The Eagles might have fallen short at the final hurdle, but 2022 saw this team establish themselves as one of the NFL’s powerhouse franchises. Jalen Hurts took a huge leap that saw him enter the MVP conversation. Philadelphia won 14 games, tied for the most in the NFL and setting a franchise record in the process. They also became the NFC Champions for the fourth time in their history.
Roster changes
The Eagles came very close to a Lombardi Trophy last season but that team has undergone some noticeable changes this offseason. A handful of starters have already departed, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, safety Marcus Epps, and offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo. They also lost both of their starting linebackers in free agency, with TJ Edwards leaving for Chicago and Kyzir White heading to the Cardinals.
Much of the Eagles’ offseason acquisitions were focused on extensions or restructures for those already on the roster. They inked a massive long-term deal with Jalen Hurts that will see him earn an average of $51 million per season. They also re-signed a handful of veterans including Lane Johnson, Darius Slay, James Bradberry, and Fletcher Cox. Jason Kelce also restructured his deal to return for his 13th season in Philadelphia.
Coaching situation
2023 will mark Nick Sirianni’s third season in charge of the Eagles. He has amassed a 23-11 record over his first two seasons and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance last year. Whilst he is back, there is plenty of change elsewhere on the staff. Offensive coordinator Stane Steichen and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon have both departed, becoming the head coach for the Colts and Cardinals respectively.
Sirianni was quick to replace both, promoting quarterback coach Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator. At 36, Johnson is one of the youngest offensive coordinators in the NFL. On the defensive side of the ball, the team poached Sean Desai from the Seahawks to become their new defensive coordinator. Desai only has one year of experience as a coordinator (Chicago in 2021) but he comes from the Vic Fangio tree, thereby giving the Eagles some schematic continuity.
2023 NFL Draft
| Pick | Player |
| 1.9 | Jalen Carter – IDL, Georgia |
| 1.30 | Nolan Smith – EDGE, Georgia |
| 3.65 | Tyler Steen – OT, Alabama |
| 3.66 | Sydney Brown – S, Illinois |
| 4.105 | Kelee Ringo – CB, Georgia |
| 6.188 | Tanner McKee – QB, Stanford |
| 7.249 | Moro Ojomo – IDL, Texas |
The Eagles drafted like they were playing a video game on easy mode. Coming out of the first round with both Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith was exceptional and they provide even more depth to a defensive line that registered an incredible 70 sacks last season. The rest of their class included a number of nice developmental players, especially in the secondary with the selection of Sydney Brown and Kelee Ringo.
Offense
The Eagles’ punishing rushing attack was the basis of their offensive success in 2022. They led the NFL in EPA per rush with a diverse run game that sprinkled in zone and gap concepts, as well as plenty of designed quarterback carries. Their offensive line was a big part of this, ranking sixth in adjusted line yards. Looking ahead to 2023 they have replaced Miles Sanders with Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift. Both players have had issues with injuries, but when healthy they have been excellent backs.
What makes Philadelphia so tough to handle is that they pair this run game with an explosive passing offense. AJ Brown developed into an elite deep threat in his first season with the team, averaging a career-high 17 yards per reception. They can also call upon one of the very best WR2s in football in Devonta Smith, whose 1.98 yards per route run ranked 18th at the position. The quality continues at tight end too, with a reliable pass catcher in Dallas Goedert.
If there is a worry with this unit it is going to be how well they can sustain last season’s form in the absence of Shane Steichen. Steichen’s schematic design and play calling was a huge reason for their success and he helped to unlock the best of Jalen Hurts. Brian Johnson takes over play calling, but this will be his first time doing so at an NFL level. Is he up to the challenge?
Defense
This Eagles defense is stacked. For most teams, losing a star like Javon Hargrave would have represented a major step back. It is testament to the talent that the Eagles have in the trenches that they still boast one of the best defensive lines in football. They are legitimately four deep at edge with Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Nolan Smith. They also still have Derek Barnett, who is returning from a torn ACL.
The team is also bringing back a supremely talented cornerback duo. James Bradberry and Darius Slay were re-signed and restructured respectively after both playing some of the best football of their career in 2022. They combined for 26 forced incompletions, with Bradberry allowing the third lowest passer rating of any cornerback last season. There is a change at safety though, with both CJ Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps gone, being replaced by Terrell Edmunds and Reed Blankenship.
The question facing this Eagles defense is not one of talent, but one of turnover. Javon Hargrave is no longer with the team after playing a pivotal role in 2022. They also saw both of their starting linebackers and starting safeties depart. Those five players alone accounted for a whopping 4,418 snaps in 2022. They also have a new defensive coordinator in place this season. Add in the fact that this is a defense built around aging stars and it is easy to see how this unit could regress in 2023.
Prediction
The Eagles’ roster is exceptional on both sides of the ball and they are perhaps the most well-rounded team in football. There is some slight uncertainty considering the change at both coordinator spots, but this should nevertheless be a team firmly in contention for the Super Bowl once again.
