Interesting Questions

As the Eagles head into the second half of the 2020 season, some interesting questions arise. Players are returning from injury. Other players are developing and could be counted on for more. The coaches have also had time to self-scout and look for answers to some problems.

What happens at WR?

Alshon Jeffery might actually play. Might being the key word. If he does come back, how do the Eagles use him? They could slowly work him into the lineup or they could put him out there for 30 to 40 snaps. If you had him and Fulgham on the outside, with Reagor in the slot, that would be a really interesting group. You would have a lot of size and speed on the field.

Fulgham and Reagor are the keys. Everyone else can fit in around them.

Can the Red Zone defense be fixed? 

The Eagles defense is normally outstanding in the Red Zone. This year they are 24th. A few RZ stops could have led to a couple of more wins. Jim Schwartz knows this must improve if the Eagles are going to win games. It would be interesting to know what he thinks the major problem is. LB/S play is a big part, but the DL could be better in the RZ as well.

What happens with the OL?

Jason Peters played pretty well against Dallas. My guess is they leave him in the lineup and then move Jordan Mailata to the #3 OT role. Both Peters and Lane Johnson struggle to stay healthy. Mailata will be needed. Isaac Seumalo will be ready to play soon, possibly this week. Nate Herbig could move back to RG. That would make you feel good about the OL. Or at least better. What happens with Jack Driscoll? He should be ready to play soon. With Mailata as the #3 OT, does Discoll play more OG? I would rather have him ready to step in than Matt Pryor.

Can Carson Wentz get right? 

Wentz played better against PIT and BAL. He then struggled in the two divisional games. Will getting his RB, OL and WRs back have a major impact on Wentz? Will he stop playing Hero Ball? The Eagles need him to play better, as much for future piece of mind as anything. If he continues to turn the ball over at a Jameis Winston pace, that is going to lead to a lot of unpleasant questions.

The coaching staff also is a key here. They need to find a way to get Wentz into a good rhythm by calling the right plays. That could be more short passes. That could mean running more. Whatever. Find something that has worked and keep doing it.

Can the STs make plays? 

Jake Elliott is struggling. The return game is non-existent. When you are struggling overall, you need some help from the kicking game. Dave Fipp needs to get Jake Elliott fixed. I’m interested to see if they mix in Reagor more at PR. The return game needs something. Greg Ward is sure-handed, but he hasn’t shown the ability to get loose.

What happens with the secondary?

It looks like the Eagles will have all their top DBs available. How will Jim Schwartz use everyone? Nickell Robey-Coleman was awful early on, but he’s been better recently. Still, I’d rather see Cre’Von LeBlanc on the field. Will Parks flashed in the Dallas game. He could become an important role player. Heck, take some snaps from Jalen Mills and give them to Parks. Schwartz should have some options.

Can the Eagles stop the non-RBs?

It shocked me to see the Eagles were 24th in run defense. They have shut down RBs. But then you remember Daniel Jones running for 80 yards. Lamar Jackson got loose for a long TD. The Steelers had a WR go for 58 yards. The Rams fed everyone the ball. Unfortunately, those yards count as well. Schwartz has explanations for the runs. Each one is different. I think the big key is mistakes by the back seven, whether alignment, assignment or missed tackle. That group must clean up their play for the Eagles to play complete run defense.

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