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Eagles mailbag: More of Clement and Goedert in future?
Now that Game 1 is in the books and the Philadelphia Eagles have survived, questions abound on what we might think the future holds or what the players and coaches are really thinking.
So let's get right to the thick of this latest Eagles mailbag.
Q: Do you see RB Corey Clement and TE Dallas Goedert getting more opportunities?
A: The short answer is yes. But the sense here is that you want more, so here goes:
On Clement, it will depend on how many runs they call. Thursday night, for instance, their running game was shut down early and there weren't many chances for anyone. On days when they get the ground game going, look for Clement to finish with at least 10 touches. He had only five on Thursday.
Goedert, on the other hand, is going to have to earn more targets. His drop of one of the rare perfect passes Nick Foles threw on Thursday led to an interception that set up a touchdown. He was hit hard on the play, but until he makes catches on plays like that, he will carry a label of being soft.
Q: Why did the Eagles take so long to put Mack Hollins on IR? Would they have had better options to replace him had they known earlier?
A: Hollins clearly had a setback they did not see coming, even after tweaking his groin a week before their season opener. He had surgery to repair a sports hernia in the offseason, and this move almost certainly means there was a reoccurrence.
As for their options, I don't believe they lost out on anyone they would have wanted as an alternative. As you saw, they did bring Markus Wheaton back. When Alshon Jeffery returns, they're still going to be able to pack a heavy punch at that position.
Q: Is it possible the Eagles could give the QB job to Nick Foles for the year if he keeps winning and Carson Wentz is not eligible to return until later in the season.
A: Anything is possible, though this scenario is highly unlikely for two reasons:
1. It's doubtful the Eagles won't stumble at least a couple of times with Foles.
2. They still believe Wentz is the superior quarterback by far.
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Conversely, they won't rush Wentz back based on Foles' performance.
Q: [NBC's] Cris Collinsworth said [DE] Michael Bennett was unhappy that he didn't get the start [Thursday night]. Is Bennett going to be a problem this year?
A: I don't understand why he'd be upset. He had to know he wasn't going to be a starter when they acquired him.
Plus, if he was upset at the start, how can he be now? He wound up playing 45 snaps. Only Fletcher Cox (65) and Brandon Graham (46) had more among the defensive linemen.
But to answer your question, no, I don't think he's going to be a problem. I think he's actually going to be a big help — if only for the way he helps his teammates with their technique.