Eagles’ Season-Long Projections for 2019
The Philadelphia Eagles are second in the NFC East with a record of 5-4. The Birds are currently on their bye-week, prepping for one of their toughest opponents of the season; the New England Patriots.
While the Eagles still have a couple of difficult matchups, their schedule as a whole isn’t all too threatening. They’ll face off against the Washington Redskins, the Miami Dolphins, and two times versus the New York Giants.
Before games resume once again, let’s take a look at how the Eagles’ offense has performed thus far, and what they’re on pace for after 16 games.
QB: Carson Wentz
3,662 yards – 27 TD – 7 INT – 62.7% comp. – 256 rushing yds – 2 TD
If Wentz finished his 2019 campaign with such numbers, I’d be pretty content. Wentz hasn’t been given the most ideal situation.
His receivers have consistently been dropping passes, and his offensive line hasn’t always shown up. In Wentz’s last four games, he has been sacked twelve times. For perspective, Wentz was only sacked eight times in his first five games.
Compared to his career statistics, this season would be pretty underwhelming. He wouldn’t have any new career-highs.
One stat that is reassuring to see is Carson Wentz’s interception percentage. Currently, he throws an interception on 1.3% of his attempts; a career-low.
This is encouraging to view as it shows he is becoming more efficient with the football. He is limiting turnovers and playing smart. In Wentz’s four-year career, he has fumbled the ball 35 total times. Only three have come from this season.
It is a disappointment that Wentz isn’t shattering records; however, he is doing what he can to get the win, and he is doing so efficiently. Yes, we all want him to succeed, but these numbers are more than okay.
RB: Jordan Howard
211 attempts – 933 yards – 11 TD – 4.4 ypc – 18 rec – 123 rec. yards – 2 rec TD
These numbers could have been substantially higher if the Eagles coaching staff chose to utilize Howard in the early-going of the season. Regardless, his line still comes out well.
In an RBBC (running back by committee) system, Howard would have had an extremely productive season.
Would anyone be displeased by 11 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry? His receiving totals aren’t anything impressive, but they don’t need to be.
Jordan Howard has been great in situational football. As long as the Birds continue to use him on first/second down, he should be primed for success. There is only one thing left for Howie Roseman to do:
Resign the man.
RB: Miles Sanders
135 att – 597 yards – 2 TD – 4.4 ypc – 39 rec – 542 rec. yards – 2 rec TD
Drafting Miles Sanders in the second round proved to be a huge success. Sanders was underutilized in college at Penn State while playing behind star running back Saquon Barkley.
He is on pace to surpass 1,000 total yards in his first year as a pro. He seemingly has the entire skillset to become an every-down back.
For now, however, he has been sharing the load with Jordan Howard; mainly taking over the passing downs.
While the Eagles’ wide receivers have disappointed, Sanders has picked up their slack. He has caught the fourth-most passes this year by an Eagles’ player, and the third-most yards.
He also has the second-longest pass completed by an Eagles’ player this season with a 45-yard completion.
Not too bad, for a running back.
WR: Nelson Agholor
57 receptions – 501 receiving yards – 5 receiving TD – 59.3% catch rate
It’s been bad. Let’s not understate the glaring issue at wide receiver for the Birds. It is horrendous.
Agholor is infamously known for his game-winning touchdown drop against the Falcons in week two, and it seems as if that was only the beginning.
Nelson Agholor has the third-worst drop rate on the team at 59.3%. The only two players ahead of him? Mack Hollins and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. Not great company to be alongside.
With Desean Jackson being hurt for the 2019 season in its entirety, Agholor was primed to step up and take over his role. 57 receptions and 501 yards isn’t a great display for a top-two option in an offense.
TE: Zach Ertz
82 receptions – 937 receiving yards – 4 TD – 61.3% catch rate
Another year where Zach Ertz is the main target for Carson Wentz. What’s new.
Ertz is on pace to have yet another productive season in his career. Assuming these numbers hold true, this would be the second-highest yardage total in his career.
This would also be his lowest touchdown total since 2016. The red zone opportunities just haven’t been as plentiful this season. With some easier opponents in the upcoming weeks, Ertz has a great chance to surpass his projected total.
Ertz hasn’t been able to capitalize on his targets as often as he has in the past. With a projected 61.3% catch rate, that would be his lowest catch rate percentage in his entire career.
All statistics via ProFootballReference.com Photo via:
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