Philadelphia, PA - After coming so close last season, the Philadelphia Eagles are coming into the new season ready to go for it all once again. Losing 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in last season Super Bowl was a tough loss to take, but this motivated team will be looking at another season pushing for the biggest prize of offer.
The 2022 Eagles season saw Jalen Hurts break out and have a career year as a quarterback fully able to adapt of the fly to pressure with incredible game reading and balance with his teammates.
(Jalen Hurts comeback Super Bowl with 1000% power)
A.J. brown at wide receiver went on the break Mike Quick’s season record for yards in a season by a wide receiver with 1,496. DeVonta Smith also followed this up by breaking the franchise record for most receptions in a season by a wide receiver with 95.
Their early season schedule looks like this:
Week 1 – New England Patriots
The NFL Week 1 odds have them as favorites as the travel to the New England Patriots to kick off the new season.
A trip to New England used to be feared but they are not what they once were when Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Daniel Edelman. Mac Jones still has question marks over his top-level ability, but he does have weapons which Philadelphia’s defense need to be wary of. JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker can be game changers on their day and Hunter Henry is a good quality pass catching Tight End.
Week 2 – Minnesota Vikings
Their first Thursday night game at home is in week two, with this mouthwatering matchup. Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson is one of the league’s best wide receivers and Kirk Cousins has a great connection with his favored target.
Minnesota could be a bit more aggressive this season on defense which will challenge Hurts and his offensive colleagues, but a lot of that will be down to whether the Minnesota defense will be fully healthy.
It’s another possible win on paper for the Eagles.
Week 3 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has been handed the reigns as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers move on from Tom Brady at quarterback. The 28-year-old was thrown into the Los Angeles Rams side due to injuries last season as a backup but now will be given a full pre-season as a starter with the Florida side.
For the Eagles, they will need to be wary of the passing game if Mayfield settles in well. Mike Evans, Chis Godwin, and Russel Gage all combine well to create a difficult challenge for any defense.
This could be a close one to call, but the Eagles should have the quality to come away with the victory.
Week 4 – Washington Commanders
ESPN has Sam Howell as the starter at quarterback going into the NFL season. The 2022 fifth round pick played once last season and looks set to take the role after Taylor Heinickie moved to the Atlanta Falcons.
This Commanders are a huge work in progress and even with Terry McLaurin at wide receiver, have ranked 28th and 27th in yards in the NFL over the past two seasons.
This, on paper, should be a walk over for the Eagles. They should record a big win over their conference rivals to round off their opening four games of the season.
The Eagles Strengths
- Quarterback
With a high-end quarterback leading the offense, you are in for a good start. The fact that he is loaded with weapons as well as being adept on his feet as well as through the air, makes the Eagles such a dangerous side.
The speed at which Hurts operates ensures that he gives his side the best opportunities to get down the field and pick up yards.
- Firepower on Offense
Hurst has the likes of A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith at wide receiver, along with Dallas Goebert as a strong pass-catching tight end which gives them so many options to go through the air.
Hurts can also run, while D’Andre Swift is looking to make a name for himself at running back after signing from the Detroit Lions.
- Cornerback
The Eagles did well in re-signing James Bradberry as well keeping hold of Darius Slay when it seemed they may lose him. Adding to the group with Greedy Williams from the Cleveland Browns and drafting Kelee Ringo from Georgia State in the fourth round ensures they have more quality in this area of the defense.
Opponents will have a tougher time throwing on these players makes the Eagles even stronger on the defense, which has always been a tough and aggressive unit, whoever is on the field.
- Experience and Leadership in Defense
Darius Slay will be key in providing leadership in the backfield while Fletcher Cox provides experience and leadership up front as a dominant defensive tackle. With Slay operating to limit opposing teams’ wide receivers and Cox blocking running backs they can continue to build up this defensive unit.
