Eagles 2017 Preview - The Wentz Wagon | Plug and Play:
QUARTERBACK: Carson Wentz
I liked him in the draft over Goff and I still like him more as a 2nd year pro. He has everything that you could ever want in a quarterback. We know what he is and we’ll see how well he progresses. Mike Mayock and Ron Jaworski compare him Matt Ryan and Peyton Manning – meaning that his professionalism and ability to lead men is rare and his size/skill set is special. I would have to agree – his professionalism is 2nd to none, he’s faithful and fully committed.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith, Nelson Agholor, Bryce Treggs, Paul Turner, Mack Hollins
Why are the Eagles receivers so fun to discuss year in and year out? Because it was BRUTAL last year and continues to be inconsistent? This year provides a one year security blanket, lead by Jeffrey & Smith – who have successful resumes. I’ll never forget when Torrey Smith’s first three professional catches went for touchdowns against the Rams in week 3 of 2011. I was watching in the Perch of SJU, alone. He has since underperformed drastically – his receptions have dropped off from 49 in 2014, to 33 in 2015 and 20 in 2016. He’ll be right around 20-25 receptions with a few TD’s and 400-500 yards. Jeffery is a Top 20 receiver when healthy/not suspended. In 2013, he had 1,421 receiving yards and 7 TD’s, followed by 1,133 yards and 10 TD’s in 2014 (and Brandon Marshall was on the field). Marshall even admitted in an interview with NFL Network’s Mark Kriegel in 2014 that only Calvin Johnson and Alshon Jeffrey are the only better receivers than he is. Losing Jordan Matthews, the leading receiver for the last 3 years to Buffalo will put more stress on Agholor in the slot. Not my favorite 3rd WR option in the league.
DEFENSIVE BACKS: Jalen Mills, Patrick Robinson, Ronald Darby, C.J. Smith, Sidney Jones, Ron Brooks, Rasul Douglas
This is worth the worry, mostly because 6 of 16 games will be played against OBJ, Brandon Marshall, Dez Bryant and Terrelle Pryor. Ronald Darby has two career interceptions, but there’s a lot to like in his body of work and his career at Florida State (although he was known as the second guy behind P.J. Williams). I would still argue that this team needs defensive back help. It’ll start to hurt in December and January when they’re making that 10 win push. The Eagles won’t score 30 points every game – this requires players like Mills and Robinson to step up and plug the necessary holes. Can’t forget about McLeoud and Jenkins.
2017/2018 Projection: 8-8, 3rd in NFC East
I like the Giants to win the Superbowl this year. Eli Manning is Tom Brady’s retarded arch nemesis. That puts them at 12-4. I don’t know what’s going to happen to Zeke but I loved Dak’s ability at Mississippi State, and you aren’t a Heisman candidate for 3 years for no reason. Dallas at 10-6?
Washington is dangerous too, even though Eagles fans neglect to acknowledge it. 8-8 seems right.
Eagles Fans: Incomparable to Others
The passion of Eagles fans is unrivaled. In fact, it’s admirable to an outsider who doesn’t get to share the same experiences. For the truest fans – it’s the incredible bond & experience that brings a community of people together. That being said, Eagles’ fans have created their own barbaric stigma – one that shuns and disrespects others for not joining the party. I get it – they just want what’s best for the franchise. But I am not the most confrontational person in the world – meaning that I don’t seek arguments and fights in my free time (unless on Twitter or in a group-text for fun). It seems like the complete opposite in the parking lot of the Linc - it’s not even worth it to represent your team amongst a group of greened out, drunken psycho’s. You will be immediately addressed and called a douche bag. You’d be better off wearing a green t-shirt, or a Phillies/Flyers/Sixers jersey just to blend in, even if you’re secretly rooting for the division rival. In fact, I’ve been to at least 10 Eagles games at the Vet & the Linc and have never worn an Eagles jersey. Strictly Phillies, Sixers or Flyers apparel (unless against the Rams, where it essentially felt like there was a red target on my back). I don’t necessarily want to associate with irrational and disrespectful fans.
I put it on myself though – I know that I am entering enemy territory and I should be prepared to fight. I just don’t see it that way. Let the other fans exist in peace. They’re just as devoted – they have full knowledge that they have to deal with drunken Eagles fans, the Rocky Theme and the Eagles fight song for 4 hours. They know what they’ve gotten themselves into – so just let them watch the fuckin’ game. They paid the same amount to sit next to your illogical ass. Eagles fans are so unpredictable. You could have the worst football experience ever.
