HOUSTON — With the New England Patriots’ 34-28 overtime victory in Super Bowl LI, the 2016 NFL season is officially in the books and the page can officially be turned to the 2017 season.
While the Eagles actual schedule won’t be released until mid-April at the earliest, the 16 opponents are known and the teams they will face in Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz’s second season could offer plenty of intrigue.
Eagles takeaways from Super Bowl week
Here are five early thoughts on the Eagles’ 2017 opponents:
– Two trips Hollywood Boulevard:
After the Los Angeles Chargers’ move from San Diego became official, it set up a potential schedule quirk for the Eagles. One thing is certain, Wentz and Co. will be making two trips to Los Angles because they will play both the Chargers and Rams on the road this season but the NFL could opt to schedule the games in consecutive weeks giving the Eagles a chance to spend the week in Los Angeles or thereabouts to practice rather than make two cross-country flights for two games at different points in the season.
– A return visit to the Great Northwest:
After last season’s 26-15 loss to the Seahawks, the Eagles were likely hoping to avoid another trek to CenturyLink Stadium against the brutally physical Seahawks defense and the 12th man fans. Unfortunately those hopes weren’t realized and the Eagles will be playing in Seattle for a second-consecutive season. On the bright side, Eagles fans who missed out on the road trip last year get another chance to visit the original Starbucks location and Pike Place.
– More than a quarter of the season will be against 2016 playoff teams:
The Eagles will face five teams that made the playoffs (Raiders, Seahawks, Cowboys, Giants, Chiefs) last season and one that won a postseason game (Seattle). Last season the Eagles posted a 4-5 record against playoff qualifiers but did topple the Falcons 24-15 at Lincoln Financial Field. If the Eagles are going to make the 2017 NFL Playoffs, it would certainly help to have a better record against playoff caliber teams.
Why Eagles should target Logan Ryan
– Toughest home game:
The Dallas Cowboys will continue to be a monumental challenge for the Eagles to regain supremacy in the NFC East with Rookie of The Year winner Dak Prescott and finalist Ezekiel Elliott continuing to develop behind the league’s best offensive line. However, at least on paper, the Oakland Raiders could represent the toughest team to come through Lincoln Financial Field next season. With a burgeoning offense led by Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and a defense headlined by Defensive Player Of The Year Khalil Mack, the Raiders could be primed for a lengthy playoff run in 2017.
– Best road trip suggestion for fans:
Arrowhead Stadium and the tailgate experience surrounding Kansas City Chiefs games has long been considered one of the premier environments in the NFL. Eagles fans will have a chance to take in the “Sea of Red” and the aromas of barbecue emanating from the parking lots next season.
2017 is a litmus test offseason for Eagles’ Howie Roseman
Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
