The Philadelphia Eagles Seek Defensive Redemption Amid Secondary Overhaul
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles' pass defense struggled mightily, finishing among the bottom ranks of the NFL. Opposing quarterbacks carved through their secondary with ease, achieving a 97.6 passer rating and recording 35 passing touchdowns. Determined to rectify these issues, the Eagles have undertaken a significant overhaul of their secondary for the 2023 season, introducing a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
A cornerstone of last year’s struggling defense, James Bradberry, allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating. At 31 years old, he remains under contract for two more years as part of a three-year, $38 million deal signed in 2023. However, his future with the team is currently in flux. The Eagles are exploring various paths forward, including potential trades or a post-June 1 cut, which would yield valuable cap savings. Should Bradberry remain with the Eagles, he could see a shift to safety in Vic Fangio's defense or compete for the starting cornerback position opposite Darius Slay.
Slay, who continues to anchor the cornerback unit, is poised to benefit from these defensive changes. Key in retaining continuity, Slay’s presence offers stability and experience that are vital for integrating new talents into the secondary.
New Faces Poised to Make an Impact
The Eagles’ ambitions for defensive improvement are reflected in their recent draft selections and acquisitions. Kelee Ringo, a standout in the latter part of last season, saw significant playing time in crucial moments, playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps over the final four regular-season games. Demonstrating his prowess with a 40.8 passer rating allowed in coverage and an interception, Ringo is expected to be a key defensive asset this season.
Another promising figure is Isaiah Rodgers, who delivered a strong performance during minicamp and is likely to claim a roster spot at cornerback. In addition, recent draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean bring versatility to the table, capable of lining up inside, outside, and in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, stands out as a strong candidate for a starting role. His performance could make him the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen did so in 1988.
Competition and Depth in the Secondary
Cooper DeJean will be vying for the slot cornerback spot alongside Avonte Maddox, offering depth and versatility to the defensive lineup. Meanwhile, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are engaged in a battle for positions, with Jobe’s special teams prowess giving him an edge.
A noteworthy free-agent acquisition, Tyler Hall, signed in March, is not only eyeing a special teams role but also aiming to secure a starting spot in the slot. This injection of fresh talent and competition within the secondary signals the Eagles' determined approach to remedying their defensive deficiencies.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles navigate their options with James Bradberry and integrate new talents into their secondary, they remain committed to transforming a defensive unit that was once a liability. The combination of seasoned veterans like Darius Slay and promising newcomers like Kelee Ringo and Quinyon Mitchell creates a balanced alignment of experience and potential. Should the strategic moves pay off, the Philadelphia Eagles could see a resurgence in their defensive performance, securing a more formidable stance in the NFL for the upcoming season.