Five things I’ve learned about the Eagles after five games
By Tim Kelly
1. We might not see the actual 2014 Eagles until late in the season
Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) and center Jason Kelce (62) during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles are 4-1 right now, but their chances of realistically winning a playoff game–let alone making a run–largely hinge on the hope that their offense clicks at some point this year. Punts aren’t going to get blocked every game and I’m not sure the front seven is going to play as well as they have thus far. So what holds they keys to the offense getting hot? A return of a healthy offensive line.
The Eagles got Lane Johnson back at right-tackle against the Rams, which allowed Todd Herremans to slide back to right-guard. Future hall of famer Jason Peters is still at left-tackle, which makes the idea that the Eagles best two offensive lineman are out now, rather scary to the rest of the league.
Evan Mathis has been the best left-guard in the NFL over the course of the past two seasons, and Jason Kelce might be the best downfield blocking lineman in the game right now, which has made their absence very noticeable.
Once they both come back, likely around week 10, both the running and screen games should be opened up, which opens up the passing game. Getting time to set your feet in the pocket also helps to open things up in the passing game. Add in the running game and bring back what was a lethal passing attack this year, and the Eagles could become a scary team down the stretch of this season.
It may take until week 12 or 13 until everyone gels and the offense really gets in a groove, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the Eagles can hold things over until then.