It’s that time again! Football is upon us and what better way to get primed up than a look at the defending NFC champion Eagles:
Odds to win Super Bowl: +750
Odds to win NFC East via FanDuel: -115
Key Departures: Javon Hargrave, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Marcus Epps, T.J. Edwards, Kyzir White and Miles Sanders.
Key Additions: Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Terrell Edmunds, Justin Evans, De’Andre Swift, Rasaad Penny, and Zach Cunningham.
Offense 2023 Outlook
Brain Johnson takes over the play-calling duties for the explosive Eagles offense in 2023, replacing Shane Steichen. One would imagine that Johnson is likely to keep a scheme which will continue to favor spreading opposing defenses thin and make them cover every corner of the field.
They certainly still own enough thoroughbreds to do it.
The Eagles possessed a potent ground game in 2022, rushing for a league-best 32 touchdowns behind a stellar offensive line, Miles Sanders and dual-threat wunderkind Jalen Hurts. With Sanders leaving for greener pastures in free agency, GM Howie Roseman decided to replace him with De’Andre Swift and Rasaad Penny on the cheap. Swift and Penny will join a backfield committee of Kenneth Gainwell and the recently re-signed Boston Scott.
Beyond the rushing, Philly returns with a plethora of options through the air in 2023. Expect A.J. Brown continues to be a nightmare matchups for corners on the outside and Devonta Smith to be as crisp of a route runner as any receiver in the league. Throw in Dallas Goedert and incumbent Quarterback Jalen Hurts, and this offense is destined to light up the scoreboard yet again in 2023.
Defense 2023 Outlook
In addition to the changes at Offensive Coordinator, the Eagles also have changes to account for at Defensive Coordinator, as veteran Sean Desai takes over for Johthan Gannon. Super Bowl LVII and Gannon’s lack of adjustments in the second half helped taint what was an outstanding season in 2022 for this unit.
Believe me when I tell you, the numbers don’t lie here.
The birds had four players with at least 10 sacks in 2022. That was a first in NFL history and their 70 sacks as a team was the third-most ever by a defense, making mincemeat of any poor QB lined up in their scope. Moreover, they defended the pass well and had the 8th fewest points allowed per game. In 2023, Philly will have to overcome some key personnel losses like Javon Hargrave and C.J. Gardner-Johnson to name a few, but Roseman already had replacements already lined up for them. Moreover, what’s not to like about adding two quality prospects in Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith? I wouldn’t expect them to pace historically like last season, but this is a well-oiled unit with a nice mixture of young and veteran players.
Prediction: 12-5
Let me just say, I hate predictions. In professional sports, there is far too much unknown in a season. However, health permitting, I just can’t see any way this Eagles squad finishes any worse than 12-5. There is just too much talent on both sides of the ball.
Happy opening week, football fans!
For more on the Eagles upcoming season, check out Love and Pain’s preview here.
