If you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan, you know who Brandon Gowton is and the SB Nation site he runs, Bleeding Green Nation. 

Gowton, who also serves as the Philadelphia 76ers Expert for About.com, is always open to talking Eagles football. That’s why we’re excited to team up together and have Gowton join in on what we hope is a regular occurrence. 

In our first conversation, we decided to give our thoughts on all the new faces this season.


Who will have the biggest impact? Who will underwhelm? Do we have a favorite newcomer? All of that was discussed.

Let’s get to it:

Brandon Gowton: I’m tempted to say Sam Bradford is the Eagles’ acquisition who will have the biggest impact. The quarterback position is just so important. However, I think a lot of Bradford’s success in Philadelphia will be dependent on the run game. Therefore, I have to go with DeMarco Murray. The Eagles had the NFL’s best rushing attack in 2013. It was because of their run game that they were so dominant on offense. Philadelphia got away from running the ball well in 2014, which caused everything else to fall apart. Murray should help get the ground game back on track and allow the entire offense to thrive.

Kyle Phillippi: It's such an interesting discussion because there was so much movement this offseason. The quarterback position is, as you said, the most important. Bradford's health and in turn, performance, will be crucial to the Eagles success. The same goes for Murray.

Yet, a part of me really thinks the Eagles addressed the defense very well. I know the unit was pretty talented last season, secondary excluded, but I think the acquisition of Byron Maxwell really will benefit the back line. I know a lot of people are saying he is a product of the Seattle defense. That may be the case, but he's still much better than what they had here last year. He proved he can go up against anyone opposite him. He was taking on Dez Bryant in the Dallas game and DeSean Jackson in the Washington game all while handling guys like Reuben Randle in the slot. He had tremendous safety help, of course, but I think the Eagles really found someone who should be able to stick with the No. 1 wideouts they'll get this season. Too many times last season the Eagles fell behind because of a breakdown in the secondary. At the very least, he shouldn't be getting burnt like his predecessors...

BG: There’s definitely reason to be optimistic about Maxwell. For as much as people want to say he benefited from safety help, which is true, he also was at a disadvantage by playing across from Richard Sherman. Teams don’t like to throw at Sherman so Maxwell was under a lot of pressure to perform. He was really an ideal addition for Philadelphia given the team’s need at the position and what they like from their cornerbacks. He has great size and length. I don’t think he’ll be a star, but he’ll be an important part of the defense for sure. 

KP: You brought up the word 'star.' Out of all the additions, I really think Kiko Alonso has a chance to establish himself as one of the top linebackers in the game. He still needs to prove he's fully healthy out on the field, but just seeing him run around in shorts at OTAs, he definitely has a burst off the snap and the physical tools. Before his injury last season, he was on the fast track to being one of the top young linebackers in the league. The Eagles have a logjam at that position, but I truly believe Alonso has a chance to be the cornerstone of that unit. Many were upset about losing McCoy at first, yet the Eagles got a great return. He has Pro Bowl potential written all over him. 

Moving on, though, is there any addition that you feel may underwhelm?

BG: The Miles Austin signing is a confusing one. It seems like he’s bound to make the team after being given a contract worth $2.3 million with $1 million guaranteed. He also serves a veteran leadership role. But how does he fit on game day? You have to imagine the Eagles are hoping young players like Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, and Nelson Agholor step up. Riley Cooper really struggled last year but his contract prevents the Eagles from moving on so they’re stuck with him. Seyi Ajirotutu seems like a lock to make the team because he’s a special teams ace. That’s five wide receivers who are locked in. The 31-year-old put up some respectable numbers with Cleveland last year, but he’s not good enough to warrant major playing time. It’s weird to see him completely as a backup, though, because those are the guys who need to contribute on special teams and Austin hasn’t done that in several years. Austin also has a concerning injury. It’s far from a disaster signing, but it seems like there’s a good chance the Eagles don’t get their money’s worth here. 

KP: All very good points on Austin. I like the leadership he'll bring to the young guys, but outside of that, where does he fit in? Training camp should provide some early indications as to what his role will be. As for another underwhelming move, can I say Frank Gore? Talk about underwhelming. Jokes aside, I think Austin, more so because of his salary, is a move that could underwhelm. As for the other way around, I think Walter Thurmond may be the biggest steal. He has a lot going against him between past injuries and a new position, but if he figures it out, he could turn into a decent short-term option in the secondary. 

Kyle Phillippi is the Philadelphia Eagles beat writer for About.com. You can follow him on Twitter, @Kyle_Phillippi. Be sure to LIKE our Facebook page!