Will the Eagles Return to the Playoffs in 2015?

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly talks with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

This past football season the Philadelphia Eagles finished just short of making the playoffs costing themselves both a shot at the super bowl and a shot at Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Because of this the Eagles are highly likely to focus on defense this offseason and try and get back to the playoffs, but the question is, will the Eagles return to the playoffs or finish short once again?

First we have to look at what is changing for the Eagles this offseason. Their quarterback situation is most likely not going to change much. They are losing their backup in quarterback Mark Sanchez, but most likely will not get Mariota to be their starter. At wide receiver not much should change, hopefully the Eagles will be able to re-sign star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, and hopefully they will add another talented receiver to the corps through either the draft or free agency.

At running back and tight end not much should change at all. Then on the defensive side of the ball there is a lot to be excited about. The Eagles will hopefully completely revamp their secondary by adding a top safety and cornerback and then another talented cornerback.

Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) celebrates his second quarter interception against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If I were the Eagles I would target Alabama safety Landon Collins in round one of the draft and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell in free agency and then add a cheaper second corner like New York Giants cornerback Walter Thurmond or San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Cook among others. I’d also take a serious look at former Arizona Cardinal Antonio Cromartie if the price is right.

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As far as the Eagle’s primary defense the defensive line most likely will not change at all, the Eagles will retain defensive end Cedric Thornton and probably will not make any other significant changes. Linebacker is a different story. With outside linebackers Trent Cole and Brandon Graham very likely on there way out the Eagles will need a replacement. They have been connected to former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds, but he will be a commodity.

Inside linebacker could also be up for discussion. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans had a very productive year for the Eagles but is getting older and more injury prone. In addition he will have a decently large cap hit. The Eagles could look to the draft for a replacement in the form of Mississippi State’s Benardrick McKinney or UCLA’s Eric Kendricks.

No matter what the Eagles are going to have a great deal of work to do on defense. The issue is that even if the Eagles make their necessary fixes it may not be enough for them to make the playoffs next season. The Dallas Cowboys look like a serious force to be reckoned with despite their questions on defense and with their star position players. They will only get better in the draft.

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) avoids the tackle of Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The one thing the Eagles have going for them against the Cowboys is cap space, this will be a problem for the Cowboys this season and I expect quite a few changes to be made in Dallas in order to retain one or both of wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray.

The Washington Redskins and New York Giants had pretty terrible seasons last year, but I wouldn’t be so quick to rule them out of contention either. The Redskins would need a huge rebound from quarterback Robert Griffin III so we don’t have to worry about them just yet. However the Giants could be turning things around in New York.

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Giants 34-26. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

They have as many questions on defense as the Cowboys or Eagles, and their offensive line is still a mess. But they have a high draft pick and some money to spend that could fix their major issues. What they do have is clear choice at quarterback in the proven and debatably elite Eli Manning and two star receivers on the rise. They also have many options this year to fix their running game. The Eagles will have to look out for the Giants.

The bottom line is, I don’t know if the Eagles can make the playoffs, unless things go perfectly this offseason and the Eagles make all the right decisions (which history suggests they won’t) I’d look for them to be a wildcard in the playoffs next year.

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