One week after being eliminated from the Wild Card round of the 2019 NFL Playoffs the Philadelphia Eagles look onwards to next season. For what some might call a disappointment of a season, others call a win. All in all the Eagles failed to win the ultimate prize, and are left with a bag full of questions entering the offseason.
What to do about Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach?
With the dismissal of Mike Groh and Wide Receivers coach Carson Walch, there are two big holes in the Eagles offensive coaching staff. The more important of the two positions however could be the wide receivers coach as there will be many young faces lining up for the Birds next year, barring the team doesn't retain both Nelson Agholor, and Alshon Jeffery is either bought out or traded. JJ Arcega Whiteside, the Eagles 2019 2nd round pick will be paired with old and injury prone Desean Jackson, however Desean still launches like the first day he stepped on the field. This will not be lethal pass catching core for the Eagles, who failed to have a Wide Receiver reach over 500 yards receiving this year. Possible suitors for the slot Position? The Eagles don't have much money to throw around with a lengthy list of free agents, however the Alshon release could clear about 15 million dollars in cap room, pair that with a projected 10 picks and the front office should be able to find a solid target for Wentz next season. Possible suitors; Emmanuel Sanders, Randall Cobb, Amari Copper, Devin Funchess, Robby Anderson, Demaryius Thomas. My Pick; Devin Funchess or Emmanuel Sanders. Devin Funchess is the big, physical, pass catcher that creates separation very similar to Alshon. If they can strike a deal for less than the 10 million dollar hit this year, the Eagles could bring in a very positive pass catcher that compliments the pieces that they have now. Sanders a small shifty receiver has thrived with Jimmy Garoppolo this season, and could help create deep openings for Desean next season. This signing would create a fast and loud offense that would be tough to keep up with.
Who should replace Mike Groh? As of right now I have 2 possible candidates that could help this young offense grow. #1; John DeFilIppo. Don't call it a comeback, but that's exactly what it is. The perfect fit for a dormant offense in 2019, he's worked with most of this coaching staff and offense before, and might have been responsible for Carson Wentz's breakout season in 2017. This year he helped Gardner Minshew, a seemingly unknown late round project become one of the best rookie starters, and a lone bright spot on an underperforming and talent deprived team. He also worked with another rookie, DJ Chark at Wide Receiver, a ver similar matchup to JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Drawbacks? This season Jacksonville ranked 26th, one of the worst offenses in the league, and struggled to get Leonard Fournette going. Could be a tough precedent he set if the Eagles retain bell cow Jordan Howard. #2; Joe Morehead. Is it a little bit of a homer pick yes, the ex-Penn State Coordinator, and Mississippi State head coach could be a solid addition to the staff as he's worked with break out running back Miles Sanders. He could also help Wentz get some mobility back as he created quite the run and gun offense at Penn State. However this plan faltered in his second year at Mississippi State, and this led to his termination. Drawbacks: It's tough to go from college to pro especially as a fired coach, he could see a less prominent role in an organization, however its a long shot for him to come in.Other potential candidates; Lincoln Riley, Tom Coughlin, Kellen Moore
Overall it will be interesting to see where the Eagles go with these two very important hires over the offseason. These two positions mean more than just calling plays, its a development role as well as the Eagles will have quite the young core next season.