlook will be dependent on the health of Romo and running back DeMarco Murray‘s ability to handle the workload in the back field.

All this brings us back to the Philadelphia Eagles, who have the most complete offense in the division.  They touted the best ground attack in football in 2013, with running back LeSean McCoy leading the entire league in many categories (including rushing yards). By acquiring running back Darren Sproles, they add proven depth to the position and an efficient pass catcher out of the back field or in the slot.  Even with the loss of Jackson, wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper have the ability to get behind defensive backs.  While they have the big pass catchers in tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz to attack the middle of the field.  Adding in rookie wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff provide even more crisp route runners for Foles in the passing game.

Overall, the Philadelphia Eagles offensive efficiency should be even better in the second year under head coach Chip Kelly.  Though they will lack many of the explosive plays that carried the team last season, they will be able to control the tempo of the game.  Philadelphia Eagles general manager has built the complete offense Kelly utilizes in his fast paced scheme. With the team’s continued progression (and majors questions for the the other teams) the Eagles offense should remain atop the NFC East and the entire NFL.