The Philadelphia Eagles are currently in the midst of the 2017 preseason. While what happens here obviously has no implications on the regulation season outcome, rookies need to get in reps, and players still need to prove themselves to earn snaps when it actually matters.

Over the offseason, the Birds looked to beef up the defense, especially the secondary, as well as give second-year quarterback Carson Wentz better-receiving options than he had last year. They also used the draft to address both sides of the ball, but the earliest picks were used for defense. With all this in mind, let's see how everyone's fairing.

Starter Carson Wentz has looked fantastic so far. He's shown a decent amount of improvement in throwing mechanics, although he did have one or two passes sail on him against the Bills. He has also shown an ability to make plays under pressure.

Against the Packers, he successfully avoided pressure to make a great throw to Mack Hollins, who then stiff armed his way into the end zone. Wentz looks a lot more comfortable leading the team in year two. Backup Nick Foles has not played due to injury, and both Matt McGloin and rookie Dane Evans have been inconsistent at best, with McGloin making some questionable decisions. Here's hoping Wentz stays healthy.

In reference to the pressure Wentz is facing, his offensive line isn't doing any favors as of now. They have been unable to run block, forcing Wentz to throw the ball. It's going to be a long year if the Birds can't get a running game going, so it's essential for the o-line to step it up.

From starter to backup, improvement needs to be made. As a result, it's hard to get a read on exactly how the running backs are doing. Rookie Donnel Pumphrey seems very undersized, and unlike veteran Darren Sproles, who hasn't played yet, doesn't have the explosiveness you'd expect from a small RB.

The second year RB Wendell Smallwood hasn't played yet, and free agent pickup LeGarrette Blount has been almost exclusively running jet sweeps instead of down the middle runs. Corey Clement now has a chance to make the roster due to the lackluster RB performances, but the o-line isn't doing any favors. Lane Johnson better not get another suspension.

The wide receivers and tight ends seem to be improving, our tight ends have always been sufficient, in my opinion, especially when it comes to receiving, but our WR's are slowly making progress as well. Mack Hollins looks like he could get some starting reps, Nelson Agholor seems to be getting more comfortable in his new slot role, and Alshon Jeffery seems to be establishing chemistry with Wentz. There are a lot of good things about this offense, but also a lot of question marks.

The defense, on the other hand, seems to be much improved from last year. First round rookie Derek Barnett has been putting pressure on opposing QB's whenever he's in. Newly acquired cornerback Ronald Darby had a spectacular "Welcome to Philly" moment intercepting Tyrod Taylor.

Fletcher Cox is coming into his own again after having a decent amount of struggles last year. Timmy Jernigan and Chris Long are also proving to be great additions to the team. My favorite player to watch has been Mychal Kendricks. It seems he's been on the trading block for a number of years now, but this preseason, he's re-emerged as a defensive playmaker in terms of creating turnovers.

There is also a significant improvement from a lot of other defensive players, such as green haired cornerback Jalen Mills and defensive end Brandon Graham. This defensive unit easily has potential to be top 10 in the league. As they say in "Spaceballs," "may the [Jim] Schwartz be with you."

At the time of me writing this, we're only two preseason games in. Anything can happen, but as it stands, the defense is really coming into its own, while the offense seems to have question marks with everybody not named Carson Wentz. Again, this is just preseason, so anything can happen weeks from now. Fly Eagles Fly!