What's your win prediction for the Eagles this season?

[Iggloo]

I am drinking water now, but suspect I will be drinking beer this season as I seek to drown my sorrows watching Mark Sanchez at QB.

It would be great if you guys were right though and Sam Bradford rejuvenated his career, stayed healthy and led the Eagles to a 12-win season.

But just to put things in perspective for you, the Eagles have only won 12 or more games four times. Ever. In the history of the franchise going back to 1933. It goes up to about six times if you count playoffs plus regular season, but the point remains the same. Those kinds of seasons are not as easy as you guys seem to think.

List of Philadelphia Eagles seasons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So yeah, some big gulps of Kool-aid in here.

 

[deerpathdave]

I am drinking water now, but suspect I will be drinking beer this season as I seek to drown my sorrows watching Mark Sanchez at QB.

It would be great if you guys were right though and Sam Bradford rejuvenated his career, stayed healthy and led the Eagles to a 12-win season.

But just to put things in perspective for you, the Eagles have only won 12 or more games four times. Ever. In the history of the franchise going back to 1933. It goes up to about six times if you count playoffs plus regular season, but the point remains the same. Those kinds of seasons are not as easy as you guys seem to think.

List of Philadelphia Eagles seasons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So yeah, some big gulps of Kool-aid in here.

I won't apologize for being optimistic. I love alot of these moves. This team reminds me of how I felt about the Buddy Ryan teams and the early Andy Reid teams. There were 10 seasons in there with 10-13 wins. I think this era will measure up well with those.

 

[Iron Eagle]

I am drinking water now, but suspect I will be drinking beer this season as I seek to drown my sorrows watching Mark Sanchez at QB.

It would be great if you guys were right though and Sam Bradford rejuvenated his career, stayed healthy and led the Eagles to a 12-win season.

But just to put things in perspective for you, the Eagles have only won 12 or more games four times. Ever. In the history of the franchise going back to 1933. It goes up to about six times if you count playoffs plus regular season, but the point remains the same. Those kinds of seasons are not as easy as you guys seem to think.

List of Philadelphia Eagles seasons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So yeah, some big gulps of Kool-aid in here.

....it's May. The weather is too nice outside for this manic depressive shit.

We could very well take a step back. Having said that Chip made Sanchez look decent. That gives me hope in regards to what he can do for Bradford. Foles is as much a gamble as any of our qb's.

 

[Iggloo]

Keep chug-a-lugging this stuff....it will make you see things apparently.

 

[Iron Eagle]

....as long as I don't have to see Nick Foles miss wide open receivers. It's a start.

 

[SixthStreet]

If Bradford plays 16, 12-4, and Bradford finishes top 4 in MVP voting.

Without Bradford the balance of the year, this could be a 4 win team.

 

[Iggloo]

Here are the ESPN projections. They have us finishing third, at 9-7, and not making the playoffs.


NFC East

Dallas Cowboys 11-5 (11.2 mean wins, SOS: 18)
New York Giants 9-7 (9.4 mean wins, SOS: 24)
Philadelphia Eagles 9-7 (8.7 mean wins, SOS: 23)
Washington Redskins 5-11 (5.0 mean wins, SOS: 17)

Last year, these projections had the Cowboys way too low, with a mean forecast of just 7-9. This year, our projection looks too extreme in the other direction. How can Dallas be the second-best team in the league despite the loss of DeMarco Murray? History says that losing a top running back doesn't tend to have a strong impact on overall offensive quality. The passing game and the offensive line simply have much more importance in the modern NFL. The Cowboys are likely to have more injuries on offense (No. 2 in our adjusted games lost metric) but better health on defense (No. 28 in AGL) should help improve that unit to league average. (The Cowboys are also the only NFC East team that will not have to face the suspended Tom Brady).

Improved health is also a big reason we have the Giants projected to improve, but there are clearly some issues in the Giants' training room. Big Blue has led the league in adjusted games lost for two straight seasons. So while this projection assumes some regression toward the mean, it doesn't assume as much as it would with other teams. And if the Giants have another season as the most injured team in the league, this forecast is clearly going to be too high.

