Season 42: Coaches Interviews (Eagles – Matt Edition)
Background: Matt is a long-time user in Better League who has various years where he has nearly made the playoffs, unfortunately last season was a down year. That sparked my interest in chatting with Matt to discuss his offseason moves and how he sees this upcoming season going. I won’t spoil it for you all but I believe his expectation for Season 42 in Better League History is spot on.
What was your offseason focus & do you believe that you achieved those goals? Primarily in regards to trades & FA itself.
Matt: My focus was to work around a lot of my back ended contracts on my roster. I shipped away AJ Brown and Dallas Goedert who were set to make 40 mil combined. I was able to do that and get back a nice young WR via the draft in Bennett, who I believe will play a big role in my offense. I thought I was going to be a player in FA, until I saw what other clubs had available in cap space. So I just grabbed some depth pieces. I believe I set myself up nicely for the present and future by shipping AJ Brown for Byron Murphy Jr.
What was your draft strategy & who should the league be on the lookout for?
Matt: I was really eying the TE Mitchell with pick #5. But I traded down to 8 with Raiders to acquire an early 2nd and WR Bennett. Mitchell was taken right before me at pick #7, so I filled my biggest hole, by drafting Foster at QB. As far as practice goes, I really like his release and throw power. I followed up with an OLB Hernandez at pick #11. He’s a solid all around pass rusher with hidden dev. I had four 2nd rd picks where I acquired 3 possible starters in TE Gordon, Superstar C Jordan and a Defensive Lineman Fleming. I think the league should take notice as it pertains to my two first rounders, as they can be big difference makers. All in all, I loved my draft and the future is exciting.
What is your realistic expectation for this season? Playoffs? Division Title? SB or bust?
Matt: I was very confident going into this season as I lost a lot of very close games. But my schedule is tough! Looking at my schedule, I’m looking to achieve a .500 season. I want to show improvement and build from there.
If you had to name one breakout user for this upcoming season, who would it be & why?
Matt: It’s weird to call this person a breakout candidate, but it has to be Dan with the Patriots. He’s too good to not make the playoffs and do damage again.
Stay tuned for more coaches interviews! FLY EAGLES FLY!