2016 Lions Opponents: Did They Improve? NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles went 7-9 last year with Sam Bradford at the helm. While it’s no sure thing that top draft pick Carson Wentz will start the season as the starting quarterback, it’s very possible. It’s likely that even if he doesn’t start the season opener against Cleveland, he’ll be starting the majority of the games this season.

Let’s look at the offense:

For as much guff as Sam Bradford gets, the Eagles’ offense was actually pretty productive in 2015. The team finished 12th in passing and 14th in rushing and, perhaps unfairly, Wentz will be expected to improve upon those marks. He’ll have an upgrade on the offensive line at right guard to help him out. Brandon Brooks comes over from Houston to replace Josh Andrews/Matt Tobin. This should help solidify a pretty good offensive line.

With Riley Cooper gone, second year receiver Nelson Agholor will continue to grow into his role alongside Jordan Matthews. This isn’t the most inspiring receiving corps, but the offense does return a pair of productive tight ends in Zach Ertz and Brent Celek.

In the backfield, DeMarco Murray was traded to Tennessee and Ryan Mathews will take over the starting duties. Murray failed to produce in the Eagles backfield and Mathews should provide ample production along with Darren Sproles.

Now a look at the defense:

The Eagles’ defense is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 403 under Jim Schwartz. Lions fans should be familiar with the style of defense Schwartz runs. The Eagles are actually really well suited for the transition. Connor Barwin will switch from an OLB to a DE and Fletcher Cox will shift inside to DT. Starting opposite Barwin will be 2012 second round pick Vinny Curry, replacing Cedric Thornton. The underused talent couldn’t find a comfortable spot in the Eagles’ old 3-4 and some have him pegged as a breakout star in 2016.

The linebacker corps has some turnover since the 2015 season. Mychal Kendricks is shifting from an ILB to an OLB in the new 4-3. Jordan Hicks will step into the starting MLB spot and newly signed free agent Nigel Bradham will start on the other side. Inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans was not re-signed by Philadelphia.

In the secondary, the pair of former Seahawks they added and played in 2015 are gone, replaced by free agent signing Rodney McLeod and second year corner Eric Rowe. It’s hard to deny that those should be improvements.

Verdict

The Eagles’ offense should continue to be average but the defense has the chance to make big strides this year. At the halfway point last season, Philadelphia was 4-4. They followed that up with three straight losses including two bad ones to Tampa Bay and Detroit. Last year’s squad ranked 30th overall (28th against the pass and dead last against the run), but with the switch to an attacking 4-3 defense and some help in the secondary, the 2016 defense will only be limited by its linebacking corps. If the group can gel well, this defense could keep Philly in their fair share of contests.

Unfortunately, the Eagles’ schedule is just brutal. They play the NFC North and the AFC North along with the Falcons and Seahawks to go with their six division contests. And of those, the only winnable games at home outside of the division are matchups with the Browns and Falcons. This is a 5 or 6 win team.

Lions’ chances for a home victory: 63%

Next: New York Giants