The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to move on from a slightly drama-filled offseason. The team is trying to move past all of the issues regarding former wide receiver and his release after controversial gang ties were reported. Now Chip Kelly is trying to find some relief as he enters his second season as head coach and it appears it is coming in the form of rookie wide receiver Jordan Matthews.
The Eagles drafted Matthews with the intentions that he would help replace the production being left by Jackson. Early reports are nothing but positive regarding the former Vanderbilt receiver's talent. As the Eagles start OTAs and mandatory minicamps, Matthews is being compared to some heavy hitters. Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com likened Matthews' talent to former Eagles receiver Terrell Owens.
"Like Owens, Matthew stands 6-foot-3," Shorr-Parks writes. "Also like Owens, Matthews is known for being a hard worker and a workout nut. Throw in the fact that they both wear No. 81, and it is hard not to think it is Owens out there catching passes during Eagles practices."
The rave reviews of Matthews are welcomed for the Eagles offense, but could be bad news for Jeremy Maclin. Once a leader of the Philadelphia offense, Maclin is now working off a one-year contract after missing all of last season to an ACL tear. Now, the wide receiver will be forced to prove his worth to the team while Matthews and Riley Cooper are locked down for the long term. If Maclin fails to standout, the Eagles will not make his contract extension a priority come 2015.
The improvement of Matthews is a good sight for quarterback Nick Foles who is the undisputed starter for Philadelphia in 2014. While Foles does not have to worry about losing his spot, Mark Sanchez and Matt Barkley are currently fighting for a roster spot. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, both quarterbacks are struggling early in Eagles practice.
As of right now, Sanchez is ahead of Barkley on the depth mainly because of experience. However, both quarterbacks are not playing well to start the year, missing throws and tossing interceptions. Barkley is splitting time with G.J. Kinne who has bounced around in the league for years. Philadelphia must decide just how many quarterbacks they intend to carry on the roster. Last year they ran with three, but could opt for two if both Sanchez and Barkley struggle. Kelly better hope Foles stays healthy.