A trench war awaits these Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1

The Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line has a big test in Week 1.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles? Is it Carson Wentz and all of those wide receivers? Maybe it’s Darius Slay’s addition? How about all of those injuries? We’re not talking about just one guy, and this go around, they didn’t even wait for the season to start.

All teams suffer injuries. That’s just an inherent part of playing a violent sport. Someone once said football is a contact sport, but that’s an inaccurate description. Handball and volleyball are contact sports. Football is a collision sport, so it’s natural to expect players to go down with all kinds of injuries due to the physical nature of the NFL. Nevertheless, when the ‘Birds’ lose guys, they do so by the bunches.

Last season, the Eagles lost their top three wide receivers. 2019’s second-round selection, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside was ineffective while DeSean Jackson flashed in one game. Alshon Jeffery finished the season on the injured reserve, and with no one to suit up, the ‘Birds’ ended up calling Jordan Matthews up for a third run. Thank goodness for Greg Ward.

As mentioned, that was last season. Fast forward to 2020, and Jeffery will start the season on the physically unable to perform list. A bounceback year is expected from Arcega-Whiteside, and the Eagles drafted three talented prospects at the position, Jalen Reagor, John Hightower, and Quez Watkins. Heading into 2020, the wide receiver position is expected to be one of the deepest position groups on the roster. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for their offensive line.

Let’s revisit what’s going on with those Philadelphia Eagles injuries.

Maybe we should’ve looked at Brandon Brooks’ injury as a sign of things to come. In his absence, Jason Peters returned which was supposed to solve the situation, but of course, the injuries continued to mount up. Andre Dillard is done for the year. The franchise’s left tackle position is up for grabs, and Philly has two weeks to get ready for the Washington Football team in Week 1.

Peters should have no trouble reassuming his role at left tackle if that winds up being the plan. Right tackle Lane Johnson has been dealing with injuries as well. If he isn’t ready by September 13th, Jordan Mailata, Prince Tega Wanogho, and maybe Jack Driscoll are the reserves. That alone is a reason for fans and the team’s brass to sweat.

Washington’s D-Line presents the Philadelphia Eagles’ O-Line with a test.

Regardless of who’s starting, Philadelphia’s line has a tough matchup right out of the gate. Washington’s defensive front and their second level are filled with talent, many of which are game-wreckers at the line of scrimmage.

In 2019, Washington’s defense as a whole registered 46 sacks. That was in the 3-4 defensive scheme. Under Ron Rivera, the team’s plan will transition to a 4-3 which means Montez Sweat will play with his hand in the dirt more often than not. This year’s second-overall draft pick, Chase Young, joins the team as well.

Young’s talent is undeniable as his new team hopes that he can dominate the line of scrimmage for years to come if his production at Ohio State translates, Philly has a problem, but Washington’s defensive line should be stout. Last season, Kerrigan, Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Matt Ioannidis generated 27 sacks, and they’ll be looking to wreak havoc again in 2020.

Kerrigan might not be as good as he was three or four years ago, but he’s still someone that you have to pay attention to. Philly’s two games versus their rivals from D.C. could give them fits, but they should come out on top. First thing’s first. A roster needs to be put together. By Saturday, we should know who’s on the squad. Then, eight days after that, cue the fireworks. The 2020 NFL season is upon us.