The Philadelphia Eagles' Secondary: A Season of Transformation
The Philadelphia Eagles' pass defense faced significant challenges last season, ranked among the lowest in the NFL. Allowing an alarming 97.6 passer rating and conceding 35 passing touchdowns, the Eagles' secondary was in dire need of an overhaul. Heading into the 2023 season, the Eagles have made significant changes to strengthen their defense, aiming to turn around their fortunes on the field.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry were pivotal figures in the Eagles' secondary last season. Slay retains his role as a key cornerback, having shown consistency in his performance. However, Bradberry’s contribution faced scrutiny. At 31 years old, Bradberry allowed nine passing touchdowns and recorded an 87.9 passer rating. Considering he's in the midst of a three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023, the Eagles are exploring various options for his future.
Among the possibilities are a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would save the team valuable cap space. The coaching staff is also considering experimenting with Bradberry in a safety role within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme or allowing him to compete for the starting cornerback position opposite Slay. These decisions will undoubtedly shape the secondary's dynamic moving forward.
Amidst the changes, Kelee Ringo emerged as a standout player during the last four regular-season games of last season. Playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps, Ringo demonstrated prowess in coverage, allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating and snagging an interception. His performance has set high expectations for his role in the upcoming season.
The Eagles' minicamp further revealed promising talents. Isaiah Rodgers, who had a strong showing, is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. Additionally, the Eagles' recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, bring versatility and potential to the table. Both players have shown the ability to line up inside, outside, and in dime packages, giving the coaching staff valuable flexibility in deploying their defensive schemes.
Mitchell, in particular, has emerged as a strong contender for a starting position. If he secures a starting role before Week 5, he would make history as the first Eagles rookie cornerback to do so since Eric Allen in 1988. On the other hand, DeJean is set to compete with Avonte Maddox for the coveted slot cornerback role, promising a healthy competition that will likely enhance the overall performance of the secondary.
Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also in the mix, battling for positions within the team. Jobe’s special teams expertise adds an additional layer of value to his candidacy. With Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers considered locks for five of the six cornerback slots, the competition for the remaining positions will be fierce.
In March, the Eagles signed Tyler Hall, who is not only aiming for a special teams role but also vying for a chance to start in the slot. Hall’s versatility and determination will no doubt be factors as the team finalizes its roster.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the revamping of their secondary represents a strategic shift aimed at addressing last season’s vulnerabilities. The blend of experienced veterans like Darius Slay and promising young talents such as Kelee Ringo, Quinyon Mitchell, and others brings both stability and potential for the future.
The training camp and preseason games will be crucial in determining how these pieces fit together. The new look secondary will be under close scrutiny, as fans and analysts alike will look for signs that the Eagles can soar higher in their defensive game. The significant changes made during the offseason reflect a commitment to improvement and a strategic approach to building a more formidable and resilient defense.
With a blend of experience and youth, the Eagles' pass defense is poised for a season of transformation and redemption. How these changes translate onto the field will be a narrative worth following throughout the 2023 season.