Don’t Pretend the 2022 Eagles Were Flawless

Author and Colin Newby

September 15th, 2023 7:11 AM

A victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football wasn’t pretty. Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles struggled to find their rhythm in the passing game. A patchwork secondary had trouble containing Justin Jefferson.

A victory in Week 1 didn’t look incredibly impressive either. The Eagles are experiencing some bumps in the road in their quest to get back to the Super Bowl. They don’t look like a conference champion just yet.

How do the Eagles get back to the form that helped them to a 14-3 record and a +55 point differential in two playoff games in an excellent season that is hard to replicate? Believe it or not, their path hasn’t been much different. 

The most passionate fan base in professional sports will naturally scrutinize two imperfect victories in 2023. Criticize Nick Sirianni and the Eagles for the areas of their game that need improvement, but don’t act like the 2022 season was flawless in contrast to the 2-0 start in 2023.

2022 Eagles Weren’t Perfect

A big part of the discussion during the preseason in Philadelphia was about how hard it would be to replicate such a smooth path to the Super Bowl two years in a row. A tougher schedule, the unlikelihood of repeated fortunate injury luck, and the factor of natural regression needed acknowledgment.

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The Eagles have proven that in two uninspiring victories. However, many of their victories in 2022, especially on the road, followed a similar script. The 2022 Eagles defeated the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals by three points each on the road early in the season.

They needed a comeback in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts to sneak away with a 17-16 victory. The Colts finished 4-12-1. Philadelphia also handed away two easily winnable division games.

All 22 starters were healthy for the Super Bowl in February. However, that doesn’t mean they never dealt with injuries. Hurts, Avonte Maddox, Lane Johnson, and Dallas Goedert all missed time.

Hurts didn’t lead a high-octane passing attack in every single game. He threw for 148 yards and 121 yards, respectively, in two playoff wins. He took what the game gave him without trying to take over, just like he did against the Vikings on Thursday night.

Brian Johnson isn’t the only offensive coordinator to depend on the ground game. The offense under Shane Steichen also pivoted to an emphasis on the rushing attack in multiple regular-season victories last season.

Eagles Outlook in 2023

The Eagles are 2-0 for only the seventh time since Jeffrey Lurie bought the team in 1994.

“They’ve scored 29.5 points on average through two games. That would’ve been number one in the NFL last year. Number one, better than the Bills, Chiefs, and Eagles who were 1, 2, and 3 last year.” -John Kincade

The running game torched the Vikings for 259 yards on the ground. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter have generated a great push from the interior of the defensive line. Fletcher Cox and Milton Williams have teamed up with the two former Georgia Bulldogs for an overwhelming group of defensive tackles.

Two sacks in each of the first two games won’t put them on pace to finish with 70 sacks for the second year in a row. However, Josh Sweat has played like a legitimate gamewrecker who will command attention moving forward. The defensive front is still a force to be reckoned with.

Sirianni, Sean Desai, and Brian Johnson must make adjustments during a mini bye week. They face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football with nine full rest days in between games.

However, Jalen Hurts offered the 1000-foot view in his postgame comments.

“I think we set the precedent for how things are supposed to look, and that’s the funny thing that makes me chuckle. We set the precedent for how things are supposed to look, and you see all these beautiful balls down the field, but we rushed for 255 yards. That’s a testament to the offensive line, the way D’Andre (Swift) was running the ball and the other guys when they ran ball given their opportunities. Winning is the only thing that matters.” –Jalen Hurts

The Eagles are in great shape. They’re one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and the lack of style points after Week 2 doesn’t change the fact they’re the favorites in the NFC.

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Meet The 53-Man Roster For Your 2023-2024 Eagles

• QB- Jalen Hurts

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  Hurts is off to a slow start by his standards. But he has gotten better every week, and still has his team at 3-0. So it is hard to complain too much. Still you would like to see him break out soon.

• QB2- Marcus Mariota

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  Despite some struggles in pre-Season, Marcus Mariota is still your primary backup QB. We have seen him win games in the NFL before, even last year with a bad Falcons team. Were he your starter, it would be cause for concern. But as a backup, you could do a lot worse.

• QB3- Tanner McKee

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  Tanner McKee was one of the darlings of Eagles training camp. He was not perfect in the 3 pre-season games, but the arm talent was evident. He will likely serve as the emergency QB this season, and have a chance to be the primary backup next year.
• WR1A- A.J. Brown

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  A.J. Brown is one of the Eagles WR1s. And as we have learned this week, dont try to make it a competition between him and Devonta Smith, he is not going to put up with that,. They are both great, and make one of the best WR Duos in the league.