Just as there are subjective reasons to believe that the Giants' may not get a boost when health regresses toward the mean by improving, there are subjective reasons to believe that the Eagles (and Chip Kelly's sports science program) may not get worse when their health regresses toward the mean by declining. But we do have to penalize the Eagles for introducing a new quarterback to their system, which usually means an offensive step back, all other things being equal.

There are some good indicators for Washington -- drafting an offensive tackle high, rebounding from poor health on defense last year -- but we still expect a poor season overall. Washington doesn't look like the worst team in the league, but got the No. 1 pick in Todd McShay's mock draft because it had the easiest schedule of the three teams projected to go 5-11.

 

[deerpathdave]

If Bradford plays 16, 12-4, and Bradford finishes top 4 in MVP voting.

Without Bradford the balance of the year, this could be a 4 win team.

I really don't think the delta in wins with Bradford to Sanchez is anywhere close to 8. 2 games maybe. 4 tops.

 

[Birds4life81]

I say 11-5 with 1 playoff win.

My reasoning…..For anyone who gives a shit.

I think the Defense is better. Our secondary is definitely improved with the addition of Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond and Eric Rowe. I think some are sleeping on Jaylen Watkins as well -- he was a 4th round pick a lot of us loved. I think Watkins will be a starter, most likely at Safety -- we can't be any worse than Nancy Allen. Rowe has a good chance to start opposite of Maxwell which should form a much improved duo than the two knuckleheads we had last year. We also have my sleeper Jerome Couplin III, who probably won't amount to much but you never know. I believe Brandon Graham will have a true breakout year as a starter -- I see double digit sacks from him. Hopefully we keep Mychal Kendricks for at least one more year and let this ILB group wreck havoc with Barwin and Graham on the outside. Not to mention our deep and very talented D-line. For the young players on this defense: 1 more year in our scheme, 1 more year of seasoning and development. This defense has a chance to be real good IMO.

On offense I actually think we're improved. Our o-line was absolutely demolished with injuries last year -- we only lost Herremans this off-season, and he wasn't real good (or decent) anymore. I'd bet Barbre (who missed last year due to injury) steps in and does a better job at G. Sure It would've been nice to add some young depth to this o-line, but if we stay healthier than last year, which really shouldn't be that hard -- we do have players like Tobin, Garnder, and Kelly who are still developing. Another year for Lane Johnson to grow as a player as well. I think our run game is tremendously improved. I can't wait till some people watch what a real north/south runner can do in this type of scheme. D.Murray is an absolute horse and Ryan Matthews is a damn good #2. We should have no problem rotating these guys, lowering their workloads, and letting them run fresh -- on an offense that gasses defenders and is schemed for North/South runners. It will be very fun to watch. The loss of Maclin definitely hurts, but we got a dynamic pro ready prospect in Agholor. A polished prospect with his work ethic and football IQ shouldn't have much of a problem contributing as a rookie just like Jordan Matthews did for us last year. I see Jordan Matthews taking a very nice leap into year 2 and leading this team with receptions with a good year. Zach Ertz is primed for a breakout year as well -- that kid is tremendously talented and is working insanely hard on his blocking so he can be an every down player. I think Josh Huff quiets his critics a bit this year -- no he's not a star type player, but he will be a productive player in this offense and I think he takes that proverbial 2nd year leap as well. Good YAC ability in a scheme that gets the player the ball in space -- less thinking and more playing for that kid this year. I'll take Jordan Matthews (yr 2), Josh Huff (yr 2) and Nelson Agholor (yr 1) over Jeremy Maclin (Vet), Jordan Matthews (yr1), and Riley Cooper (scrub).

Which brings us to the most important position. The QB position! I like this team overall more than last year. I'm not a huge Sanchez guy, but he could probably start on this team and get us to 10-11 wins and a playoff win. I was one of the Sam Bradford bandwagoners when he went #1 overall to STL... and became a huge disappointment. He had tremendous arm talent in College, playing in a very similar scheme then, as he will with us in Philly. He had horrible coaches, coordinators and talent in STL…now I'm not trying to make excuses for him, as his individual play wasn't impressive. Though I believe with our scheme and talent he has a MUCH better chance to succeed. Yes his injuries and frantic feet in the pocket (at times) scares me, but I think he's much more talented than Mark Sanchez and I just told you what I think that guy could do as the QB for this team. I'd rather have Sam Bradford than Nick Foles, though if Bradford doesn't pan out due to injuries or other issues -- we'll be looking like some fools in that trade. Regardless I see 11-5 and a playoff win.

