Despite a lackluster showing last season, the Philadelphia Eagles are making significant strides to improve their pass defense for the upcoming NFL season. The Eagles, who allowed a disheartening 97.6 passer rating and conceded 35 passing touchdowns last season, have made crucial moves to overhaul their secondary.
One constant in the Eagles' secondary is cornerback Darius Slay, who remains in his position after a solid performance last season. However, his counterpart, James Bradberry, has been a topic of substantial discussion. At 31 years old and entering the second of a three-year, $38 million contract, Bradberry's future with the team is under scrutiny. Having allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating last season, the Eagles are exploring several options regarding his role.
Among the potential moves are a trade or a post-June 1 cut, the latter potentially resulting in cap savings for the team. Another intriguing possibility is experimenting with Bradberry as a safety within Vic Fangio's defense or having him compete to start alongside Darius Slay.
New Blood in the Secondary
While the Eagles deliberate Bradberry's future, they have fortified their defensive backfield with promising talent. One of the standout performers is Kelee Ringo, who played almost every defensive snap in the last four regular-season games, allowing a stingy 40.8 passer rating and recording an interception. Ringo's performance has positioned him favorably to compete for significant playing time this season.
Additionally, Isaiah Rodgers has impressed during minicamp, almost securing his spot on the roster as a cornerback. The Eagles' recent drafts have also yielded potential game-changers, such as Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both celebrated for their versatility. Mitchell is a strong contender for a starting position, with the potential to become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. DeJean, meanwhile, will compete with Avonte Maddox for the pivotal slot cornerback role.
Intensifying Competition
The battle for roster spots doesn't end there. Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also vying for positions. Jobe, in particular, is noted for his special teams expertise, which might give him an edge in securing a spot. Tyler Hall, signed in March, is gunning for both a role in special teams and a chance to start in the slot. These developments suggest a high level of competition as the Eagles strive to form a robust secondary.
A Revamped Defense
As the Eagles prepare for the 2023 season, several players appear to be locks for cornerback slots, including Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers. With these additions and strategic moves, the team is poised to deliver a much-improved defensive performance. Fans will undoubtedly watch closely to see if the revamped secondary can transform one of last season's weaknesses into a formidable strength.
The efforts and strategic choices by the Eagles' front office indicate a clear commitment to solidifying their pass defense. Although the immediate future of some key players remains uncertain, the injection of new, promising talent combined with experienced veterans like Slay could herald a defensive renaissance. The journey from offseason overhaul to on-field success remains to be seen, but hope is undeniably in the air for Philadelphia's secondary.