The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into the 2023 season with a transformed secondary, aiming to rectify a pass defense that ranked among the NFL's worst last season. The team allowed a 97.6 passer rating and conceded 35 passing touchdowns, underperforming expectations and necessitating a significant overhaul.
Overhauled Secondary for 2023
Despite the defensive struggles, cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry were key figures last season. While Slay retains his position, Bradberry's role remains uncertain. Last season, Bradberry allowed nine passing touchdowns and registered an 87.9 passer rating. Now at 31 years old, he has two years remaining on a three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023. The Eagles are exploring multiple options regarding Bradberry's future, including a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut to realize cap savings.
The defensive back adjustments don’t stop there. The team is also considering utilizing Bradberry at safety within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme, or perhaps having him compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay. This experimentation highlights the Eagles' commitment to enhancing their defensive flexibility and overall performance.
Emerging Talents and Draft Picks
Notably, the Eagles have young talent emerging in their secondary. Rookie sensation Kelee Ringo played nearly every defensive snap over the last four regular-season games in 2022, allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recording an interception. This impressive performance cements his place in the lineup.
Additionally, Isaiah Rodgers is coming off a strong minicamp and is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. The Eagles also made strategic choices in the draft, selecting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both known for their versatility in various defensive roles. Mitchell, in particular, is a strong contender for a starting position and could become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988.
Position Battles and Depth Chart
Cooper DeJean faces competition from veteran Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role, adding depth and competitiveness to the position. Meanwhile, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are fighting for their places on the team, with Jobe's special teams expertise giving him a potential edge.
As training camp unfolds, it’s anticipated that Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are set to secure five of the six cornerback slots. In March, Tyler Hall was signed to bolster special teams and compete for a potential starting role in the slot, illustrating the Eagles' strategy to maximize depth and versatility across their secondary.
Strategic Adjustments Under Fangio’s Defense
These moves are part of a broader strategy to fit the players into Vic Fangio's defensive system, known for its complexity and adaptability. Experimenting with Bradberry at safety is one manifestation of this approach, aiming to leverage his experience and skill set in a new capacity.
The overall reformation of the secondary signifies the Eagles' dedication to addressing last season’s defensive deficiencies. With an infusion of young talent and strategic veteran adjustments, the team looks poised to protect against the pass more effectively and compete at a higher level in the 2023 season.
How these changes will impact the Eagles’ performance remains to be seen, but the proactive approach in restructuring the defense demonstrates a clear intention to improve and compete robustly in the upcoming NFL season. The success of these adjustments will be a storyline to watch as the season progresses.