DeCamara: 9 Reasons Eagles May Not Improve In 2017
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Ah, May.
The week after the NFL Draft when every city thinks their NFL team will be better this season.
94WIP's Joe DeCamara, however, isn't so sure the Eagles will be better than last year's 7-9 mark in 2017.
Here is his nine reasons why the Eagles may not improve this season:
1. Weak At Running Back
SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Running back Donnel Pumphrey #19 of the San Diego State Aztecs runs 7 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter
against the Colorado State Rams at Qualcomm Stadium on November 26, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
The Eagles did not draft a running back until selecting the 5-9, 170-pound slippery back Donnel Pumphrey in round four. Assuming Ryan Mathews is not back, the Eagles' are left with a RB trio of second-year player Wendell Smallwood, Darren Sproles, and the San Diego State rookie fourth-rounder.
2. Weak at Cornerback
The Eagles selected cornerback Sidney Jones with their 46th overall pick, but an Achilles injury could keep Jones out for most (or all) of 2017. In the third round, the Eagles drafted West Virginia corner Rasul Douglas.
In addition to a third-round rookie in Douglas, who will likely compete for a starting role, the Eagles have second-year corner Jalen Mills, Patrick Robinson, and Ron Brooks.
3. Derek Barnett, as a Rookie
The Eagles selected defensive end Derek Barnett with the 14th overall pick. DeCamara does not expect much from a rookie edge pass rusher.
4. Sidney Jones
Jones is expected to miss at least some, probably most, and maybe all of the 2017 season.
5. Mychal Kendricks and Jason Kelce
The Eagles reportedly tried to trade Kendricks, who saw minimal snaps last season under Jim Schwartz. And DeCamara is not a huge fan of Kelce.
6. Doug Pederson
Joe DeCamara does not believe in Doug Pederson, he's made that crystal clear.
7. Difficult Schedule
The NFC East is one of only three divisions in the NFL that does not have a team projected to win six games or less. The Eagles also have to play against the AFC West (another division with a six or less win team) and the NFC West.
8. More Injuries Coming?
The Eagles did not suffer many serious injuries in 2016. DeCamara believes, law of averages says that could even out this season.
9. Every Fan Base Thinks Their Team Improved
From the Panthers, to the Bucs, to the Titans, to the Giants, to the Browns. Every NFL team can make the case for why their team is better than last season.
