The season is approaching. The DNA of Sports editorial team offers you an update on the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, Philadelphia Eagles 2024. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
On the heels of a 2022 season that saw them in the Super Bowl, the Eagles got off to a flying start last season: 10 wins for only one loss. They presented themselves as the bogeyman of the NFC. Before everything collapsed. 5 losses in 6 games including several routs and a pitiful exit in the first round of the playoffs. What happened in Philadelphia? The salvation of the team, the staff and the ambitions lie in the answer to this question.
Because in the wake of a general manager who is still as inspired, the squad is still as complete. Equipped on all lines to be a serious contender. But the alchemy and the state of mind are perhaps essential ingredients that this team lacks.
Last season: 11 wins – 6 losses, 2nd NFC East
Off-season moves
Notable Arrivals: Saquon Barkley (RB), Bryce Huff (Edge), Devin White (LB), Zach Baun (LB), CJ Gardner-Johnson (S), Parris Campbell (WR), Oren Burks (LB)
Re-signings: Jordan Mailata (OT), AJ Brown (WR), DeVonta Smith (WR), Landon Dickerson (OL), Jake Elliott (K), Avonte Maddox (CB)
Draft: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Jalyx Hunt, Will Shipley, Ainias Smith, Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Trevor Keegan, Johnny Wilson, Dylan McMahon
Notable losses: Jason Kelce (C), Fletcher Cox (DT), Haason Reddick (Edge), Kevin Byard (S), D'Andre Swift (RB), Boston Scott (RB), Marcus Mariota (QB), Quez Watkins ( WR)
A huge chapter in Eagles history closed this offseason. The franchise said goodbye to two legends. Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox retired after remarkable careers.
Alongside these departures, the franchise has taken care to extend its executives with massive contracts for Mailata, Brown, Smith and Dickerson.
In terms of arrivals, the franchise has clearly displayed its ambitions with a 4-star recruitment. If Saquon Barkley is the main face, Huff could be the real good pick to boost a pass rush that is losing momentum. The return of Gardner-Johnson and the signing of Devin White at a moderate cost offer two new starters.
Eagles 2024 All-Star Team
Quarterback: Jalen Hurst – Running Back: Saquon Barkley – Receivers: AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell – Tight end: Dallas Goedert – Offensive line: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Tyler Steen, Lane Johnson
Defensive Line: Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams – Edge: Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff – Linebackers: Devin White, Nakobe Dean – Cornerbacks: Darius Slay, Quinton Mitchell – Safety: Reed Blankenship, CJ Gardner-Johnson
The strong point(s)
Despite the huge losses on the lines, the trenches remain the trademark in Philly. Despite the end of the Kelce era, the offensive line will remain a reference in the NFL. Whether against the pass or on the ground, the Eagles' five is dominant. On the other side of the leather, the defenders are not left behind. Despite a clear drop in speed to put pressure on the opposing thrower compared to 2022, the talent, youth and depth of the roster offers very solid foundations.
Another squad that does not lack talent and wealth, the receiving corps. Already strong with the duo AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith who exceeded 2,500 yards in 2022 and 2023, the team acquired a few days ago Jahan Dotson, a former 1st round draft pick of only 24 years old. Premium targets for Jalen Hurts, to which must also be added the very reliable Dallas Goedert.
Because despite more trash in 2023, Hurts proved to those who still doubted him that he was a real franchise quarterback. And while he's certainly not a top three player at his position, he's the man for the job in Philadelphia. He knows how to exploit the targets at his disposal and continues to rack up yards and touchdowns on the ground. A constant threat.
The weak point(s)
A strainer against the pass, the aerial defense was the huge project of the offseason. Second to last in the field in 2023, the Eagles lack certainties despite a backfield largely modified during the offseason. In the modern NFL, it is complicated to take 250 yards per game and hope to lift the Lombardi.
Nick Sirianni has already led his team to the Super Bowl once. A feat that could establish the stature of a coach. However, last season, with new coordinators, the season ended in fiasco. Did Sirianni only surf on the talent of his assistants? Like Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, he has yet to prove that he is more of an asset than a burden for his team. He might already have a better interest in focusing on his squad rather than trying to tease opponents.
Player to watch: Jalen Carter (DL)
Designated successor to Fletcher Cox at the heart of the defensive line, the former Georgia star had a convincing rookie year. 33 tackles including 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, all while playing less than 50% of the snaps. Enough to dream big about his ceiling and his future.
With Cox retiring, the 23-year-old will take on even more importance in the game with a greater involvement in the rotation. His uncanny ability to disrupt the pocket makes him a poison for opposing quarterbacks and a magnet for opponents, freeing up space for his teammates.
2024 could see it explode and assert itself as the new benchmark for its position for the next decade.
X Factor: Mindset
By ending the season with 6 defeats in 7 games (playoffs included), the Eagles' squad seemed to completely explode in flight. A simple accident for an unfortunate Super Bowl finalist team? Or a deeper problem?
The majority of players gave the impression of being totally disconnected, with little concern after the bye week. The lack of fighting spirit in the playoffs against a Buccaneers who were well within their reach was a symbol of this. With the departure of the two most important players in the locker room, the Eagles' squad must find new leaders. Leaders capable of inspiring revolt when necessary and of pulling everyone up.
In full confidence, there are few teams that can compete with Philadelphia, but in a bad spiral, the Eagles also showed that they know how to crush themselves.
Eagles 2024 Schedule
Packers, Falcons, @Saints, @Buccaneers, Bye, Browns, @Giants, @Bengals, Jaguars, @Cowboys, Commanders, @Rams, @Ravens, Panthers, Steelers, @Commanders, Cowboys, Giants
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
With one of the most complete and attractive rosters in the NFL, the Eagles have a natural status as favorites. At least in their conference. Yet with similar arrangements in 2023, the team completely collapsed in the final stretch. If the staff and players have learned from their mistakes, done some introspection and decided to wipe the slate clean, they should return to the forefront.
The first matches until the bye week will be decisive. If Philly does not arrive at the break with at least 3 victories, everything can quickly become complicated.
