Over the last couple of days, we've answered plenty of your questions in our three-part mailbag.
And, as we get closer to rookie minicamp on Friday, here's Part 3.
After investing so many assets in running backs this offseason, do you expect Doug to change his game plan to use the run game more, or will he still try to throw the ball all over the field— Joey Jay (@CarryOn96) May 7, 2019
Philadelphia Eagles
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Have you met Doug Pederson?
He's gonna throw the ball. I think the key is to find balance. Really, that's been the key with him as a head coach since he took over in 2016. Fans clamor for a running game, Pederson stays true to himself. But I do agree with you that now there's less of a reason for him to abandon that balance and we've seen how much a running game can do for the entire offense. Believe it or not, the Eagles have the 11th-most rushing attempts in the NFL since Pederson took over as head coach, but he certainly hasn't favored the run.
Adding Jordan Howard and then Miles Sanders should at least help Pederson keep some of that balance, but if you expect him to become a run-first play-caller, that just isn't going to happen. The Eagles still have Carson Wentz and they have a ton of money tied up in their receivers. As much as they improved at running back, this is still a team with Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Nelson Agholor, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. There are just as many reasons to stay pass-happy as there are to commit to the run. Ultimately, it's all about the right mix and I do agree with you, that it should be easier to find with better backs.
How do you feel about the 2019/20 eagles season with there current roster— Sam Goldberg (@ShyGuy1007) May 6, 2019
The Eagles have a good roster and should compete for the NFC East title. In fact, I'd even call them the favorites to win the division after finishing second behind the Cowboys in 2018. I still think Dallas is a pretty solid team after winning 10 games last year. Either way, this is a two-team race. It'll either be the Cowboys or Eagles winning the division and the other team will have a shot at a wild cart spot, just like last year. I don't see much competition coming from the Giants. The Redskins might be OK. Based on recent history, the Cowboys aren't going to win the division. It's been over a decade since any team won back-to-back NFC East titles.
It really all comes down to Carson Wentz. If he's healthy and back to his 2017 form, the Eagles have the best QB in the division and it's not close. He has plenty of weapons around him and the Eagles' offense should get back to being one of the most dynamic in the NFL.
Hey Dave. Maybe the obvious one. Why does Douglas not get more playing time? Thanks— Robert Boyd (@RobertBoydOK) May 6, 2019
I really like Rasul Douglas. I don't know what he'll be long-term, but I have certainly seen enough from him over the last two years to allow him to compete for a starting gig as an outside cornerback. To me, he's earned that. Every time the Eagles have needed him to start, he's played pretty well and I think there's more potential there. But you're right, it seems like the coaching staff might not like him as much as I do and I'm not entirely sure why. If it's an open competition this summer, I think Douglas would win a starting job. Not sure if that will really be the case.
What's the update on Sproles? Would he be a lock to make the team, if willing and ready??— Josh Troutman (@TroutmanJosh) May 6, 2019
I'm still leaning toward Sproles not returning for the 2019 season, but if the Eagles bring him back, then he's going to make the team. They wouldn't sign him and then cut him after training camp. The Eagles could probably still use him as a change-of-pace guy on offense and a punt returner. His role would be pretty limited, but if he would agree to a minimal deal, he might help a little.
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