Eagles Need More Than Wentz For Offense To Flourish

Reid Williams via Flickr

NFL

Philadelphia Eagles Can’t Just Rely On Wentz To Flourish This Season

The Eagles have received plenty of great news this offseason. The story of Carson Wentz being able to practice without restrictions is one of them. Other news that filled Eagles fans with joy is the return of DeSean Jackson. The announcement of Wentz practicing without any setbacks has put tons of pressure on the quarterback. But does it all really fall on Wentz’s shoulders?

It shouldn’t. The Eagles’ offense can flourish with a healthy Wentz at the helm, but he will need contributions from some specific players.

This offense is full of explosive weapons, and the former MVP candidate will have to spread the ball more than ever this upcoming season. Here are some of the players other than Wentz that need to step up so this offense can flourish this fall.

Jason Kelce

This list has to start with Jason Kelce, given just how important he is. Where do I begin? Kelce is arguably the best at his position and the numbers show that. If Eagles fans want to see a productive running game next season, then it all starts with the 31-year-old.

Kelce signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles back in March. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some DeSean Jackson — but I found Kelce extending his contract to be more exciting. The reason why is because he’s the leader of the offensive line.

He demonstrated his toughness last year after he played through numerous injuries. In order for this offense to flourish, the Eagles need him at his absolute best this season. Wentz’s health is vital to this offense, but so is the running game. Kelce’s performances will define the Philly offense, and I trust he will perform like he always does.

Alshon Jeffery

Surprise! The first receiver on this list isn’t DeSean Jackson. It is Alshon Jeffery and for a good reason. Jeffery signed a four-year extension worth $52 million with $27 million guaranteed. He’s the Eagles’ true number one receiver and is due for a breakout year. With the acquisition of D-Jax, Jeffery should be able to feast on targets come September, and I certainly think he will.

He’s proven to show up in crunch time. During the Super Bowl run back in 2017, he showed he can be relied on when his number is called. One play that stands out is his touchdown catch in the first quarter of Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots.

What about last year against the New Orleans Saints? Didn’t he fail to secure a critical reception in the playoffs last year? Yes, I’m well aware of that. Even though Jeffery had a game to forget against the Saints, he’s still our best receiver, and we know he’s going to make it up to us Eagles fans. The guy will respond this season and, as I said earlier, he’s going to produce a season to remember.

Andre Dillard

The Eagles drafted Andre Dillard with the 22nd pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Dillard is the future left tackle of the Philadelphia offensive line. He’s next in line to replace Jason Peters. Peters is 37 years old and struggles with injuries, which means Dillard might have to start some games this season. It’s tough to envision Peters starting all 16 games this season and I believe that’s why the Eagles drafted Dillard.

The left tackle from Washington State is an essential piece to this offense. He will be tasked, of course, with having to protect Wentz’s blind side. Dillard has to earn Wentz’s trust, and he’ll have to do it quickly. I do have a good feeling about Dillard, though — and statistics like this one are a huge reason.

It isn’t fair to invest a lot of hope in a first round pick, but that’s how the NFL is. Dillard’s performances can be the difference in important games. Wentz has to be protected at all costs, and we all know Dillard is going to play a significant role in helping the offense flourish right away.

Dallas Goedert

A player that fans are excited to watch after a promising year is Dallas Goedert. I expect Doug Pederson to use him more this season and also use dual tight end formations in some games. It’s not far-fetched to see Pederson do so, given the havoc they can create for opposing defenses.

Goedert is expected to break out this year. Last season it was all about Ertz and his record-breaking season, but Goedert has the potential to steal the spotlight in 2019. He’s another key piece to this offense, and that’s in part because he can help draw attention away from Ertz and other offensive weapons.

The Eagles can use Goedert to change things up against different defenses. Teams didn’t pay too much attention to him before, and some paid for it. One underrated aspect of Goedert is his blocking. Expect Pederson to use his blocking more as well to help out in the running game. I’m expecting the second-year tight end to flourish and show off more of his ball skills as well. Philly is in for a treat with Goedert.

Jordan Howard

The Eagles’ running game finished 28th last season. Jay Ajayi, who was supposed to be the starting running back, tore his ACL in Week 5. Ajayi’s injury meant that someone else has to step up. To be fair to Josh Adams, he didn’t do too bad, but nonetheless didn’t do enough last season to earn the starting gig.

Enter Jordan Howard. Howie Roseman knew that he couldn’t neglect the running back position, so he did what Howie does best. In late March, the Eagles traded a 2020 sixth-round pick for Chicago Bears’ running back Jordan Howard. Howard is one player that should provide an enormous spark to Philly’s running game and help out Wentz big time in the air.

There are early reports from OTAs that the Eagles are using Howard in the passing game, bolstering his chances of playing a dual-threat role. The Eagles needed a reliable running back really badly, and now they’ve got one. The 24-year-old veteran got dumped by the Bears in favor of the younger Tarik Cohen. Howard will likely be playing with a chip on his shoulder, and Eagles fans have to love that.

Jordan Howard is former Pro Bowl running back that’s rushed for 1,000 yards in his first two seasons. He’s also rushed for nine touchdowns in years two and three of his career. Buckle up Eagles fans, because it’s going to be one heck of a season.

Written by Daniel Calvo

Photo Credit to Reid Williams via Flickr 

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