their two main offseason acquisitions, the Eagles showed that improving the defense was a priority. Jenkins must prove that he was the right move. Eagles Special Teams Although Donnie Jones averaged a strong 44.9 yards per punt last year, it was just the sixth best mark of his career. Granted, the Eagles’ strong offense didn’t force him to be booting the ball away too often from deep in Philadelphia territory, but Jones could do better. The same goes for Alex Henery, who was not so reliable from beyond 40 yards last year, as his 8-of-12 success rate demonstrates. Henery does not boom the ball on kickoffs, and if he has another season during which he cannot be relied upon to hit the long ball, the Eagles may look for an upgrade. The loss of Jackson will hurt in the return game. Even though he didn’t have a great average bringing back punts last year, he has superior speed and the ability to make big plays. Sproles has a proven record in the return game, although his age makes it unlikely he’ll be a regular. Boykin has potential, as does all-purpose weapon Brad Smith. Prediction The Eagles aren’t yet ready to make a Super Bowl run, but in the mediocre NFC East, they are the clear favorites. If Foles continues to play well, the offense will surely crackle. The D, meanwhile, ought to be better, thanks to the maturation of the younger troops. A division title is likely, and a playoff win or maybe two could well happen. SCOREBOARD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 PLAYOFF FINISH WC - - WC WC WON-LOSS 10-6 4-12 8-8 10-6 11-5 POINTS/GAME 27.6 17.5 24.8 27.4 26.8 OPP POINTS/GAME 23.9 27.8 20.5 23.6 21.1 YARDS/GAME 417.3 354.1 399.1 389.4 357.9 YARDS ALLOWED 394.0 343.2 324.9 327.2 321.1 TURNOVERS 19 37 38 25 23 TAKEAWAYS 31 13 24 34 38 Key Additions: RB Darren Sproles, S Malcolm Jenkins, QB Mark Sanchez, CB Nolan Carroll Key Subtractions: WR DeSean Jackson, WR Jason Avant, S Patrick Chung, QB Michael Vick Rookies: OLB Marcus Smith, WR Jordan Matthews, WR Josh Huff, CB Jaylen Watkins, DE Taylor Hart, S Ed Reynolds, DT Beau Allen Chip Kelly and Nick Foles DREW HALLOWELL/GETTY IMAGES SPORT simply in winning shootouts, and that Kelly didn’t care too much about defense. Philadelphia had its moments of trouble on that side of the ball last year, especially as the team went 3-5 in the first half. If it is going to become a playoff success this year, rather than just a playoff qualifier, it must become a tighter, more productive unit, particularly when it comes to rushing the passer and defending against the pass. Although the team did take some steps to upgrade its secondary and drafted a pass-rushing end, it is largely the same unit that finished 29th in points allowed last year. The switch to a 3-4 brought some personnel issues, and although the team is more comfortable with Davis’ system, it remains to be seen whether Cole will progress in the outside linebacker spot or if Ryans will continue to play well inside the 3-4. Up front, second-year nose tackle Bennie Logan looks to be a keeper, but end Fletcher Cox had a so-so season and must step up this year. Inside backer Mychal Kendricks has the speed to thrive all over the field but needs more consistency, and Connor Barwin continues to be a steady, versatile performer on the outside, opposite Cole. The Eagles are hoping former New Orleans starter Malcolm Jenkins will bring stability to the safety position, a real trouble spot last year. But whether a reliable regular next to him can be found from between second-year man Earl Wolff and vet Nate Allen remains to be seen. Brandon Boykin is a fine slot corner, but the starting tandem of Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher doesn’t overwhelm. Defensive Player to Watch Safety was a definite issue for the Eagles last year, and the arrival of Jenkins at the free safetyspot brings hope that Philadelphia won’t be as susceptible to enemy passers, who completed 60.9 percent of their throws last season. During his five years in New Orleans, Jenkins proved to be a solid centerfielder, although he only intercepted six passes—and was a full-time starter his last four seasons. He has good speed and instincts but isn’t the best tackler, something that the team needs on the back line. No matter what Jenkins’ shortcomings may be, the Eagles need him to be a stalwart in a secondary that must get better in order for the team to enjoy more success. By making him one of
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