The Philadelphia Eagles look like a rebuilding team. They have a rookie head coach in Nick Sirianni, who is replacing Super Bowl-winning head coach Doug Pederson. After the display that the Eagles put on the 2020 regular-season finale, there was no way that Pederson could return as head coach of the team.
Philadelphia will head into the season with Jalen Hurts as the starting quarterback, as the team traded Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts. Hurts will have a chance to prove he’s a starter at this level, but the Eagles did him little favors in building a supporting cast around him.
The issues that plagued Wentz look like they will get to Hurts as well. What could we expect from this offense in 2021? Here are three bold predictions.
3. DeVonta Smith Breaks 1,000 Yards
Veterans DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery are both gone, leaving the Eagles with very little experience at wide receiver. There isn’t a single receiver on the team with more than two years of NFL experience, but the team has invested some draft capital into the position.
Jalen Reagor was selected in the first round of 2020 and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside was selected in the second round of 2019. In 2021, they picked reigning Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith with their first-round pick.
Smith is an explosive player that runs precise routes. He will be counted on to be the No. 1 wide receiver in this offense from Day 1 and he will produce some solid numbers. Smith will lead Philadelphia in receiving yardage as a rookie and break the 1,000-yard plateau in the process.
2. Three Players Rush For 500+ Yards
The Eagles could have a strong running game in 2021. If they can build leads, they should be able to bleed the clock pretty successfully with the stable of running backs they put together.
Miles Sanders and Boston Scott are holdovers from last season. Kerryon Johnson was signed away from the Detroit Lions and veteran Jordan Howard is on the roster as well. When you add in the running prowess of Jalen Hurts, there is a good mix here.
Whether it be added opportunity because of injury or the team just rotating players, at least three Eagles will rush for at least 500 yards this season. Sanders, Scott and Hurts are good bets to reach that number.
1. Eagles Have Lowest Scoring Team In NFL
Last season the Eagles were 26th in the NFL in points scored. That ranking will be worse in 2021.
Philadelphia didn’t do anything to help the offense improve those numbers unless Jalen Hurts is that much better of an option at quarterback than Carson Wentz. They selected DeVonta Smith in the first round, but if the offensive line cannot stay healthy, it won’t matter who is at wide receiver catching the ball.
Six teams were behind the Eagles in 2020 in offense; the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and New York Jets. They all improved their offenses in the offseason or will be getting players back from injury to get them back on track.
It would not be a surprise to see all of them leapfrog the Eagles in 2021, leaving Philadelphia in the cellar when it comes to points scored this season.
