I answered half of your questions yesterday, but we got a lot, so here are the rest:
Why are the LB's always the last area of concern when the Eagles talk of improving the defense? Always felt strong LB core = tough defense— PhillyGuy53 (@philly_carl) May 26, 2017
Well, the Eagles' linebackers were pretty good last year. At least they certainly weren't the problem.
Jordan Hicks is returning for his third season and has Pro Bowl potential. The last thing he needs to improve is his run-stuffing ability. If he does that, he'll be very good. Nigel Bradham had an under-the-radar season in 2016. He worked very well with Hicks and is entering the last year of his deal. Now, he has a trial coming up in July for a felony assault charge, but as long as that doesn't keep him off the field, he should have another good year. Then, Mychal Kendricks, for as much as he gets criticized, isn't a bad third option for a third of plays.
I'd agree that after those three, there's a clear lack of depth. Najee Goode, Joe Walker, Steven Daniels, Nate Gerry. Not super deep. But Goode is a decent backup, they liked Walker from last year before the ACL tear, Daniels is a wild card and Gerry is switching positions from safety to linebacker.
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Would the Eagles have a better chance at winning a game this season if they had to start you for 16 games at right guard or at running back?— Drew (@DrewTweetsNow) May 26, 2017
Running back. No question. Carson Wentz would be decapitated in a quarter if I was at right guard.
At least at running back under Doug Pederson, I wouldn't get the ball very often. And when I'd get the ball, I'm so small and so slow, maybe I'd be like a changeup in baseball and linebackers would miss me altogether. Until they hit me and I leave the field crying.
Season stat predictions for Zach ertz Derek Barnett and legarette Blount?— PhillyFan8617 (@RockyVonelli6) May 26, 2017
Ertz: 80 catches, 900 yards, seven touchdowns. Those would be very slightly above the numbers he's put up in recent years, but in his second year with Wentz, that's reasonable. And seven touchdowns is a lot, but I don't think it's crazy.
Barnett: Six sacks. This would be a pretty good rookie season. I'd set the over/under number at 6½, so I have Barnett slightly under just because he'll have to fight for time with a few players.
Blount: This one is tougher - 700 yards rushing, 10 touchdowns. No, I don't expect Blount to have another 1,000-yard season. That's a lot of touchdowns, but Ryan Mathews was able to pick up eight last year and Blount should be better in short-yardage situations.
Is this the season Zack Ertz finally breaks out? Is Agholor going to flourish in his 3rd year?Is DGB in trouble of being cut (same re Curry)— Lyin Bryan #NotMyGM (@mo__con) May 26, 2017
1. I don't even know what a breakout season is anymore. Ertz is a good tight end. He's not Rob Gronkowski. He's never going to be Rob Gronkowski. So break out? Maybe not. But he's a solid piece of the offense, who needs to score more touchdowns.
2. No.
3. Yeah. At this point, I expect Dorial Green-Beckham to be the odd man out. Vinny Curry will be on the team and will have a cap hit of $9 million this year.
Is this the year Donnie Jones becomes a household name?— Corey Seidman (@CoreySeidmanCSN) May 26, 2017
Hi, Corey. Big fan. If Donnie Jones isn't a household name, I'd start to question your household.