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Just in case you missed it: Revisiting the 2016 Eagles season

By Geoffrey Knox

Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) runs with the ball past New York Giants defensive end Romeo Okwara (78) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) runs with the ball past New York Giants defensive end Romeo Okwara (78) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Eagles have come a long way in 14 months.

Just think about it for a second. At this time last year, the Philadelphia Eagles were causing quite a stir around their city and in their fan base. After a series of trades to move up to the second-overall selection and some negotiation, we thought we had the quarterback situation figured out. Former quarterback Sam Bradford was entrenched as the starter. Second on the depth chart was a very wealthy backup in Chase Daniel. The heir apparent was the 2016 NFL Draft‘s second-overall selection, Carson Wentz.

This all followed Bradford and his agent’s attempts to get him traded. When it became obvious that he was, indeed, the Eagles’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, the plan was to redshirt the rookie, place a clipboard in his hand and let him learn by watching. Then it happened. Eight days before the start of the 2016 season, Bradford was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Wentz was, officially, named the starter two days later. On September 11th, as many reminisced about one of the low moments of our great nation’s history, Wentz led the Eagles to a 29-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Kudos and a reality check:

Wentz would be named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week following his 278 passing yard and two touchdown performance. Rookie head coach Doug Pederson was the toast of Philadelphia as he led “The Birds” to a 3-0 start. Then, reality set in as nine of the next 13 games resulted in losses.

Related Story: Lane Johnson: Moving past last season’s suspension

We knew the Eagles had deficiencies, and despite the hot start, we learned quickly that the Eagles were exactly what we thought they were. They were a young team led by a man who never been a head coach before. They were limited in key areas, and that would be their downfall. Still, at the same time, the building blocks were being laid for a successful future.

Don’t take our word for it. Check out this amazing documentary by PhiladelphiaEagles.com. You can check out their YouTube page by clicking here.

Video courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles official YouTube channel

What’s next?

Pieces have been added. Wentz has weapons. Pederson’s introduced a brand new formation called “The Pony”. In the NFL, with free agency and a salary cap, there will always be the need for something on every team’s roster. This team has shown it has a clear desire to win. Additions on both sides of the ball have fans excited about the possibilities. The Eagles have just as good of a chance to win the NFC East as any of the other three teams. We’ll all be right in front of the television when the 2017 season kicks off.

July 24th can’t get here fast enough.

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