• WR1B- DeVonta Smith

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  And then the other WR 1 is Devonta Smith. Perhaps the perfect compliment to A.J. brown. A.J. Brown has the size, is Devonta has the finesse. He made a habit of crazy acrobatic catches last year, and may be better than any WR at getting his feet down on sideline catches.

• WR3- Quez Watkins

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  Quez Watkins had some competition for the slot WR job this camp after the Eagles signed Olamide Zacchaeus. And while Zacchaeus looked good too, Watkins seems to have played well enough to hold onto his job, even if he will still lose some targets with Zacchaeus on the team.
• WR- Olamide Zaccheaus

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  Olamide Zaccheaus was quiet in the first two games, but blew up in week 3 for a long TD. He was a productive player for the Falcons last year, and could be a decent option for the Eagles too. Especially considering he is the 5th, maybe 6th best option they have.

• WR5- Britain Covey

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  Covey is not going to see the field on offense much, if at all, this season. But he is pretty much locked in as the KR/PR specialist. While he did not flash with many big returns last year, he caught the ball every time. And with the Eagles offense being so dangerous, that is likely all they are looking for. No one else in camp really stood out as a return specialist, so Covey holds onto the job for another year.

• RB- D’Andre Swift

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  Swift had taken the reigns of the RB room, and ran away with it. He barley touched the ball in week 1. But a Gainwell injury opened the door, and he made Gainwell into Wally Pip. Two straight games with over 100 yards, and he is averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Hand the ball to Swift, and let him go.
• RB- Kenny Gainwell

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  Gainwell came into the season as the lead guy. but he has quickly been overshadowed by Swift. He has done a fine job when in there. But it is clear the Eagles need to be relying on Swift more than Gainwell.

• RB- Rashaad Penny

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  Penny has not gotten much run so far. Even with Gainwell being out week 2, and Scott in week 3. it is clear he is the 4th guy on the roster. And when everyone is healthy, its likely he is inactive. They may have even less trust in him after that bad missed block that took a TD off the board vs the Vikings.

• RB- Boston Scott

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  The Giant Killer is back. Boston Scott is clearly the low man on the totem pole here. But he has been a reliable backup for the Eagles for several years now. That goes double when they play the Giants. he also has some kick return experience.
• TE1- Dallas Goedert

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  Goedert has been one of the best Tight ends for a couple seasons now. Injuries keep his numbers from showing it, but if you look game to game he is pretty much always productive, and is one of the best TEs after the catch period. Putting him next to A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, gives the Eagles one of the best pass catching trios in the NFL.

• TE2- Grant Calcaterra

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  Calcaterra has some decent upside as a pass catching TE. We didn't see much of him last season, but what we did see showed his potential. is he ready to step in as TE 1 if Goedert gets hurt? That is not clear, hopefully we wont have to find out.

• TE3- Jack Stoll

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  Stoll has not been much of a pass catcher in his time with the Eagles. But he is a reliable blocker, and usually teams like to have one of their backup TEs be a blocking specialist. So he makes the roster again, in that role.
• TE- Albert Okwuegbunam

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  Just before the deadline, Howie made a trade. he traded a 6th round pick for Albert Okwuegbunam and a 7th round pick. And obviously if you trade for a guy, he is going to make the team. Albert O, as they called him in Denver has not been super productive to this point in his career, 546 yards and 4 TDs in 3 seasons, but as far as backups go, you could do a lot worse. He is a former 4th round pick. By the way, it is pronounced Ow-Koo- Way-Boo-Naam

• LT- Jordan Mailata

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  Mailata went from a guy who never played Football, to a Start Left Tackle, and a damn good one, in just a few years. His story is still one of the coolest in the sport, and he continues to get better. He also has an amazing voice for what it is worth.

• LG- Landon Dickerson

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  The main knock on Dickerson coming out of Alabama was if he could stay healthy. A couple seasons into his career, he has mostly stayed healthy. He had small injuries here and there, but nothing significant. And he has tuned into a top 10 LG, with the potential to be even better. He and Mailata should be manning the Left Side of the Eagles line for a while.
• C- Jason Kelce

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  Jason Kelce is an Eagles legend. This will likely be his final year though. After making the all-pro team 5 times, winning the only Super Bowl in Eagles history, and changing the way Center is played, he has more than left his mark on the NFL. One day he will walk into the Hall of Fame. For now, he remains you starting Center.

• RG- Cam Jurgens

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  Cam Jurgens was expected to compete with Tyler Steen for the RG job. It was clear from the start of camp there was never really a roster battle at all. The Eagles came in with absolute faith in Jurgens as the starter. He will likely replace Jason Kelce once he retires, but for now, he is your starting RG.

