How the 2019 Eagles ranked in a number of key categories

Now that we’re in the offseason let’s take a look back at how the 2019 Philadelphia Eagles performed compared to the NFL average and visualize where improvement is needed moving forward.

The 2019 Eagles finished just slightly better than the 2018 Eagles did in these two categories.

The Eagles have had two straight seasons with a negative turnover differential, which obviously isn’t a recipe for success. The 2019 Eagles ranked 19th in both takeaways and giveaways. The Birds had the second most fumbles lost with 15. Carson Wentz putting the ball on the ground 16 times, a career high, didn’t help in that regard. It’s imperative he stops fumbling so often.

The 2019 Eagles were actually really good in a number of key areas such as third down, red zone, and avoiding interceptions. The obvious issue that sticks out is the lack of explosiveness in the passing game. The Eagles need to get away from relying on methodically driving down the field all game long and instead generate more big plays. Acquire some speedy wide receivers for the sake of everyone’s sanity, Howie Roseman. The running game efficiency could afford to improve as well and there’s reason to believe it can with Miles Sanders heading into Year 2 and juice lord Boston Scott emerging as a weapon.

Given how some talk about Jim Schwartz, you’d think the Eagles have one of the NFL’s worst defenses. Alas, that’s not nearly the case. Philly’s defensive coordinator has consistently gotten good production out of his units relative to the cap space dedicated to his side of the ball:

This isn’t to suggest there isn’t room for improvement. The Eagles’ secondary can’t be so shreddable as it was last season. More interceptions and sacks are needed. Acquiring some better cornerbacks in the offseason should help, assuming the Eagles can do that.

The Eagles could afford to find someone who actually provides some threat level as a punt returner. Maybe Boston Scott gets the nod there? Greg Ward finished the season as the punt returner but he didn’t do much with them: seven returns for 24 yards (3.4 average) and 12 fair catches. Tremon Smith could be a long shot to watch given his college experience returning punts (7.6 average and one touchdown on 38 tries).

Dave Fipp’s coverage units declined from their 2018 rankings.

The Eagles’ advanced metrics match their overall 9-7 record. They were an above average team but they weren’t legitimately great.

Sanders is somehow ranked 57th out of 61 running backs in PFF’s rushing grade category, hence the Eagles’ poor ranking in that category. PFF does love the Eagles’ lines on both sides of the ball.