The Philadelphia Eagles' Secondary: A Comprehensive Overhaul for 2023
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles’ pass defense was a glaring vulnerability, allowing a 97.6 passer rating and conceding 35 passing touchdowns—ranking them among the lowest in the NFL. With this alarming performance, it became evident that substantial changes were necessary, leading to a significant overhaul of the secondary for the 2023 season.
At the heart of last season's secondary were cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry. While Slay continues his role, Bradberry's future with the team remains uncertain. Despite his presence, Bradberry's performance last season left much to be desired, allowing nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating.
James Bradberry, now 31, is tied to a three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023. The Eagles are exploring various options concerning his role, including a potential trade or designating him as a post-June 1 cut to achieve cap savings. Additionally, the team might experiment with Bradberry at safety within Vic Fangio's defense, or he could compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay.
Emergence of New Talent
Kelee Ringo emerged as a promising talent during the final stretch of the last season. Playing in 198 out of 199 defensive snaps in the last four regular-season games, Ringo showcased his skills by allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and notching an interception. His performance positions him as a vital asset for the Eagles moving forward.
Another name to watch is Isaiah Rodgers, who had an impressive minicamp and is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. Rodgers' strong showing adds depth and competition, enhancing the overall strength of the secondary.
The Eagles have also invested in their future through recent draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. These players bring versatility, with the capability to lineup inside, outside, and in dime packages. Mitchell stands out as a strong contender for a starting position and could potentially become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. DeJean, on the other hand, will compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role, promising intense competition and depth within the squad.
Filling the Gaps
Further down the roster, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are battling for positions. Jobe, known for his special teams expertise, adds another layer to the Eagles' strategy, ensuring that they have reliable options across various facets of the game.
Tyler Hall, having signed with the Eagles in March, will vie for both a special teams role and an opportunity to start in the slot. Hall's involvement in special teams could be pivotal, given the importance of versatility and depth in the NFL.
With Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers presumed to secure five of the six cornerback slots, the competition for the remaining position is intense. This fierce competition is likely to bring out the best in each player, ultimately strengthening the Eagles' defensive unit.
The Path Ahead
This extensive overhaul reflects the Eagles' commitment to bolstering a previously underperforming secondary. The mix of experienced veterans like Slay and Bradberry, alongside emerging talents such as Ringo, Rodgers, Mitchell, and DeJean, presents a balanced blend of experience and youth.
As the Philadelphia Eagles step into the 2023 season, their secondary will undoubtedly be under scrutiny. Fans and analysts will be keen to see whether these changes translate into improved performance on the field, remedying the defensive woes that plagued them last season.
The strategic decisions surrounding Bradberry's future, the integration of promising rookies, and the competitive spirit among the cornerbacks signal a new direction for the Eagles' defense. Whether these adjustments will pay off remains to be seen, but the journey promises to be both challenging and exciting for the team and its supporters.