ESPN’s Riddick: ‘Philly Offense Going to be a Problem’
Eagles GM Howie Roseman had a message for his head coach Doug Pederson after the Eagles lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs to end last season.
‘Can he run? Is he healthy? Does he love to play?’
The Eagles answered at least one of those questions on draft day, the other two remain to be seen. However, ESPN front office insider Louis Riddick think the answer to the first question, can he run, is clear. Yes.
As Riddick tweets: 'Philly offense going to be a problem'
Why? Speed.
As part of a new-look wide receiving group, the team added four new wide outs on draft day, first-round pick Jalen Reagor, fifth-rounder John Hightower, sixth-rounder Quez Watkins and added veteran Marquise Goodwin via trade. Add incumbent DeSean Jackson to the mix and you have five guys who all run 4.47 or better 40-times.
Now if the other two parts of the question prive to be just as accurate, Riddick will likely be right.
Speed kills, but what kills speed? Injury or lack of desire to wanna consistently showcase that speed. Jackson had the difference making speed in 2019, he showcased it in his first game in Washington, before an injury derailed virtually his entire season.
If a healthy Jackson os back on the field, the additional speed from the newcomers will be a welcomed edition to guys like Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. Their speed should help consistently open the middle of the field and keep the chains moving.
Add in Miles Sanders, a running back witj game-breaking ability, and Carson Wentz should have plenty of options and speed to choose from.
Then there's second-round pick, Jalen Hurts. Hurts is an X-factor type of player, thay opposing teams will not be sure how to prepare for. Expect to see him line up in the backfield with Wentz, as a QB, in the slot and more.
Hethe type of player that can keep the defense guessing and do a variety of things.
It appears Riddick is right. The Eagles offense looks like its going to be a problem.