Well it felt like forever, but Philadelphia Eagles football is finally back. Philly kicks off the season against Washington (for what feels like the 23rd time). This will be the first time we see this team together with the fun new additions of players like Jalen Reagor and Darius Slay taking the field. With that in mind, here are my players to watch on Sunday down in Washington:
Jalen Reagor
Let's be honest, no player on this team will be more watched than the 1st round pick. He looked good throughout camp and was developing chemistry with Carson Wentz before his shoulder injury. Picked to help fix a terrible wide receiver room, he needs to play well Sunday or he will be lumped together with the likes of Nelson Agholor and Reggie Brown. He has received nothing but praise from players and coaches so far, so we should expect big things from the kid out of TCU.
Boston Scott/Corey Clement
I know I know, this is kinda cheating, but I have a good reason to add a 6th player into this list. Miles Sanders did not make the trip to Washington (this spot was originally reserved for him), so Scott and Clement will get all the carries. I would expect more carries from Clement, but Scott to be in for more 3rd downs. Clement looked great in camp, coming off of a torn ACL last season, he looks hungry to show the same explosiveness he showed that Super Bowl season (and from a fantasy perspective, either of these RBs would be great replacements for Sanders in your league).
Matt Pryor
Talk about being thrown into the fire. We went from Brandon Brooks to Jason Peters to now Matt Pryor starting at RG. Brooks is one of the best RGs in the league and will be sorely missed. The Eagles need Pryor to be half of what Brooks is on his worst day. Washington D-Line is probably their strongest unit. Some might say Pryor's play could be the most important of any of the players on my list.
Nate Gerry
I may be in the minority, but I like Nate Gerry. I admit it, he is a bit undersized for a linebacker, but he puts his heart into every play. Love it or hate it, he is now the veteran in this lackluster linebacker room. His play will directly impact this entire defense. He will be the 2nd line of defense against Washington's receiving backs of JD McKissic and Payton Barber.
Jalen Mills
Believe it or not, I think Jalen Mills will be a good safety. Back to his natural position with Malcolm Jenkins gone, Mills tore it up in camp -- multiple interceptions and pass breakups were just a cherry on top of his new leadership skills. Regardless of how you feel about him, Philadelphia needs him to be just like Malcolm was for them the past half-decade. Washington's wide receivers are not their strong point, but players like Terry McLaurin can easily blaze past our cornerbacks. This is the first game we get to see Jalen in his new position, and I am really excited to see how it plays out.
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