Okay I'm done.

 

[Iggloo]

Good post. I think you present the optimistic side of the equation well.

 

[WIZ]

Mathews...Matthews...Ertz....Sproles....Nelson....Murray= Awesome O
Upgraded CB's to a lethal front 7 = Better D
ST's= One of the best

If Bradford plays 14-16 I don't see how we win 9. Heck Sanchez could do that.

 

[deerpathdave]

I say 11-5 with 1 playoff win.

My reasoning…..For anyone who gives a shit.

I think the Defense is better. Our secondary is definitely improved with the addition of Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond and Eric Rowe. I think some are sleeping on Jaylen Watkins as well -- he was a 4th round pick a lot of us loved. I think Watkins will be a starter, most likely at Safety -- we can't be any worse than Nancy Allen. Rowe has a good chance to start opposite of Maxwell which should form a much improved duo than the two knuckleheads we had last year. We also have my sleeper Jerome Couplin III, who probably won't amount to much but you never know. I believe Brandon Graham will have a true breakout year as a starter -- I see double digit sacks from him. Hopefully we keep Mychal Kendricks for at least one more year and let this ILB group wreck havoc with Barwin and Graham on the outside. Not to mention our deep and very talented D-line. For the young players on this defense: 1 more year in our scheme, 1 more year of seasoning and development. This defense has a chance to be real good IMO.

On offense I actually think we're improved. Our o-line was absolutely demolished with injuries last year -- we only lost Herremans this off-season, and he wasn't real good (or decent) anymore. I'd bet Barbre (who missed last year due to injury) steps in and does a better job at G. Sure It would've been nice to add some young depth to this o-line, but if we stay healthier than last year, which really shouldn't be that hard -- we do have players like Tobin, Garnder, and Kelly who are still developing. Another year for Lane Johnson to grow as a player as well. I think our run game is tremendously improved. I can't wait till some people watch what a real north/south runner can do in this type of scheme. D.Murray is an absolute horse and Ryan Matthews is a damn good #2. We should have no problem rotating these guys, lowering their workloads, and letting them run fresh -- on an offense that gasses defenders and is schemed for North/South runners. It will be very fun to watch. The loss of Maclin definitely hurts, but we got a dynamic pro ready prospect in Agholor. A polished prospect with his work ethic and football IQ shouldn't have much of a problem contributing as a rookie just like Jordan Matthews did for us last year. I see Jordan Matthews taking a very nice leap into year 2 and leading this team with receptions with a good year. Zach Ertz is primed for a breakout year as well -- that kid is tremendously talented and is working insanely hard on his blocking so he can be an every down player. I think Josh Huff quiets his critics a bit this year -- no he's not a star type player, but he will be a productive player in this offense and I think he takes that proverbial 2nd year leap as well. Good YAC ability in a scheme that gets the player the ball in space -- less thinking and more playing for that kid this year. I'll take Jordan Matthews (yr 2), Josh Huff (yr 2) and Nelson Agholor (yr 1) over Jeremy Maclin (Vet), Jordan Matthews (yr1), and Riley Cooper (scrub).

Which brings us to the most important position. The QB position! I like this team overall more than last year. I'm not a huge Sanchez guy, but he could probably start on this team and get us to 10-11 wins and a playoff win. I was one of the Sam Bradford bandwagoners when he went #1 overall to STL... and became a huge disappointment. He had tremendous arm talent in College, playing in a very similar scheme then, as he will with us in Philly. He had horrible coaches, coordinators and talent in STL…now I'm not trying to make excuses for him, as his individual play wasn't impressive. Though I believe with our scheme and talent he has a MUCH better chance to succeed. Yes his injuries and frantic feet in the pocket (at times) scares me, but I think he's much more talented than Mark Sanchez and I just told you what I think that guy could do as the QB for this team. I'd rather have Sam Bradford than Nick Foles, though if Bradford doesn't pan out due to injuries or other issues -- we'll be looking like some fools in that trade. Regardless I see 11-5 and a playoff win.

