The Philadelphia Eagles are one step closer to chasing another Super Bowl, as the 2019 offseason improvement cycle is officially underway with the start of workouts and OTAs. The team announced the start of Phase 1 as the guys returned to the Nova Care Complex.
Phase 1 of the #Eagles offseason program begins today, as it consists of strength and conditioning work, no football drills and most importantly, it’s all voluntary.
OTAs won’t begin until May.
The beginning of offseason workouts is also a critical time for other players on the roster and with that being said, here are 7 things to watch as the Birds work to get ready for training camp.
The Status of Carson Wentz
The Eagles star quarterback no longer has Nick Foles looking over his shoulder, and that’s an immense pressure that Wentz will now have to deal with, as all the attention on the quarterback position will center on how he responds to two back-to-back seasons that have ended with injuries and watching the playoffs in street clothes. Wentz will address the media at some point on Monday, and he’ll now have to be the unquestioned leader of a group that looks Super Bowl ready.
Nate Sudfeld ready for primetime?
Sudfeld signed his restricted free agent tender and is now firmly entrenched as the Eagles backup quarterback. With Carson Wentz injury history and penchant for letting it all hang loose, it’s expected that Sudfeld could see time in regular season games that hold significant meaning. With Sudfeld heading towards unrestricted free agency and the chance to run his own club, offseason workouts and OTA’s will give deep insight into the how good he can truly be as a signal caller and how many compensatory picks Howie Roseman can get back for him.
DeSean Jackson returns home
The 32-year-old Jackson racked up 41 receptions for 774 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games, posting the lowest numbers of his career. Even with those pedestrian numbers, Jackson still led the NFL with a per-catch average of 18.9 yards — the main reason he was brought back to Philadelphia.
Jordan Mailata’s continued emergence
The Aussie tackle has patiently sat behind the scenes after the Eagles picked him in the seventh round and allowed coaches and trainers to mold him into the next Jason Peters. The talented and athletic former Rugby player is now viewed as the future at left tackle, a move that could allow the Eagles to address other needs while viewing Mailata as the team’s long-term option for Carson Wentz blindside.
Who will emerge as the top CBs
With Jalen Mills, Avonte Maddox, Sidney Jones, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Rasul Douglas and Ronald Darby on the corner, the Eagles either have an abundance of riches or a logjam of mediocrity that could cost the Birds a title. If Darby is healthy, he’ll start on the outside because he makes the most, but with so much depth, it makes no sense to rush him back from an ACL injury. After Darby, Mills seems like a logical choice because Doug Pederson loves him. Pederson has an affinity for the versatile Avonte Maddox, who can play outside, inside or at safety. LeBlanc is probably the most rugged and consistent out the group, but Sidney Jones is the second round pick and could get the nod in the slot.
Status of Josh Adams after shoulder surgery
Adams, the Eagles leading rusher last season with 120 carries for a team-high 511 rushing yards and three touchdowns, underwent labrum surgery following the team’s divisional-round playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints in January. The timetable for return was six months, so Adams should be good to go for the start of training camp.
Chris Long staying or going
Long is currently enjoying his time off by writing Game of Thrones recaps for Sports Illustrated, yet he’s still a question mark until he makes a decision about his future. It’s a real possibility that he retires, and that will likely force the Eagles into drafting another pass rusher in the draft, likely making the decision for him.
