Eagles Season Preview

Cornerback+Darius+Slay.+Photo%3A+EaglesWire.

Cornerback Darius Slay. Photo: EaglesWire.

Throughout the years, Eagles fans have had a love-hate relationship with general manager Howie Roseman. From creating a championship roster and winning Super Bowl LII to selecting countless first round draft busts, he is definitely a polarizing topic for Philly sports fans. Despite this, Eagles fans definitely were not debating Roseman’s success this offseason, as Philly was able to put together one of the most impressive series of moves in recent history. 

To begin the offseason, the Birds only made one major splash in free agency, signing edge-rusher and Philadelphia native Hasaan Reddick to a three year deal. This move was a huge one for a team, as they lacked a significant pass rush in 2021. Along with the big signing of Reddick, the Eagles were able to bolster their roster with two more solid signings in wide receiver Zach Pascal and linebacker Kyzir White. While Pascal was more of a depth signing, Kyzir White was signed to make an immediate impact for the linebacking core that was one of the worst in the league last season.

After a pretty solid free-agency period, Philadelphia underwent some massive changes on draft night. The first move of the night was their selection of Jordan Davis, a 6’6, 335lb defensive tackle from the national champion Georgia Bulldogs. As if his size was not already enough to make him an appealing prospect, Davis possesses insane athleticism and speed for someone of his size. While the Eagles did bring back veteran Fletcher Cox as well as Javon Hargrave, Davis should fit in well to this already loaded defensive line and improve quickly, especially considering his mentors. 

While the Jordan Davis pick was huge (literally), there was no move as large or as exciting as the Eagles’ trade for superstar wide receiver AJ Brown. Trading a first rounder as well as a third, Philly was finally able to add an elite wide receiver to the team. At just 25 years old, Brown has already shown many flashes of greatness, finishing with two seasons of over 1,000 yards through his three seasons. Whie it is still very early in the season, it appears as if AJ is primed for his biggest season yet, finishing with 10 receptions for 155 yards in week one. Brown should continue to be a feature player in this offense, and will be for years to come as he agreed on a massive 4-year deal to stay in Philly.  

As if the additions of Davis and Brown were not enough for one night, the Eagles were able to steal a national champion in round three in the form of Nakobe Dean. Not only was Dean the best player on the board at the time, but he filled the exact needs of the team. He filled in perfectly at that coverage linebacker spot that the Eagles were searching for, as he should line up well next to Kyzir White and TJ Edwards along with Hasaan Reddick off the edge. 

Typically, the draft serves as a final opportunity to make huge moves outside of some abnormalities. Most big free agents are signed, and trades that were to be made had already been made outside of deals related to contract disputes. Despite this, Roseman decided he was not quite done, as he went out and signed a premier cornerback in James Bradberry. Through two weeks of the season, Bradberry already has secured his first INT as an Eagle and returned it for six, as he looks like a partner in crime for superstar cornerback Darius Slay. Along with Bradberry, Roseman made his final move of the offseason just days before the season, trading for Saints safety CJ Gardner-Johnson.

With the roster set, the Eagles entered the season as one of the most intriguing teams in football. Having a solid mix of superstars, young players and experienced vets, the Eagles look like the team to bet on coming out of the NFC East. However, a big factor in the team’s success falls on the shoulders of young quarterback Jalen Hurts, and how quickly he can progress. Through week two of the season, it definitely appears that Jalen has taken that next step, as he has already thrown for 576 yards, including a career high game of 343 yards on MNF against the Vikings. While that’s impressive in itself, his rushing attack has been even more incredible, as he has racked up 147 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Hurts was a huge part of both of the Eagles first two wins of the season, and fans have a lot to look forward to with him running the show. 

While Hurts deserves a lot of credit, the rest of the offense is looking dangerous as well. Along with AJ Brown’s ridiculous week one performance mentioned earlier, the Eagles other weapons have all stepped up early in the season. Both tight end Dallas Goedert and wide receiver Devonta Smith are set up to have big seasons behind Brown, and with Hurts playing the way he has, the Eagles could be looking at receiver numbers they are not accustomed to. Even Ques Watkins, the speedy young receiver, looks ready to break out, especially after his long TD against the Vikings.

The passing attack does look great, but the main focus of this Philly team will always be hard nosed football, which usually starts with the rushing attack. With what many consider to be the best offensive line in football, the Eagles have started out the year with the second most rushing yards out of any team to go along with the most rushing TDs (6). As if that isn’t impressive enough in itself, these rushing TDs have come from four different players. With the rushing attack looking like one of the league’s best, and an improved passing attack, the Eagles offense looks like they could do some serious damage this season.

Despite allowing 35 points in their week one matchup against Detroit, the Eagles defense still is out to prove they are one of the best in the league and showed that on Monday night football against one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Led by superstar receiver Justin Jefferson as well as running back Dalvin Cook, the Minnesota Vikings can beat teams offensively in a number of ways. Jefferson single handedly dismantled Green Bay’s defense in week one as he appeared unguardable, but cornerback Darius Slay was certainly up for the challenge, Jefferson had just one catch against Slay on Monday night. Slay also had two interceptions when guarding Jefferson, along with several pass deflections. At 31 years old, Slay has received some doubt from fans, but after one of the best performances anyone has had against Jefferson, it seems like Slay will be one of the biggest pieces for this Eagles defense all season. 

It is extremely early in the season, but it is practically impossible not to be ecstatic as an Eagles fan. Coming into the season, expectations were higher than they have been in a long time for this team, and the first two weeks of the season have reflected why. It is really difficult to not get too ahead of myself, but it has been a while since it has been this exciting to watch the Eagles play football every week.