The Philadelphia Eagles have a wide variance of possible outcomes and projections heading into the season.
Some see them as Super Bowl contenders while others believe it is a train wreck and that the Head Coach will be fired at season’s end. Not many seasons are like this heading into a new year.
What can we expect from the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles?
The Offense:
The biggest concern is how the Eagles transition from the loss of Jason Kelce to Cam Jurgens.
Kelce called many of the protections at the line during his career, but instead of passing that responsibility to Cam, Jalen Hurts asked to take that over, and will. This has allowed Jurgens to focus on the physical aspect of his game. During the summer the line has played well and the coaches are encouraged by their early results. The OL has to carry that success over to the real games.
Despite many issues, the Eagles’ offense still finished top-10 in many categories in 2023. That is their floor heading into the 2024 season. That is not a bad one to have, but as everyone saw down the final stretch last year, it can become very frustrating if it also becomes the ceiling.
New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore brings a lot of answers, structurally and schematically, to Philadelphia. The ceiling, with the talent and the improved playcalling, is a team that has the potential to be a top-3 offense in the NFL.
Kellen Moore will bring motion, misdirection, snaps under center, pistol, and multitudes of other formations. He also will have answers for what opposing defenses exploited with the Eagles last season, the blitz. That alone will help QB1 reach his potential.
Jalen Hurts has fewer distractions, is healthy, and looks great this summer.
He was a top 12 overall QB last year despite all the ongoing issues. It would be surprising if he does not throw for over 4000 yards and 30 TDs in 2024. He has the weapons, the playbook, and most importantly, the desire to be the best version of himself. Jalen is a strong MVP candidate.
Saquon Barkley will be more involved in the passing game than any other RB since Hurts has been drafted. A true 3 down back who can be relied upon in pass protection allows the offense to disguise their playcalling better than in previous years. Defenses will not know if oncoming plays are run or pass by the personnel.
The Eagles also traded for Jahan Dotson, who should be the team’s WR3. This is the best 1,2,3 WR core in years, maybe ever.
The Defense:
The outside pass rush is the biggest concern heading into the season. It seems wild that linebacker is not the looming issue as it has been for years.
The loss of Haason Reddick is big. Bryce Huff is being asked to fill those shoes. Bryce needs to prove that he can take on the extra snaps and production on the field. His play this pre-season has not assuaged those concerns.
The interior pass rush should be highly effective with a healthy Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams manning the middle. This is the strength of their team and if Jalen Carter can play a full season the way he did for the first half of 2023, he will be in the discussion for defensive player of the year.
The Eagles, after 22 years, finally addressed the cornerback position by utilizing a first-round pick. They also doubled up with defensive backs by moving up in the draft to select Cooper DeJean in the second round.
The excitement of having such blue-chip talent added to the secondary during the draft, along with Isaiah Rodgers on the team, and the improvement of Kelee Ringo has most fans looking forward to seeing the type of defense that has not been in Philadelphia in many years.
There may be some growing pains early on, but B.P. Slay is the consistent and professional CB on the field, and his mentoring will pay dividends this season and for many more in the future.
Since Nick Sirianni became the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, they have wanted to run a Vic Fangio-style defense. After trying 3 different DCs they finally have the real thing.
How Fangio adjusts his defense with innovations will likely determine their success in 2024.
Five Bold Predictions for the Eagles in 2024:
Jalen Hurts has his best season as a passer in the NFL. He will set all-time highs in passing yards and touchdowns.
Saquon Barkley has eclipsed 1600 all-purpose offense yards during his career, 2024 will be his third.
Bryce Huff finishes with double-digit sacks.
Nakobe Dean stays healthy and productive, leading the team in tackles.
Quinyon Mitchell leads the team in interceptions
Let me know your bold predictions in the comments.
As always, Thank you for reading!
Follow me on X @PHLEagleNews
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
