Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles duke it out for the NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

2018 Record/Finish: 9-7, 2nd in NFC East
Offensive Ranks (2018): 18th (scoring), 14th (total yards), 7th (passing), 28th (rushing)
Defensive Ranks (2018): 12th (scoring), 23rd (total yards), 30th (passing), 7th (rushing)
Key offseason additions: DT Malik Jackson, WR DeSean Jackson, RB Jordan Howard
Key offseason losses: LB Jordan Hicks (ARZ), QB Nick Foles (JAX), WR Golden Tate (NYG)
Key draft pick: RB Miles Sanders
Toughest multi-game stretch: Weeks 9-12 (vs. Chicago, BYE, vs. New England, vs. Seattle)
Vegas Over/Under for wins: 10
Projected 2019 record: 9-7

There are a lot of signs that point to the Eagles moving up to the top spot within the division. There are a few worries that I feel are much more troublesome, however.

Last season, Philadelphia finished 28th in rushing. The answer?

Trading for a guy who has had two straight years of declining yardage and drafting a guy with one good year in college.

Last season, Philadelphia finished 30th against the pass. The answer?

The Eagles neither drafted help in their secondary, nor did they acquire anyone via trade. They did add safety Andrew Sendejo from the Vikings. He’s not exactly a coverage safety.

Philadelphia also has decided to put all their eggs in the Carson Wentz basket. With Nick Foles in Jacksonville, there is no safety if/when Wentz gets hurt again.

With a career record of just 23-17 and eight games missed in the last two seasons, the jury is still out on the former second overall pick.

The Eagles can be very good. Philadelphia’s floor is probably 7-8 wins but I think it is also fair to say their ceiling is nine or ten. They will contend for both the division title and a wild card spot. I just don’t believe they are a top tier team as presently constructed.