The Eagles have made a lot of good moves this offseason. How could you not like their talent?
Yet I still see the Saints and Packers as the NFC favorites because their teams look more complete and they have better continuity. There are plenty of questions about Philly’s defense and its new defensive coordinator.
And if there is a weakness of this squad, it remains on the offensive live. Training camp hasn’t helped matters.
Mike Vick has no idea who will be protecting his blindside this year.
“I can’t tell you that right now. Why you asking me tough questions like that? Make it easy for me. I’m ready to go home,” Vick said Wednesday via Rich Hoffman of the Philadelphia Daily News, drawing laughter.
Last year’s right tackle Winston Justice hasn’t practiced because of a knee injury. His backup Ryan Harris, picked up from Denver, is out with a back injury. Just like he was for much of his time in Denver.
King Dunlap will start the team’s next preseason game, which doesn’t make Eagles fans feel great. He’ll start next to rookie guard Danny Watkins, who has shown promise but also looked like a rookie at times in camp. At center, the starter also remains uncertain. Rookie Jason Kelce is battling with Jamaal Jackson.
Put all this uncertainty against the backdrop of a shortened offseason and a new offensive line coach (Howard Mudd) who is installing a vastly different blocking scheme. Some problems are to be expected. Oh, and the old offensive line coach is now the defensive coordinator.
This doesn’t mean the Eagles are doomed, but the NFL has a way of surprising us every year.
It shouldn’t be a surprise if the Eagles are a little slow out of the gates with all this uncertainty.