After some key off-season moves and a playoff appearance last season, I am buying as much Eagles stock as I can this season!
Strength
Since Jalen Hurts has taken over as the starting quarterback, the running attack has been absolutely elite. With Hurts’ rushing ability and a strong running back committee, the Eagles dominated the ground game last season. They ranked second for rushing attempts, first for rushing yards, first for rushing touchdowns and fourth for rushing yards per attempt. It’s the highest of bars, but there is no reason they can’t produce similar numbers this year.
Weakness
The thing that Philly will want to improve on this season is creating turnovers. They only forced 16 last season, the equal fifth least across the NFL. They brought in James Bradberry over the off-season from in-division rival New York Giants, who has been a Pro Bowl cornerback in the past. If he can get back to his best, he and Darius Slay should make a lethal combination and hopefully create more turnovers.
Player to watch
Hasson Reddick signed a contract during free agency to come home to Pennsylvania. He had a fantastic season with my Carolina Panthers last year, recording 11 sacks and two forced fumbles. With Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox both ageing, Reddick has the opportunity to come in and take over the main pass-rushing role.
Who’s under pressure?
After some success in New York, James Bradberry’s form waivered last season, allowing 60 receptions which was the sixth most of any cornerback in the NFL. The positive for him is he doesn’t have to be the number 1, with Darius Slay in career-best form on the other side, but he needs to be better than last season.
Projection
I am so high on the Eagles this season and truly believe they should be the favourite over Dallas to win the NFC East. Their running attack should continue to be elite and despite Jalen Hurts not being the most polished passer, they gave him AJ Brown to throw to out wide. They made moves to improve their defence and the offensive line showed last year that when they can stay healthy, they are a top-five unit.
Win-loss: 12-5
Rellum
Roar Guru
I will wait in anticipation to counter all your points :stoked:
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
Yeah the Cowboys have had a serious stranglehold on the East since the Eagles superbowl, but i do think they went backwards this off-season and my confidence in Philly grows by the day!
Mark
Guest
As an birds fan, really hope your on the money this year, after a frustrating couple of seasons, but I think you're right with the improvement shown last year. The key is topping NFC East and that's always difficult with the cowboys in the group.
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
Thank You for the support!! Pre-warning, Washington are in my bad books after last season so if you are looking for optimistic Commanders preview it may not be my one hahahah! But appreciate the support on the series
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
Thank You for the constant support man! I look forward to your comment on every preview, it's been truly awesome.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Love the series mate. I starting following Washington in 2020 so I hope you are wrong. Hurts arm is what I am hoping really holds Philly back
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Don't have anything to add to this preview, other than to say thank you for going through the league, team by team. I'm high on the Eagles this year, too, and think they could be in the top 3 in the NFC.