Eagles

The Eagles Might Have an Anonymous Source Problem

By Russ Joy

Published: Oct 18th, 2019 · 7:30 AM EDT

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This is getting a bit problematic for Howie Roseman, Doug Pederson, Carson Wentz, and the Eagles. Less than 24 hours after Josina Anderson’s anonymous Eagles source returned to publicly drag the team’s inability to trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Anderson went on NFL Live and dropped this nugget about either Doug Pederson, Carson Wentz, or some combination of the two:

https://twitter.com/colmiller45/status/1184933676813111310?s=20

The Eagles source also talked to me about how they feel like that offense is functioning. One of the things that they said is, “We need to make bleep simpler. Sometimes we need to just handle what is manageable.” They said, “Even Peyton Manning knew when to check it down.” Carson Wentz right now is 38% on passes that travel 15 air yards, has three interceptions on passes like that, which is tied for most in the league. He also has 148 passes on those that are ten yards or fewer. He has nine touchdowns and zero interceptions on passes like that. So, I do think it’s a apt point.

Let’s clear the air here. It’s been widely speculated that Alshon Jeffery is Anderson’s source, including the time a source openly questioned whether the real issue with the Eagles’ offense in 2018 was more a result of switching QBs than a Super Bowl hangover. The speculation appeared to have some merit due to Anderson having cited direct dialogue with Jeffery in the past, including that he was going to sign with the Eagles ahead of the 2017 season:

WR Alshon Jeffery just called me directly and said it is a "done deal" that he will go to the #Eagles

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017

Having season-ending surgery:

I'm told #Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery is "out at least 6 months" after surgery to repair a "full tear" in his rotator cuff today, per source. Source added, it is "very likely" A.J. misses preseason & "unsure" about the regular season "but the expectations are to be ready for WK1." https://t.co/rHLVRokbdd

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 21, 2018

And providing practice updates a few months later:

#Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery tells me, he is planning to practice this week, at least on a limited basis.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 17, 2018

Is it an issue for the Eagles? Maybe, maybe not. I’d argue that the team’s #1 receiver expressing doubt in his head coach and/or quarterback’s play calling and decision-making is cause for concern. That said, assuming it’s Alshon, the team unlikely take any action. For an offense devoid of reliable, sure-handed skill players, suspending or even cutting him makes little-to-no sense.