How the Philadelphia Eagles Shaped the Future of the NFC East
![Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8cdb08e6047ac19e6b22e6645d2cedd86c209ae0427e97b57788711e268afb51.jpg)
The Philadelphia Eagles
This article feels very quarterback-centric, but let’s be honest, every team in the league is evaluated from the QB position and down. I don’t subscribe to the idea that the quarterback is the most important position, but I do agree that it’s one of the most important. It’s safe to say that if your team does not have one of the top 15 quarterbacks, then they’re not likely going to be a post-season contender.
Philadelphia knows where Bradford ranks, and as much as Eagles fans would love to see otherwise, he hasn’t realistically cracked the top-anything since his rookie year. Which, again, is why Philadelphia had to place their eyes on the future. They sacrificed a lot to do it, but that’s another rant for another time. The Eagles have made it clear that they don’t feel as though Bradford is the answer; and if we’re all being honest with ourselves, neither do any of the rest of us.
The facts are simple; Bradford was the textbook definition of mediocrity in an offense under Chip Kelly many considered to be quarterback proof. You disagree? Think about it. Nick Foles literally broke records the year before. Does anyone really believe that Bradford and Foles are that much different? The Eagles have not had a real franchise quarterback since Donovan McNabb. Is Wentz the guy that will bring Philadelphia back to the Super Bowl? None of us really know, but we know that Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson seem to think so.
Regardless of how Wentz turns out, the Eagles have shaped the division for a few years to come. If Wentz flames out then the NFC East will go back to being the mid-level dumpster fire it has been for the last few years. New York and Dallas haven’t started planning for their futures, and Washington won’t be good enough to make the entire division respectable. However, if Wentz pans out to be worth what Philadelphia gave up to get him, the NFC East will have some of its swagger back. Well, at least one team will.