• RT- Lane Johnson

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• OL- Tyler Steen

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  Tyler Steen did not get a chance to compete for the RG spot. But he still looked very good in camp. And he could be the main backup at not just RG, but maybe even LT given his history of playing there in College, and the Eagles lack of options after Andre Dillard left this off-season.

• OL- Jack Driscoll

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  Jack Driscoll has been a dependable backup for the Eagles for years now. Could he be a starter? That is not known. But it is hard to ask more from a backup. Plus he can play both tackle and guard.

• OL- Fred Johnson

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  Fred Johnson is one of the first shocks to make the roster. but the Eagles made it clear they would keep him when they cut him, and then signed him to a reworked deal. He replaces the role Dennis Kelly would have had if he made the team, which is Swing Tackle. It would be interesting to see who replaced Mailata at LT if he gets hurt, but Johnson could be in that mix.
• OL- Sua Opeta

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  Like Driscoll, Sua Opeta has been a solid backup for the Eagles for a few years now. He does not have the same inside outside versatility Driscoll does, and is mostly just a guard, But he has been reliable in that role when called upon.

• DT- Fletcher Cox

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  Fletcher Cox is one of the longest standing Eagles players, with only Brandon Graham and Jason Kelce having more seniority. His role may not be quite as big this year, given how much depth the Eagles have at DT, but that may be what is best for Cox too. In a smaller role last year, we saw him stay fresher, and wind up with 6 sacks. And hies role as a leader on this team, especially with young guys like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis around is invaluable.

• DT- Jordan Davis

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  Davis did not have a huge role his rookie year. He got hurt, and while hurt the Eagles brought in another NT in Linval Joseph that took a lot of playing time away from him. But the eagles gave him a big role to start this season, and he is rewarding them. Davis has been a different player to start the season. Blowing up every run play, and even causing havoc as a pass rusher.
• DT- Jalen Carter

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  Carter has met expectations these first 3 weeks, and more so. He has 15 pressures through 3 games. Only one DT has more. No rookie DT has had more this quickly in over a decade. And when he is not pressuring the QB, he is causing fumbles. Having Carter and Davis for at least the next 4 years is going to be fun.

• DT- Milton Williams

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  Milton Williams was the Eagles 3rd round pick in 2021. He had 2 sacks his rookie year, and 4 last year, despite a limited role. His role could still be limited a bit this year, with it being such a deep DT room, but he has been solid, though not spectacular, when asked to fill in.

• DT- Moro Ojomo

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  A 7th round pick out of Texas, the Eagles liked what they saw out of him before a scary injury ion the 2nd pre-season game. He luckily seemed to avoid a major injury, despite being carted off the field. With such a deep DT room, it is unclear what his role will be, but the Eagles like him enough to stow him on the roster.
• DT- Marlon Tuipulotu

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  Injuries and a great DT room have kept him off the field for the most part, but every single Training Camp, Marlon Tuipulotu is one of the stars and secures a job. That was no different this year. Tuipulotu is as solid as they come, and someone the Eagles would trust to step in if there was any injury to one of their main DTs. And he should get some work spelling Jordan Davis at NT here and there.

• DT- Kentavius Street

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  Kentavius Street was by no means a lock to make it by the end of camp. But with a lot of youth along the line, the Eagles preferred to keep a Vet like him around. He is not getting much playing time yet, but he provides a veteran presence.

• Edge- Haason Reddick

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  Haason Reddick was a star his first year here. 16 sacks in the regular season, 3.5 more in the playoffs, and 5 forced fumbles between the regular season and playoffs. That gives him 3 straight seasons with double digits sacks. He will likely contend for the league lead in sacks again this year, despite an even deeper rotation at Edge Rusher.
• Edge- Brandon Graham

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  Brandon Graham had his first season with double digit sacks last year. That despite playing the fewest snaps in a long time, and coming off a torn Achilles. The fewer snaps benefited him by keeping him fresher through the season. He returned this season on a one-year deal, and we will see if he can follow that up with a second season of 10+ sacks.

• Edge- Josh Sweat

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  Josh Sweat also had his first season with double digit sacks last season. 11 total, beating his prior career high of 7.5 from the prior season. In fact, his sack numbers have gone up every single season. That may be hard this season with Nolan Smith joining the rotation, but don't be surprised if he gets double digits again.

