The Eagles are rebuilding in 2021. There is no doubt about that.
That does not seem to be changing the expectation among players that they can be a playoff team in 2021.
Speaking on Wednesday to reporters, Eagles center Jason Kelce said he has no doubt that his team can go out and win the NFC East in 2021 despite being in a transition period.
“There is no question we are in a transition period. We have a new head coach, a new coaching staff completely, new quarterback. There is a lot of change that has happened within the building. So without question we are in a transition period. I think the biggest difference between football and a lot of other sports is that being in a transition period doesn’t mean you can’t compete and be competitive,” Kelce said. “Like we saw with a lot of new coaches last year, a lot of the new coaching staffs that had no time to prepare throughout the whole offseason given the situation with COVID performed really well. The (Cleveland) Browns are a great example. I think the bottom line is that we can be competitive, win games, we can win this division. I have no doubt about that. If we go about it the right way, we improve, we continue to get better as a team and we can also be in a transition period.”
Kelce is right — the team is indeed in a transition for the reasons he stated. They have a rookie head coach. Their quarterback is basically a rookie. They are coming off of a four-win season.
Kelce is also correct, however, that the team can compete while rebuilding.
The Eagles have the benefit of playing in the NFC East, which could be improved in 2021, but is likely still going to be the worst division in the NFL. Even last season, as they were playing like one of the worst teams in the league, the Eagles had a chance at the playoffs in the final weeks of the season.
Despite the changes, there is a good chance the Eagles will be better in 2021. They should have a healthy offensive line, something Kelce mentioned specifically. They have, based off of last year’s record, the easiest schedule in the NFL. Although Hurts had only 4.5 games of experience under his belt, it is hard to imagine he could be any worse than Carson Wentz was last season.
Add everything up and the Eagles should be competitive next season while also rebuilding for the future.
“I think that is the best way to transition because we will be able to do it in a way that we are still winning ballgames while building this thing for the future,” Kelce said. “I am excited to be a part of that, I am excited to come back and to help in this transition as a veteran player. I think that is a big part of my role, is aiding in this transition. I am excited to be a part of it.”
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
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