Variety is the spice of life for the Philadelphia Eagles offense

The Eagles preseason debut showed fans a lot to get excited about, and perhaps the most important was the introduction of so many personnel groupings.

Second year quarterback Carson Wentz had an impressive 2017 preseason debut for the Philadelphia Eagles. Leading the team on a 11-play scoring drive is impressive regardless of the setting. Capping the drive with a touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Mack Hollins was a play that could ultimately grow into lore.

Hollins is rapidly becoming a fan favorite. While justifiable, offensive coordinator Frank Reich might deserve a bit of a nod as well. The Eagles offense kept the Green Bay Packers defense guessing the entire time the starters were out on the field.

Inside the numbers:

The Eagles had two tight ends on two of their first 11 plays (18.18%). Last season the Eagles ran 12 personnel (one running back and two tight ends) on 31% of their offensive sets, the most in the NFL. The league average last season was 19%.

Philadelphia Eagles

Speaking of tight ends, Zach Ertz did not have a good series with the starters. Not only was Ertz not targeted on a single pass, on Nelson Agholor‘s failed jet sweep, Ertz seemingly missed his blocking assignment on two different defenders.

One of those defenders was Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who ended up tackling Agholor behind the line of scrimmage.

Perhaps the decision by the Eagles to keep Brent Celek around might have been wiser than anyone would give credit for.

At running back, LeGarrette Blount was introduced to the Eagles offense. He immediately received the DeMarco Murray treatment. His first run was met by four Packers behind the line of scrimmage by the time he received the handoff. Fortunately, the play was negated by an offsides penalty. This will be a key area to focus on moving forward. If the Eagles’ vaunted offensive line cannot create a push on running plays, it could be a frustrating season for Blount and the Eagles.

Next: Blount Gets His Number Back

Conclusion:

So what does this all mean? Well, to be succinct: Nothing. Where’s the fun in that though?

The Eagles offense scored points when the starters were on the field. Hollins made a sensational play that ultimately helped lessen the blow of the Jordan Matthews trade, and in a year where rebuilding is still taking precedence over a Super Bowl berth, all progress should be praised.

The fact that it’s only one week into the preseason should be praised as well. The Eagles escaped this game relatively unscathed. When it comes to preseason games, the only “winners” are teams that don’t suffer major injuries. The Eagles first team offense passed their first test with flying colors.