Doug 2016 vs Andy 1999: Which Eagles team is better?

Just recently New Philadelphia Eagles head coach, Doug Pederson, made the statement that the 2016 Eagles are built better for the long term than when the team was in a similar position back in 1999.

In looking at where the Philadelphia Eagles are now and where they were in 1999, there are some definite similarities between the two sides. Both teams drafted a new quarterback with the second pick, have new head coach and have revamped their coaching staff. Both times, there were mixed responses. Many agreed and many disagreed.

So if it came down to it, which team would people choose?

Coaching Staff – 1999

The Eagles made a lot of changes to its coaching staff in 2016, bringing in two proven coordinators in Jim Schwartz and Frank Reich and adding a new head coach in Doug Pederson. It’s eerily similar to what the 1999 team did, but the one key element to why the 1999 staff would be picked over 2016 staff would be the fac that Ron Rivera, John Harbaugh, Leslie Frazier and Pat Shurmur all went on to become head coaches in the league.

Next: Projecting the Philadelphia Eagles’ final 53-man roster for 2016

Schwartz is the only member of the 2016 Eagles coaching staff that has gone on to be a head coach other than Pederson. Reich is a proven offensive coordinator but four future head coaches on one coaching staff is very impressive.

Quarterback – 2016

Donovan McNabb and Carson Wentz are nearly a wash when it comes to the quarterbacks. Both weren’t expected to start in their first season, so let’s examine to the other quarterbacks on the Eagles roster.

Sam Bradford is a better player than Pederson was. Chase Daniel is also arguably a better player than Pederson and definitely a better quarterback than Koy Detmer.

As an overall group the Eagles QB group in 2016 could be the strongest part of the roster, McNabb was and Wentz is seen as unproven. We all know how the McNabb selection ended up, but we’ll have to see about Wentz. Still, 2016 wins out.

Running Back – 2016

Duce Staley carried the ball 325 times in 1999 for a total of 3.9 yards a carry, Ryan Mathews has been to a pro bowl and averaged over 5 yards a carry last season on limited snaps.

The depth at Running Back the Eagles have in 2016 is also better than what it was in ’99, Darren Sproles, Kenjon Barner and rookie Wendell Smallwood are all better options than ’99 backup Eric Bieniemy.

One thing to keep in mind is that McNabb was the Eagles second leading rusher with 313 yards rushing.

Next: 5 Things You May Have Forgotten About Sam Bradford

Wide Receiver- 2016

This was a very bare part of the roster for Andy Reid’s Eagles, Torrance Small, Charles Johnson and Na Brown make Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, Reuben Randle look like a pro bowl tandem.

The 2016 receiving core is extremely unproven but it’s full of high round draft picks who are still young enough to show they can be decent NFL players. 2016 is a no brainer when comparing it to what the Eagles had in 1999.

Tight End – 2016

Zach Ertz and Brent Celek are one of the better tight end duos in the league now. Ertz is an explosive pass catching option, and Celek an excellent blocker with very sure hands. Compare that to Luther Broughton, Chad Lewis and Jed Weaver who, as a group, put up less yards in total than Ertz did in 2015, it’s not very hard position to lean the way of 2016.

The one stat in the 1999’s favor is they caught touchdowns, so maybe you can tip the cap to Reid’s crew for that.

Offensive Line- 2016

Tra Thomas was only a year into his career in 1999 and a few years away from being a pro bowl caliber left tackle. Outside of Thomas, there isn’t much more to like about the Eagles’ offensive line in 1999.

You could make the argument that Lane Johnson is on the edge of playing at a consistent pro bowl level. Jason Kelce, seems to be capable of being considered a pro bowler. Jason Peters is in the twilight of his career, but is still as solid a left tackle as they come. Brandon Brooks isn’t too far off from being great and Stefen Wisniewski is arguably a better center/guard than Steve Everitt ever was.

Defensive Line – 2016

Fletcher Cox may end up being the best defensive linemen we have seen in an Eagles uniform since Reggie White. You can take the 2016 defensive line purely on the fact the Eagles have Cox. Vinny Curry beats out Greg Jefferson, and Brandon Graham is an ascending talent and certainly a better player than Mike Mamula.

Bennie Logan and Connor Barwin don’t even need to be mentioned, the 2016 defensive line is better without a doubt .

Linebackers – 1999

This was the toughest position to pick, the 2016 team has all the talent necessary to be great, but health is a major concern. Jordan Hicks looked fantastic in his rookie season until injury. Mychal Kendricks is coming off one of his worst seasons to date and needs a bounce back year. The same could be said about Nigel Bradham.

Jeremiah Trotter is still a fan favorite. James Darling was an underrated player, and together they formed a solid pairing in the middle of the field alongside Willie Thomas.

Secondary – 1999

Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod are fantastic at safety, but Brian Dawkins was truly special. In 1999, the Eagles’ secondary had 16 interceptions and recovered six fumbles. Troy Vincent had a pro bowl season collecting seven interceptions. Dawkins joined him in Hawaii and added four interceptions, 1.5 sacks and two fumbles recoveries.

The corners for the Eagles are nowhere near Pro Bowl level at this point. Vincent and Dawkins definitely give the 1999 secondary the edge over the 2016 Eagles, despite Jenkins and McLeod being a quality safety duo.

Final Tally

2016: 6

1999: 3

Doug Pederson could be right, offensively the Eagles are definitely better off than what they were in 1999. Defensively, the 1999 but only just, it’s really how you grade a team, what is more important. The Coaching staff of 1999 certainly can’t be dismissed, four future head coaches is a massive stat to have.

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1999 vs 2016: Which Eagles team is better?

By Tim Fernando | Jul 19, 2016

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