The Philadelphia Eagles are positioned dangerously. Many predicted the squad would be on a high note heading into 2023 after a fantastic 2022 campaign that included a Super Bowl trip. On paper, the Eagles are one of the top teams in the NFL, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, a roster full of talent, and a fanbase that demands nothing short of brilliance. However, beneath the surface, their supposedly flawless foundation is beginning to reveal some flaws. Is this a squad destined for long-term success, or is the Eagles’ present predicament a ticking time bomb ready to blow up?
Jalen Hurts: Is He Overhyped or the Golden Boy?
Let’s begin with Jalen Hurts, who is the most divisive player in the Eagles’ locker room. Hurts has silenced many critics after having a breakout season in which he ended as the runner-up for MVP. Although there is no denying Hurts’ leadership skills and dual-threat capabilities, there is a growing group of people who wonder if he has really established himself as a premier quarterback.
Hurts is said to profit from one of the strongest offensive lines in sports, a strong receiving corps that is led by DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and a run game that relieves him of some of the load. These elements have given rise to the belief that Hurts’ success stems more from the system than from his skill. The rumblings are growing louder. What happens if the system breaks down? In situations where things aren’t going according to plan, can Hurts lead this team by himself?
Hurts’ season may prove to be crucial. He will firmly establish himself as one of the league’s best players if he makes one more improvement. However, if he regresses, the debate about whether he’s Philadelphia’s long-term solution will intensify.
The Offensive Line: Growing but Still Dominant
One of the best offensive lines in football has long been a claim made by the Eagles. Anchored by veterans like Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson, they provide Hurts with a clean pocket and free routes for the rushing game. However, depending too much on aging stars has its drawbacks because they are finite. The 36-year-old Kelce, a fan favorite and potential Hall of Famer, has been flirting with retirement for the past few seasons. Johnson, 34, has struggled with ailments recently despite his continued high level of performance.
With younger players like Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata, the Eagles have done a respectable job of preparing for the future; yet, a potential decrease in the offensive line is a serious concern. Should Kelce or Johnson sustain a serious injury or decide to retire, the entire offense might be negatively impacted. A line that has long served as the team’s foundation could soon turn into its weak point.
The Rebuttal: Outstanding or Excessive?
Last season, the Eagles had one of the most formidable defenses in the league, particularly with regard to their pass rush. The Eagles, who finished with an incredible 70 sacks in 2022, frightened opposing quarterbacks under the leadership of players like Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, and Fletcher Cox. However, the defense has its share of aging stars and question marks, just like the offensive line.
As his playing days draw to a conclusion, Cox has been a mainstay of the Eagles’ defensive front line for many years. His finest days are behind him, but he’s still got it. Another important player, Brandon Graham, is in a similar situation. Although the Eagles’ front staff has made investments in young players like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis to fill the vacuum, it is always risky to depend on inexperienced guys to jump into big roles.
In addition, the Eagles lost defensive standouts like safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and linebacker T.J. Edwards in free agency. The new defense has yet to demonstrate that it can equal the level of domination from the previous season, despite the team’s efforts to replace them. The Eagles’ defense may switch from being a clear strength to a major weakness very fast if the pass rush declines or the secondary doesn’t click.
