The Philadelphia Eagles' Pass Defense: A 2023 Revamp
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2023 NFL season, one area of significant focus has been their secondary. Last season, the Eagles' pass defense ranked among the lowest in the league, allowing a worrying 97.6 passer rating and conceding 35 passing touchdowns. Determined to overturn a lackluster performance, the team has introduced several changes aimed at tightening their defensive backfield.
Darius Slay, a cornerstone of the Eagles' defense, continues to hold his position as a key cornerback. In contrast, James Bradberry, who had a mixed performance last season allowing nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating, faces uncertainty. At 31 years old and with two years remaining on a three-year, $38 million contract signed in 2023, Bradberry's future with the team is under scrutiny.
The Eagles are exploring options for Bradberry, including a potential trade or a post-June 1 cut, which would result in significant cap savings. Additionally, the team may experiment with him at safety in Vic Fangio's defensive scheme or have him compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay.
New Faces and Rising Stars
The Eagles have seen promising performances from emerging players in their secondary. Kelee Ringo, for instance, played 198 out of 199 defensive snaps during the final four regular-season games last season. His contributions were notable, allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and notching an interception.
Isaiah Rodgers is another player who has impressed during minicamp and is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. His strong showing could provide the Eagles with much-needed depth and competition within the secondary.
Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also vying for positions, with Jobe being particularly valued for his special teams expertise. Tyler Hall, a new addition since March, is making a bid for a special teams role and a chance to start in the slot.
The Draft Picks: Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean
This season, the Eagles' recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, promise to shake things up. Both players exhibit versatility, having lined up inside, outside, and in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, is a strong contender for a starting position and could set a new milestone by becoming the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988.
Cooper DeJean, on the other hand, will compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role, potentially adding another layer of flexibility to the defense.
Competing for the Roster
With the new talent and returning veterans, the Eagles' cornerback slots are highly competitive. Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are currently presumed to be locks for five of the six cornerback positions. The remaining spot will see intense competition, particularly from players like Tyler Hall, who are pushing for both special teams roles and defensive snaps.
As the 2023 season approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive backfield is set to undergo a significant transformation. The team's strategic moves, including possibly reassigning veterans, integrating promising draft picks, and fostering competition for roster spots, underline their commitment to improving one of last season's weakest links. The outcome of these changes remains to be seen, but the intent is clear: the Eagles are serious about tightening their pass defense and making a strong push in the upcoming NFL season.