What Should Expectations Be For The Philadelphia Eagles?

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles season ended on a sour note months ago, but a new season brings new optimism, or does it? This question of what to expect from the Eagles is a hot debate. The team has made a plethora of moves this offseason and some are supporting or criticizing the Eagles for doing so. The expectations for Philadelphia are wide ranging, but what are the realistic goals for this upcoming season?

The unknown future of the Philadelphia Eagles started when head coach Chip Kelly seized full control over football decisions. The moves Kelly made were staggering to some. The trading of franchise rushing leader LeSean McCoy for linebacker Kiko Alonso, who is coming off a torn ACL, didn’t sit well with some of the national media. Kelly then traded quarterback Nick Foles and a 2016 second round pick for QB Sam Bradford, who is coming off two consecutive torn ACL’s.

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Trading a once promising QB in Foles for a forgotten college star infuriated many fans and analysts. Kelly’s perception of an egomaniac is alive and strong. Not to mention the accusations of racial bias from LeSean McCoy’s statements to Stephen A. Smith’s “quality sources”. TV personalities like Skip Bayless, Mark Schlereth, and Heath Evans have all doomed the Eagles this year and for the future as long as Chip Kelly is in control.

A day wont go by that you hear the national sports media talking about Chip Kelly. The fascination around Kelly and the team wont subside until the team falls flat on their faces or succeed with flying colors. The faith among national analysts isn’t very high, and expectations are low. When you don’t dive deep into the reasons behind Chip Kelly’s madness it’s easy to come up with the perception the media has.

The real truth is that the Philadelphia Eagles are a better team than they were when the season ended. The Eagles, on paper, have addressed the biggest issues that crippled the team last season. The secondary was given a complete makeover, newly signed corner Byron Maxwell and rookie Eric Rowe combine to make a very good duo and should immediately give the team a better pass defense. The depth along the entire defense is impressive, something the team hasn’t had in years.

The offense still looks like it will remain to be a top 5 unit. The team added running backs DeMarco Murray, and Ryan Matthews to solidify a solid backfield. The wide receiving core boasts three young talented wide outs in Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, and Nelson Agholor. The offensive line and QB positions are the biggest questions, but if both play up to their potential, the Philadelphia Eagles will have a complete offense.

The one factor that high expectations are contingent on is the health of the Philadelphia Eagles. Chip Kelly has brought in highly talented player with injury histories. Sam Bradford has the potential to be a very good QB in Chip Kelly’s system, but needs to remain healthy. Players like DeMarco Murray, Kiko Alonso all have the talent to take the Eagles from a fringe playoff 10-6 team to a team with real Super Bowl contender status. Chip Kelly is adding the players he wants to fit his system, but is also taking a calculated risk.

Expectations should be high for the Philadelphia Eagles, especially if you look at the roster without biased eyes. The team looks to be way more balanced and complete than previous years. Health of the teams key players is a serious concern and can prove guys like Heath Evans and Skip Bayless right, but if the Philadelphia Eagles gamble pays off, the Eagles could become a scary team to face come January. Chip Kelly has done things his way, and expectations are at an all time low and high for the Philadelphia Eagles depending on who you ask.

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