Okay I'm done.

Not often you and I agree

 

[DutchBird]

I would go with 11-5; the big if being Bradford's health. If we have to rely on Sanchez for much of the season, then I think 8-8 would be the maximum.

 

[Deano]

The optimist in me says 12-4.

The realist hopes for 10-6.

The pessimist says 6-10.


I think I'm a realist.

 

[DirtDirtDirt]

7 wins sounds right

We can stop saying "IF" Sam Bradford

No, he will go down, and Sanchez is a sure bet to start 8 games or more

I'd also be terrified of Murray holding up for a2nd straight season, especially coming off a 3million carry season

Jordan Matthews isn't a #1, seems a pretty solid #2 ceiling

Sorry, this has the looks of a team with the arrow pointing in the down direction

 

[eaglesnut]

I am drinking water now, but suspect I will be drinking beer this season as I seek to drown my sorrows watching Mark Sanchez at QB.

It would be great if you guys were right though and Sam Bradford rejuvenated his career, stayed healthy and led the Eagles to a 12-win season.

But just to put things in perspective for you, the Eagles have only won 12 or more games four times. Ever. In the history of the franchise going back to 1933. It goes up to about six times if you count playoffs plus regular season, but the point remains the same. Those kinds of seasons are not as easy as you guys seem to think.

List of Philadelphia Eagles seasons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So yeah, some big gulps of Kool-aid in here.

We've never had a QB as good potentially as Sam Bradford, so you can throw all that history out the window. He's easily the best of my lifetime and at least the modern era. If you treat Bradford as a prospect and look at his skill set, no other QB even comes close. That's not kool-aid, that's just how highly he was and still is thought of around the league.

We all know he's an injury risk. Foles was injured every year as well though, so what were the other options? Bradford can put up MVP type numbers here, and if the wins come too he'll be up for more awards than just Comeback Player of the Year. If the worst happens, there will be plenty of time to complain about it.

 

[Iggloo]

So Bradford is better than any QB we have ever had?

Here are his NFL stats:

He's only thrown for more than 20 TDs once. He's only played two full seasons out of four. Hasn't played a regular season game in a year and a half. Career 79 QB rating. But we're confident he can put up MVP numbers? That's some serious kool-aid sipping right there.

1. Career stats
   Year
   Team
   CMP%
   YDS
   TD
   INT
   Rating
   
   2013
   
   Rams
   60.7
   1,687
   14
   4
   90.9
   
   2012
   
   Rams
   59.5
   3,702
   21
   13
   82.6
   
   2011
   
   
   
   Rams
   53.5
   2,164
   6
   6
   70.5
   
   2010
   
   
   
   Rams
   60.0
   3,512
   18
   15
   76.5
   
   Career
   
   58.6
   11,065
   59
   38
   79.3

Show less

 

[Iggloo]

Former Eagles exec Phil Savage, the guy who runs the Senior Bowl: 90% of teams were scared away by Bradford's injuries:

"Last August I went on a camp tour, he said. "I ended up in Earth City, Miss., watching the Rams, and Sam Bradford looked exquisite on the practice field. ... They were so excited about Sam Bradford because he really looked good. And less than two weeks later he basically wasn't touched and he goes down in Cleveland in a preseason game with that second ACL for the second time."

Former Eagles executive: Sam Bradford's ACL tears 'scared off 90 percent of teams' | NJ.com

 

[eaglesnut]

I would go with 11-5; the big if being Bradford's health. If we have to rely on Sanchez for much of the season, then I think 8-8 would be the maximum.

Yup Sanchez turns the ball over too much and doesn't make plays downfield. That's a recipe for 8-8 at best. Hopefully we won't see him after the pre-season.

 

[eaglesnut]

Yes, Iggloo, in the past Sam Bradford was injured. Thanks for revealing that completely new information. Nick Foles was injured every year here. What were the other options at QB?