The Philadelphia Eagles' Transition in the Secondary for 2023
After a challenging season marked by one of the NFL's lowest pass defenses, the Philadelphia Eagles have set their sights on a significant overhaul of their secondary unit for the 2023 season. Last year, the Eagles' defensive woes were evident as they allowed a 97.6 passer rating and conceded 35 passing touchdowns. This underperformance necessitated a shift in strategy and personnel, setting the stage for a comprehensive revamp.
The foundation of the Eagles' secondary last season was built around key cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry. While Slay has retained his role, questions surround Bradberry's future with the team. The 31-year-old cornerback, who permitted nine passing touchdowns alongside an 87.9 passer rating last season, is currently in the middle of a three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023. Given his age and performance, the Eagles are exploring various options, including a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would offer cap savings.
Bradberry's role within Vic Fangio's defense is yet to be clearly defined. One possibility is experimenting with him at the safety position, or he may find himself contending for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay. This uncertainty has opened the door for competition and opportunity within the team.
Emerging Talent
Among the new contenders is Kelee Ringo, who made a strong impression during the final four regular-season games last season. Playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps, Ringo demonstrated his prowess by allowing only a 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recording an interception. His performance has positioned him as a key figure in the Eagles' secondary going forward.
The Eagles have also placed their faith in Isaiah Rodgers, who had a standout minicamp and is anticipated to secure a roster spot at cornerback. In addition, recent draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean bring versatility to the secondary. Both players have experience lining up inside, outside, and in dime packages. This flexibility is invaluable as the Eagles seek to build a more dynamic and adaptable defense.
Mitchell, in particular, is a strong contender for a starting role. He has the potential to become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. DeJean, on the other hand, will be competing with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback position. Their development and integration into the team will be crucial for the Eagles' defensive strategy.
Special Teams and Depth
A healthy competition is also brewing between Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, both vying for spots within the team. Jobe's expertise in special teams gives him an edge, emphasizing the importance of versatility and skill in multiple aspects of the game. Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are presumed locks for five of the six cornerback slots, leaving a tight competition for the final spot.
Adding to the mix is Tyler Hall, who signed with the Eagles in March. Hall aims to secure both a special teams role and a chance to start in the slot, adding another layer of depth to the secondary.
The Path Forward
As the Eagles enter the 2023 season, the spotlight will be on how this new-look secondary performs under the guidance of Vic Fangio. The blend of experienced veterans, promising rookies, and versatile players sets a foundation for potential improvement. The key will be finding the right mix of talent and strategy to reduce the vulnerabilities that plagued their defense last season.
With training camp and preseason games on the horizon, the Eagles' secondary will have numerous opportunities to gel as a unit and finalize their roster. The coming months will be critical in determining if this overhauled defense can rise to the challenge and help propel the team to better results.
Only time will tell if the changes and investments made by the Philadelphia Eagles pay off, but the renewed focus and influx of talent suggest a committed effort to rectify last season's shortcomings. Eagles fans will be watching closely, optimistic that this revamped secondary can lead the way to a stronger defensive presence in 2023.