What They’re Saying About The Eagles


Photo courtesy of USA Today

Photo courtesy of USA Today

Here is a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles.

Peter King of MMQB lists Sam Bradford’s progress as one of the most interesting stories heading into training camp:

Chip Kelly better know what he’s doing. (Somehow, I don’t think that’s the first time that’s been said this off-season.) In the 31 months since New Year’s Day 2013, Bradford, the first pick in the 2010 draft, has played seven football games. He’s lost four. His 2013 and 2014 seasons were both ended by a torn ACL. Kelly acquired Bradford from the Rams in March, then tried like crazy to trade for Marcus Mariota six weeks later. And so this is a mildly important training camp for Bradford. And for Kelly.

NFL Analyst Mike Mayock praised Kelly’s offseason moves:

“Oh, I don’t think there’s any doubt they’re better,” Mayock said. “Again, they were 22nd in points allowed last year and they gave up all kinds of yards. They’re gonna get better on defense and if they take care of the ball on offense, run the ball with DeMarco—we keep forgetting about DeMarco Murray and running the football again. Run the ball, take care of Sam Bradford. Yeah, I think they’re a better football team.”

Mayock isn’t worried about replacing the production of former offensive stars like LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin.

“At the end of the day last year, they were still number three in points scored,” Mayock explained. “When I look ahead, I think they’re going to be in the top five regardless of who plays quarterback, in points scored. The key to winning the division, and ultimately the Super Bowl, is getting better at defense.”

 Marc Sessler of NFL.com listed Mark Sanchez as the NFL’s top backup QB:

It’s possible that Sanchez starts the season, but the Eagles are paying Bradford $12.985 million this year to Sanchez’s $2.5 million. If Bradford isn’t fully healthy by Week 1, Sanchez gives Chip Kelly a player familiar with the system and one who led the Jets to consecutive AFC title games. His inspired play tailed off down the stretch in 2014, but I’m also basing this off fit: Philly’s run-heavy, “QB-proof” attack is an outstanding landing spot for our top-ranked backup.

John Keim of ESPN.com picks the Eagles to fall short of the division title this year, but still make the postseason:

It’s hard to repeat as division champions. I would pick the Eagles — they’re going to be a boom or bust team. I have an odd confidence in Chip Kelly and what he’s doing, though I have doubts about anyone who thinks scheme trumps talent. However, my real concern with the Eagles is quarterback Sam Bradford and his inability to stay healthy. Therefore, I’ll opt for Dallas to become a repeat winner. Entering training camp, it’s hard to predict anyone other than one of these teams to win. The Cowboys have to replace DeMarco Murray, but I think they’ll be able to (though he was a solid all-around back). The once mighty NFC East hasn’t had two playoff participants since 2009; that streak will end as the Eagles reach the postseason.

Elliot Harrison of NFL.com ranked each franchises top quarterbacks, listing the trio of Donovan McNabb, Ron Jaworski and Randall Cunningham 18th in the league:

McNabb leads the Eagles trio of quarterbacks — a group that could have easily included some other names. Norm Van Brocklin was a coach on the field for Philly’s 1960 title team. Tommy Thompson won back-to-back championships at quarterback in 1948 and ’49. That said, Jaworski started 10 seasons in Philadelphia, taking the club to the playoffs four years in a row. Cunningham redefined how we think about the position.