Latest moves show that the Philadelphia Eagles are all in
What was expected to be a re-build season by the Philadelphia Eagles has now turned into a run for the money.
The Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2017 season with little expectations surrounding them. Coming off of a 7-9 season with a quarterback and a head coach that have one year under their belt made people think it would be awhile before the team contends for a Super Bowl. Although the public thought the Eagles were a work in progress, the team knew otherwise.
All throughout training camp, the veteran captains made it known that this season’s Eagles’ are not the same 7-9 team. Looking back at last year’s schedule, the Eagles were pretty much in almost every game. Aside from three games, the Eagles did not lose by more than one possession. Obviously, a loss is a loss, but last season’s losses had more to do with inexperience in key positions rather than talent.
The Eagles have looked better than everyone at this point. Sitting on top of the NFL at 8-1, the only team that can stop the Eagles are the Eagles. With a second-year head coach and a young quarterback, playoff experience seems to be the only thing this team is lacking. So the front office made sure they did everything they could to add players with experience.
Adding experienced depth…
Sure, the addition of Alshon Jeffery was the most attractive signing in the offseason. A true number one target for Carson Wentz was the biggest need on the free agent’s shopping list. But there were other signings that may have went under the radar.
For example, two former New England Patriots, Chris Long and LeGarrette Blount may have been signed for reasons other than their talent. Obviously, both players are having a solid season, but their postseason experience will be what matters the most. They simply know what it takes to win it all. Both of them were holding a Vince Lombardi trophy a little under a year ago.
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Blount and Long aren’t the only new guys with a Super Bowl trip on their resume. Wide receiver Torrey Smith got himself a ring back in 2012 with the Baltimore Ravens. He may not be a big contributor on the stat sheet, but again, his leadership contributions have made the Eagles a more knowledgeable team. Just a couple days back the Eagles brought on one of his teammates from that same season. They signed linebacker Dannell Ellerbe as a depth addition, but don’t be surprised to see him getting quality reps.
The Biggest addition…
Obviously, the Eagles had a focus on bringing in team-first guys with a championship. But they also knew that they had to pull the trigger on acquiring talent while they still could. The trade for running back Jay Ajayi before the deadline was the move that let everybody know that they are trying to make a run for the money.
The Eagles may have had a decent committee rotation at running back this season. But there was no clear-cut RB1 on the team. Now they have that with Ajayi who is coming off of a 1,272 yard, eight touchdown season. He was a top-three talent on the Miami Dolphins roster, who is now surrounded by plenty of talent in Philadelphia. If anyone had any doubts about Ajayi’s move to Philly, his eight carries for 77 yards and a touchdown against the number one run defense at the time will clear any doubt.
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The Eagles are now equipped with enough talent and experience to truly make a deep postseason run. They secured depth at every position needed and continually rotate players in and out of the game perfectly. What was once looked at as a young team learning has now turned into an experienced team ready to win it all. Things will get interesting in the second half of the season for the Eagles.