NFL Philadelphia Eagles

5 Things the Philadelphia Eagles Must Improve Over the Offseason

5 Things the Philadelphia Eagles Must Improve On for 2015

Philadelphia Eagles
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles tried to build on their 10-6 record and NFC East title entering Chip Kelly's second year with the team. The team finished 10-6 again, but missed the playoffs. The Eagles held their destiny in their hands, but let it slip at the end of the season. With rumors of Kelly wanting out of his contract bubbling, here are the five things the Eagles must improve upon during the offseason.

5. Add a Pass Rusher

Connor Barwin
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Add a Pass Rusher

Connor Barwin
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles' front seven isn't as big of a problem as the other slides, but it's a cause of concern. At the end of the season, Connor Barwin was the only defender to record over 10 sacks, finishing with 14.5. The next closest was Vinny Curry with nine. The Eagles didn't have a defender get over eight in 2013. If the Eagles want to stop opposing offenses to score, they need to disrupt the offensive line and get pressure on the quarterback.

4. Add Another Wide Receiver

Jeremy Maclin
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

4. Add Another Wide Receiver

Jeremy Maclin
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Before the 2014 season began, the Eagles let big-pay wide receiver DeSean Jackson go and he signed with the Washington Redskins. As a result, Jeremy Maclin, who was coming off an ACL injury, was the No. 1 wide receiver. Riley Cooper stepped in as the No. 2 target, but struggled. Luckily, rookie Jordan Matthews showed off his skills and added depth to the receiving corps, but the Eagles need to add another pass catcher and stop relying on Cooper.

3. Offensive Line Depth

Jason Kelce, Evan Mathis
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Offensive Line Depth

Jason Kelce, Evan Mathis
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

In 2013, the Eagles' offensive line did not miss a single game. Fast forward one year and the starting line missed a collective 25 games. The biggest offender was left guard Matt Tobin who missed nine games. Right guard Todd Herremans missed half the season. The Eagles were forced to rely on unproven players to protect Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez. The front office needs to look at free agency as a way to provide depth on the O-line.

2. Use More Game Clock

LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Use More Game Clock

LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

When he signed with the Eagles, Chip Kelly brought a high-octane offense with him. According to Pro Football Reference, the Eagles' average drive lasted 2:06, shortest in the league. With the offense getting off the field quickly, it forced the defense to stay on the field longer. If Kelly can modify his play-calling and extend his drives, the Eagles will have a better chance to win more games.

1. Improve Secondary

Eagles Defense
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

1. Improve Secondary

Eagles Defense
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Year in and year out, the Eagles look to add pieces in order to solve their defensive problems. The starting secondary was Bradley Fletcher, Cary Williams, Nate Allen and Malcolm Jenkins. Only one of those players was originally drafted by the Eagles. The Eagles' strategy is to sign the top names in free agency. Unfortunately, that hasn't worked out (Nnamdi Asomugha). Whether it's through free agency or the draft, the Eagles need help on defense.

Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports blogger for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.

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