With players like DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin distant memories for the Philadelphia Eagles, certain players are poised for bigger roles in 2015 and the team needs them to take advantage of it. After drafting Nelson Agholor to be a potential starter for the Eagles, Josh Huff is aiming for a starting role alongside Jordan Matthews. Can the former Oregon star take advantage of the chances in OTAs and training camp?
Huff is entering his second season in the league after a very quiet rookie season. In 2014 he had just eight catches for 98 yards. However, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Huff is poised for a breakout season in 2015 as he competes for a starting job with Riley Cooper, Agholor and Miles Austin. Huff told the media he is ready to prove himself to head coach Chip Kelly.
"I do," Huff said, via CSNPhilly.com. "Just because of how confident I am and how much more comfortable I am than last year. Last year? Some high points, some low points. But there's room for improvement and that's what my main goal is now, improving on what I messed up on last year and get better each and every day."
Kelly has big decisions to make when it comes to the wide receivers. Matthews will be a starter. Cooper's production dropped big time last year. Agholor is a rookie and Huff has yet to show too much in just one year with the team. Huff is making it clear that he will do everything possible to get that job in 2015.
The Eagles also have a few issues at the running back position. The Eagles signed DeMarco Murray to replace the departed LeSean McCoy. Kelly made it clear that he is the exact type of rusher he wants on the team, making a subtle dig as players like McCoy and Jackson in the process.
"The philosophy of the play is a tough running play," Kelly said, via NJ.com. "If the line can get up two yards on the defense, the back can, too. We want him to jam the ball into the hole and be a tough runner. We do not want a jingle-footed back trying to hit a home run. We want him to hit the ball into the line and get the tough yards. We are a blue-collar guy going to work. The line will have a hat on the five defenders in the box. The unblocked defenders on the perimeter are following the ballcarrier. If he gets downhill and runs hard, it is hard for htem to make the tackle. However, if he jiggles in the hole, they will make the tackle."
While Murray is expected to carry the rushing load, many are wondering exactly where Darren Sproles fits into all of this. The Inquirer makes the case that Sproles should be used much often than he was last year as he can be the versatile back to change the game in favor of Philadelphia. With Murray and Ryan Mathews feeding off each other, will Sproles get the touches he needs?