• Edge- Nolan Smith

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  Even though the eagles had 3 edge rushers with 10+ sacks last year, they still felt the need to add another guy when Nolan Smith feel to them at the end of the 1st round. And he definitely has that potential. He may be smaller than the average edge rusher, but he is fast. There is a reason he is drawing comparisons to teammate Haason Reddick. Could they be the first team with 4 edges rushers to have 10+ sacks? Nolan Smith certainly has that ceiling.
• Edge- Derek Barnett

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  The Eagles are letting Derek Barnett pursue a trade. Even if the Eagles get nothing back, a trade would benefit both sides. Eagles get him off the books and clear a roster spot, and Barnett would get a fresh start on a team with a role for him. But for now, he is stuck here, and the Eagles are stuck with him. There is not likely any role for him here, given the depth at Edge.

• Edge- Patrick Johnson

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  There is no role for Johnson on the defense. But there is a role for him on Special Teams, and with so many injuries to their special teams aces, that is why Patrick Johnson sticks around despite there being no playing time for him at Edge.

• LB- Nakobe Dean

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  Nakobe Dean has been the one sure thing for the Eagles at Linebacker. While a long list of other guys have had chances as starting LB, he has had the other spot locked down. And he has looked very good in that role. We will see if that carries over to the regular season, but there is reason for optimism given how dominant he was at Georgia. And Brian Dawkins singled him out as a guy he is excited to watch play when he took the stage at Fan Fest.
• LB- Zach Cunningham

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  Cunningham was not on the roster 4 weeks ago. Now he is probably your other starting Linebacker. He looked better than anyone next to Nakobe Dean at LB in the pre-season. He is a vet who has been a solid starter for years now, including for the Titans and Steelers.

• LB- Christian Elliss

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  He did not come into camp on many peoples radar, but he left it on a lot of peoples radar. Elliss was all over the place, in a good way. And even if he does not see much time at LB, he should play a big role for their Special Teams unit with both Shaun Bradley and Zech McPhearson out for the year.

• CB – Darius Slay

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  For a moment this offseason, it felt like Darius Slay's time in Philly was over. But thankfully for all sides, he stuck around on a new deal. Slay was part of an elite duo at CB last year. And while his age is a concern long term, he should still be among the best corners in the league this season.
• CB- James Bradberry

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  There is an argument to be made that James Bradberry was the best CB in the league last year. He had the lowest QB rating when targeted in the league. The true definition of a shutdown corner. Everyone assumed he would walk in Free Agency. So when he resigned with the Eagles, it was a very pleasant surprise.

• CB- Josh Jobe

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  Last season, Josh Jobe came into camp and won a job, but not a real role, as a UDFA. This offseason, he came in and established himself as the main backup at outside corner. When Bradberry was banged up, it was Jobe who took his spot, and looked pretty good doing it.

• CB- Kelee Ringo

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  Kelee Ringo has not looked great in camp. But we have seen flashes of why he was a 4th round pick. He has great size and speed, he just needs to apply it better, And like Jobe spent a season learning last year, that could be Ringo this year.
• CB- Eli Ricks

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  When the Eagles signed Eli Ricks as a UDFA, they may have pictured him on their practice squad. But he played so well in camp, he forced their hands to keep him around, because he may not have made it through waivers if they tried to put him on the practice squad.

• CB- Mario Goodrich

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  If Zech McPhearson were healthy, Goodrich likely would not have had a spot. But with him going down, leaving the Eagles without a backup for Avonte Maddox, he was the best option for that job. He spent last year on the Eagles practice squad after being signed as a UDFA out of Clemson.

• S- Reed Blankenship

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  Reed Blankenship quickly established himself as one of the starting Safeties. To the point he joined all of the other starters on the bench in every pre-season game. He looked solid when filling in for CJ Gardner Johnson last year, and will have a chance to build on that this season.
• S- Sydney Brown

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  Eventually, Brown will be one of the starting Safeties. it sounds like the Eagles want him to get seasoning before he jumps into that role though. But it is very easy to be excited about him. He is all over the field, seemingly involved in every tackle. And when a Safety comes out and says he wants to be feared, you know Eagles fans will fall in love with him.

• Safety- Justin Evans

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  Not only did Evan make the roster out of camp, but early on he has been the starter, with mixed results. He had some good plays. But he has also gotten beat a few times. His playing time might be in danger as the season goes on.

• Safety- Terrell Edmunds

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• K- Jake Elliott

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  Since joining the Eagles the year they won the Super Bowl, Elliott has been one of the most consistent Eagles period. There are few guys as good as him at Field Goals of 50 or more yards. And he proved that in the final pre-season game nailing a 59 yarder.

• LS- Rick Lovato

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  Do you ever hear about the Eagles having a bad snap on a kick or punt? No. That is why Rick Lovato has such great job security. Like Jon Dorenbos before him, you can count of Lovato to be perfect nearly every time he is called upon.

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Author and Colin Newby

Category:

• Eagles // NFL
• PA Local

Tags:

NFL Football,Philadelphia Eagles,Thursday Night Football