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Philadelphia Eagles: Will a reshuffled roster hinder success in 2023?

By Loyal Ricks Jr

Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders (26) scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Competing in Super Bowl LVII was an accomplishment for the Eagles last season. Their determination and focus led the franchise through a slate of regular season games, followed by a handful of playoff matchups. Nick Sirianni’s squad remained poised, following the example of their leader under center.

Efficiency at quarterback and great defensive performances birthed an eight-game winning streak, positioning the franchise for an easy playoff birth. A loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on the game’s biggest stage sent the Birds home to reevaluate strategies. As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, what can we expect from a different roster in 2023?

The defense played a major role in the Eagles’ success in 2022

A busy off-season forced Nick Sirianni’s staff to evaluate the state of the roster. Free agency caused players like Miles Sanders (RB), Javon Hargrave (DT), and C.J. Gardner-Johnson (S) to find new destinations for the upcoming season. Marcus Epps (S) also moved on to different pastures – creating a hole in Philadelphia’s secondary.

In 2022, the Eagles relied on their defense to limit opposing offenses. They ranked third in average yards allowed per game (389.1) and points allowed per game (28.1) – limiting opponents to 477 total points during the season.

Stout defensive performances against the Vikings, Steelers, and Titans impressed fans watching from home. Opposing quarterbacks struggled to stretch the field – resulting in turnovers for Jonathan Gannon’s unit. His defense finished the regular season tied for fourth in turnovers – helping the Eagles maintain a +8 turnover margin for the year.

The Eagles managed to re-sign Darius Slay and James Bradberry, but have holes on defense entering the season. A different starting line-up could disrupt the unit’s success.

The Eagles have high expectations for Jalen Hurts after his contract extension

Jonathan Gannon’s defense should not receive all of the credit for an exceptional campaign. Last season, Philadelphia’s offense torched opposing defenses with a balanced scheme. Jalen Hurts played a pivotal role in Shane Steichen’s scheme. He used his athletic abilities wisely, accumulating rushing yards to extend plays.

Hurts ranked second in rushing touchdowns (13) and recorded over 700 yards on the ground last season. His passing also improved, ranking fourth in quarterback rating (66.4) and 10th in passing yards (3,701). Philadelphia’s third-year gunslinger also limited his interceptions (-3) and found the end zone more times (35) than the previous season (26).

A five-year $255 million contract extension will keep Hurts focused on improving. Contributions from A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith should result in another productive season. In 2022, Brown and Smith recorded over 1,000 yards receiving. They combined for 18 touchdowns.

Producing the same results with a different roster will present the Eagles with challenges in the upcoming season. They’ve lost weapons on both sides of the football and will rely on new faces to find their role on the team. Clinching a consecutive NFC title would look good on Jalen Hurts’ resume. He demonstrated his ability to win games last season and must perform better in 2023.

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