Five keys for the Eagles offense

Here are five keys to offensive success for the Eagles.

1 Nick Foles' continued development: As good as Foles was last season, he's still learning the job. He wants to get the ball out faster, take fewer sacks, while still avoiding interceptions. It isn't a huge knock to say Foles' numbers were better than his play sometimes last season, keeping in mind that his play, after starting the season as Michael Vick's backup, was quite impressive. If Foles stalls or goes backward, so will the Eagles. He can be more consistent setting or resetting his feet, which might push him toward true elite status.

2 Offensive line dance: Last season, the same five guys up front started all 16 games for the Birds. We're already pretty sure that won't happen this year, with Lane Johnson serving a suspension the first 4 weeks of the season. Replacement Allen Barbre is strong and solid, but lacks Johnson's athleticism, seems much more likely to give up a sack here and there than Johnson was, at least after Johnson settled in down the stretch of his rookie year. Then there's the fact that three of the starters here are over 30. Foles isn't real elusive in the pocket. This group needs to play up to its billing for the Eagles to succeed.

3 Complementary angle: It goes without saying that LeSean McCoy needs to stay healthy for the Eagles to flourish, so we're going to skip that and go straight to Shady's complement, Darren Sproles, who might be the main difference between last year's Eagles and this version, on offense. We don't know how many touches Sproles will get, or what the divide will be between carries and catches, but the sense is that Sproles will add a significant element, some flash and dash.

4 Tighten up: With DeSean Jackson gone, the offense might work a little differently. In the preseason - which often doesn't predict very much at all - it seemed we might be in for more long, sustained drives and fewer quick strikes. It also seemed that second-year tight end Zach Ertz might be emerging as the team's most dynamic pass-catching weapon. It's unclear that any of the wideouts will be more than OK. Ertz down the seam might be the best long-strike weapon the team has.

5 Kickstarter: Yeah, this does so belong on the offensive list. Alex Henery was the Birds' leading scorer last season, with 118 points. If Cody Parkey (and the kicker(s) who might replace him if he falters) aren't dependable, that can keep the Eagles out of the playoffs or be the difference between advancing and going home. As the season starts with a rookie kicker, we'll likely be watching and wondering all year long.