The Philadelphia Eagles are now on a eight-game winning streak, as they remain one of the hottest teams in the NFL. They’ll look to continue that hot streak against the Carolina Panthers, who have played surprisingly well in recent weeks.
In the latest edition of my Eagles mailbag, I’ll discuss Philadelphia’s potential playoff opponents, priorities in free agency, and much more regarding the team moving forward.
@Michael93826345 asked, “What role will Charles Harris have this week and the next upcoming weeks?”
Charles Harris was active in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens, yet he didn’t log an official snap on defense or special teams. Given that Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio likes to use a rotation of edge rushers, Harris should eventually have a role.
My guess is that Harris fills the role that Bryce Huff previously played as a pass rushing specialist in obvious passing situations. Huff was playing around 15 snaps or so per game before he was injured. If Harris could fill that void, it would allow Philadelphia’s top three edge rushers to get a few extra snaps off to rest.
@PhillyDon2362 asked, “Do you think Kellen Moore should use more plays with Jalen Hurts under center?”
Dating back to his playing days in college, Jalen Hurts has primarily operated out of shotgun. Yet that has started to change with the arrival of Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
While the Eagles should certainly continue to utilize under center formations with Hurts, I still think he’s at his best in shotgun. It’s about finding a balance and keeping the defense honest.
It feels as though Moore has primarily utilized running plays when Hurts is under center. Although Philadelphia has shown play action pass looks from under center as well.
Philadelphia’s under center package will continue to grow as Hurts gets more comfortable in that alignment. Yet I don’t expect it to become the primary formation for the Eagles’ offense.
@RealThomasMott asked, “Assuming the Eagles are the #2 seed. Which of the likely Wild Card teams would you least want to see in the first round?”
As of right now, the three Wild Card teams in the NFC are the Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Of those three teams, I believe the toughest matchup for the Eagles would be the Packers.
Although the Eagles defeated the Packers in Week 1 this season, Green Bay presented a tough challenge for Philadelphia. They’ve only continued to improve as the regular season has progressed, especially as first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has become more comfortable in the NFL.
If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers manage to sneak into the postseason, they would be another concerning opponent for the Eagles. If Philadelphia could host the Washington Commanders or Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the playoffs, those would likely be better matchups for the Eagles.
@devinweber796 asked, “Who replaces Darius Slay next year? Isaiah Rodgers, Kelee Ringo, or the field?”
Heading into the regular season, I thought 2024 would be Darius Slay’s final season in Philadelphia. Yet despite consistently leaving the field due to a variety of injuries, Slay has played at a high level this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, here are Slay’s stats in 2024:
- 305 coverage snaps played
- 22 receptions allowed on 37 targets
- 228 receiving yards allowed
- 2 receiving touchdowns allowed
- 7 pass breakups
Those are rather impressive numbers, especially for a cornerback approaching 34-years old. If Slay is willing to return in 2025, the Eagles should be open to him returning.
If Slay decides to retire or Philadelphia needs to move on from him for financial reasons, I believe Isaiah Rodgers would be the better replacement. Kelee Ringo showed promise in 2023 but he’s been a bit too physical this season.
Rodgers has stepped up in relief of Slay in several games in 2024. If the Eagles are able to re-sign Rodgers in free agency, he would provide Philadelphia with a capable back-up plan if Slay doesn’t return.
@dirty_air13 asked, “Do you think it’s time to start thinking about drafting some more depth tight end?”
I’ve been clamoring for the Eagles to address tight end earlier in the NFL Draft for several years. Zach Ertz was just 28-years old when the Eagles drafted Dallas Goedert in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Goedert is far more injury prone than Ertz ever was in Philadelphia. Therefore, it’s puzzling that the Eagles haven’t invested a significant draft pick in a contingency plan at tight end.
While Grant Calcaterra has played well at times, he isn’t a consistent threat that demands attention from opposing defenses. Luckily for the Eagles, the 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at tight end.
With Goedert approaching 30-years old and missing at least three games in three consecutive seasons, it’s time for the Eagles to invest in Goedert’s replacement.
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
