PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 11: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during mandatory minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on June 11, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Carson Wentz played 16 games for the Eagles in 2019 and they still only finished at 9-7. What does Philadelphia need to do to improve in 2020?
The Eagles were the very definition of NFL mediocrity in 2019. Their expected win/loss record of 8.8-7.2 illustrates that fact perfectly. The challenge for Doug Pederson and his staff in 2020 will be to elevate every aspect of the team’s play.
The good news on offense is that Carson Wentz managed to play 16 games last season. The bad news is that his main weapons at wide receiver failed to do the same. Alshon Jeffery only played 10 games and Desean Jackson only participated in three. If the health at wideout improves the Eagles should be more explosive on offense in 2020.
The defense should improve due to the team’s biggest move of the offseason. Trading for Darius Slay gives the Eagles one of the best cover corners in the game. He should take the secondary from poor to above average all by himself. That upgrade should magnify the effect of the team’s ferocious pass rush.
Based on roster talent alone, the Eagles should be the favorites in the NFC East. The outcome of the following five bold predictions will determine whether or not the team can live up to its potential.
5. Miles Sanders will rush for 1,000 yards
The departure of Jordan Howard leaves Sanders as the unquestioned starter at running back heading into the 2020 season. He’s also in line to take the lion’s shares of the team’s rushing attempts.
With all due respect to Boston Scott, he’s not going to get a ton of work. Sanders will tote the ball early and often for his offense. He’ll ride his quickness to a yards per carry average of just under 5. Multiply that by 250 or so carries and it’s easy to see how Sanders will eclipse the 1,000 yard mark on the season.