COVID-19 has disrupted our way of life over the past six months in the form of quarantine and event cancellations. But on the bright side, professional sports have made a comeback and are in full swing as the MLB, NHL, and NBA all have their seasons resumed.
With the NFL season coming on the horizon, how will the Philadelphia Eagles fare given all the chaos in the world?
Throughout the offseason, the Eagles sought to make the most strategic moves to boost their roster. The biggest and most notable release in the offseason was Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins, who resigned with his former team, the New Orleans Saints.
Philadelphia renewed contracts include safety Rodney McLeod for a two-year deal, and resigning backup quarterback Nate Sudfeld to a one-year contract. Along the defensive line, they resigned Vinny Curry to a one-year deal, and are bringing back Jason Peters for a one-year contract.
They also made a splash in free agency this offseason as well. Signing former Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman to a one-year contract. They made a trade for San Francisco wide-receiver Marquise Goodwin, who will sit out the 2020 season to focus on his family. They played their cards well in the 2020 NFL Draft, hauling in wide-receiver Jalen Reagor and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
The past few years, the Eagles’ key to success has been the established teammates working well together. But will their strength in unity still be enough when tensions around professional sports are at what may be an all-time high?
Throughout the community of Eagles fans, some have shared their thoughts on the upcoming season and concerns regarding COVID-19.
“As long Carson Wentz stays healthy and improves, no doubt we should be flying to the playoffs again,” said Temple student Paul Coates. “But with concerns along the O-line after losing 2 starters, along with an aging Jason Peters, there are definitely causes for concern.”
Other fans were not as enthusiastic, yet still cautiously optimistic. “You never can tell with football anymore because of the injuries,” said Philadelphia native Jon Pepper. “This year is even more of a question mark because of COVID. But as long as they’re in the NFC East and Jerry Jones owns the Cowboys, they have a chance at the division.”
Rory Bonner, a die-hard Eagles fan residing in Bristol, has had a love-hate relationship with the team for quite some time. “Besides my high expectations following their 2017 fairytale championship season, I like to set the bar fairly low on entering every season. Why? For every other season prior to Super Bowl LII.”
With the pandemic, not being skeptical about the NFL’s response to safety regulations would prove difficult. Robert Bonner, who resides in Washington, D.C. working as a member of the Appropriations Committee in the U.S. government, said, “Hopefully Doug Peterson will be sensitive about the COVID-19 protocols, especially since he’s now had it himself.”
It’s safe to say that regardless of what the Eagles will accomplish this season, fans of the team are just glad football is back during this chaotic time. Whether this season will pan out accordingly is yet to be seen.
The Eagles 2020 NFL Season is set to kickoff this coming Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1:00 p.m. in Washington against the newly renamed, Washington Football Team. Until then, go Birds.