On Thursday night (August 10) at fabled Lambeau Field, head coach Doug Pederson and the improving Philadelphia Eagles will face the defending NFC North champion Green Bay Packers in both clubs 2017 preseason debut. There are plenty of people anxious to see both Aaron Rodgers and Carson Wentz in action. But it’s highly unlikely we will see a lot of the Green Bay signal-caller. Wentz could be a different story on Thursday given his lack of experience. Add in the fact that there are a number of new wide receivers on the club and getting some rapport with them is important.
So which one of the player(s) from this position have earned a lot of extra attention?
First, the new additions
This offseason, general manager Howie Roseman knew he had to get Wentz some help. The Philadelphia Eagles offense slumped after a quick start in 2016. The same unit that scored 10 offensive touchdowns during the club’s 3-0 start made only 22 visits to the end zone in the final 13 games. Poor performances by the wide receiving corps, with the exception of Jordan Matthews, was one issue. The team parted ways with disappointing Dorial Green-Beckham this offseason as well.
Enter free agents Torrey Smith (San Francisco 49ers) and Alshon Jeffery (Chicago Bears), who should help Pederson’s team stretch the field.
The club also used some late picks on wide receivers Mack Hollins (4-North Carolina) and Shelton Gibson (5-West Virginia). However, it’s a former first-round pick that has opened the most eyes this summer.
Early reviews
Under head coach Chip Kelly, the team made former USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor the 20th overall pick in 2015 NFL Draft.
Although the young athlete has played in 28 games (26 starts) over his first two seasons in the league, he’s managed a substandard 59 catches for 648 yards and three touchdowns. But for some reason, the 6-1, 190-pound target has looked a little different so far this offseason and that’s a good thing.
Via Philadelphia Eagles’ reporter Brandon Lee Gowton, the manager and editor of BleedingGreenNation.com, Wentz stated that “he sees a more confident player than last year” when it comes to Agholor.
He’s made quite an impact during training camp and by all indications will be the Birds’ slot receiver this fall.
Pederson could have one of the most improved teams in the league this season when it comes to these Eagles. Getting out of the NFC East basement isn’t easy. But the emergence of Agholor along with the additions of Smith and Jeffery is going to make Wentz and the offense a much more difficult assignment in 2017.