Perhaps I create my own problems, but football to me is about getting together, rooting for your team and enjoying the game – not getting shit-faced drunk and screaming at each other. When I am in LA, enjoying the Rams – I am not barking at the opposing fans. I’m not telling them to “shut the fuck up”. I’m not telling them to “eat shit and die”. And I’m not telling them to “get the fuck out of here”. I’m standing there – cheering for my squad. Enjoying a GAME that I have absolutely no control on. Nothing else. Now, I’m not from LA so I’m not literally bleeding hometown pride. I wouldn’t doubt my passion, though. I just look at it differently from you Eagles fans. I’ve lived through just as much disappointment (despite the ring in 99’), 14 losing seasons in a row during the peak of my fandom (15 coming soon). I could be just as defiant and disrespectful – but I deserve some love just for hanging in there and fighting off hostile fans. At times, I may be defensive – strictly because I am knowledgeable and passionate. Just remember, when you’re bitching and complaining – that it could be much worse. You think the Eagles have it bad? Imagine being a Bills fan. You think you were close? Call Jim Kelly. You thought Andy Reid was conservative? Try Marv Levy’s 4 consecutive AFC championships with no Superbowls. Not to mention the “rebuild” they’re going through right now. It’s a disaster – but you can thank Howie for consistently putting a roster together that has playoff aspirations.
Here’s another thing: expectations are ridiculously high, despite the roster/ personnel, year in and year out. They are expected to make the playoffs (and make a run) every year, typically ending in drastic disappointment. “This year could be THE year, EAGLES SUPERBOWL” – Coach Al (975 the Fanatic). If this team doesn’t live up to expectations, the other side of fandom comes out: remove passion for hatred. They become hostile and defensive as all hell. I’ve known Phil Clark, an Eagles-obsessed dork for 8 years of my life – each of which, he’s expected 10-12 wins and a Superbowl run. He refers to the 2010 team as his “favorite team ever” (which is ridiculous), as he purchased a Lesean McCoy, Desean Jackson AND Michael Vick jersey within the year. He is one of the main reasons why I love to troll. By the way, the only people who think that Eagles fans are the best fans in the world are Eagles fans. And maybe Jaws. I don’t really care how this comes off to Eagles nation – those who secretly are aware and elect to deny it. How many wins does each season require? At least 10. 9 wins equates to a huge “fuck you” from the fan base, to the franchise. It’s not good enough. They’re pathologically negative fans and it is justified reputation.
The McQuadruple, McPick 6, McChunky Soup or Donny Mac takes the Big Sack.
The nicknames will last a lifetime.
The legacy may, too.
I LOVE the Donovan McNabb story. He is one of the most fascinating athletes to ever play on Philly soil, specifically because of his inability to take ownership for his mistakes and his helplessness in championship games. He threw for 37,276 yards with 234 career touchdowns, numbers that arguably could get him to Canton – but they WON’T. The city physically and mentally cannot embrace him, no matter how hard they try – he was unable to deliver when it was time to shine and he will be left out of the Hall of Fame forever because of it. I am a firm believer that Donovan McNabb will be completely forgotten and disregarded if Carson Wentz ever delivers this town a Superbowl.
Why the hell would anyone ever feel obligated to care about Donny Mac after this championship drought it over? Nobody cares for him now – he complains about the Philadelphia fans and their love for him, his professional opinions are irrational, he’s a convicted felon, and he doesn’t have a ring. To the people that still love the ol’ McNabber, here’s why: he’s the best QB in franchise history: THAT’S IT. When that title is abolished, he will no longer be mentioned. The nickname “McQuadruple” stems from four straight NFC championship losses.
Not to mention, the city of Philadelphia could’ve had Ricky Williams in 1999. It’s who the fans wanted – as McNabb was immediately booed (and then embraced months later). I understand that Ricky didn’t last long in NO under Ditka, but he would’ve been fun to watch if he stayed and we embraced his “green habits”. Seriously, Ricky “bleeds green” anyway; why not spend 12 years in Philly, visit the illadelph store and spend late nights in Rittenhouse square? Would’ve been cool to watch Ricky run over people in the Midnight Black on Monday night. Oh well, Philly got Donovan. Remember in the 30for30, “Run Ricky Run”, when he was asked if he missed his family ever while hiding away in a desert, retired and stoned at 24? His response was: “I miss my family sometimes. Only when I think about them”. At least McNabb loved and cared for his mama. She plumped that ass up. The Eagles made the right decision – but he’ll be remembered for more negative than positive. Losing outweighs winning. And McNabb outweighs a lot of people now.
Here’s a list of 5 reasons why you might still like McNabb today:
1. Best QB in Eagles franchise history
2. He was great in Madden
3. Played in a Superbowl and puked but still played
4. You met him recently
5. You watched a YouTube highlight tape
"NUMBA 5 WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU”
