Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles' pass defense found itself in dire straits, ranked among the lowest in the NFL. With a dismal 97.6 passer rating allowed and a staggering 35 passing touchdowns conceded, the Eagles recognized the need for an overhaul in their secondary for the upcoming 2023 season. As they head into the new season, substantial changes are on the horizon, aimed at revitalizing their defensive lineup.
One of the anchor points for the Eagles' defense has been cornerback Darius Slay, who will continue to hold his position. Slay's consistency and performance bring a degree of stability amidst the shuffle. However, his counterpart from last season, James Bradberry, has come under scrutiny. Despite his experience, Bradberry allowed nine passing touchdowns and maintained an 87.9 passer rating, stats that fall short of expectations for a starting cornerback.
Bradberry, now 31 years old, is entering the second year of a three-year, $38 million contract he signed in 2023. The Eagles are currently assessing their options concerning Bradberry, including the possibility of a trade or a post-June 1 cut. Such a move would bring significant cap savings, offering the team financial flexibility. Alternatively, Bradberry might be repositioned to safety within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme or compete to retain his starting spot opposite Slay.
A Fresh Wave of Talent
The Eagles are turning to new and emerging talents to redefine their secondary. Rookie Kelee Ringo exhibited potential last season, playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps in the final four regular-season games. During this stint, Ringo demonstrated his defensive prowess, allowing just a 40.8 passer rating and securing an interception. With such promising stats, Ringo is poised to be a critical player in the defensive lineup.
Another standout performance in minicamp came from Isaiah Rodgers, whose display of skill is expected to secure him a roster spot at cornerback. Complementing these strong individual showings, the Eagles' recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, bring versatility to the field. Both Mitchell and DeJean have shown capability in multiple positions, lining up inside, outside, and in dime packages.
Competition Heats Up
Quinyon Mitchell, in particular, is emerging as a strong contender for a starting position. He has the potential to become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. In the highly competitive world of professional football, such an accomplishment would be noteworthy and a testament to Mitchell's readiness and skill.
Cooper DeJean is set to compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role. Both players' performances during the preseason will likely determine who secures the starting position. This intra-team rivalry pushes each player to their best, invariably raising the team's overall defensive caliber.
Additionally, Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are battling for positions, adding depth and options to the Eagles' secondary. Jobe, in particular, is noted for his special teams expertise, which provides him an edge in securing a roster spot.
The Roster Picture
As the Eagles finalize their roster, they appear to have a clearer picture of their secondary lineup. Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are presumed locks for five of the six cornerback slots. This leaves one position up for grabs, potentially leading to fierce competition among the remaining candidates.
One player looking to make an impact is Tyler Hall, who was signed in March. Hall, aiming for both a special teams role and a chance to start in the slot, brings additional competition and depth to the roster, ensuring that whoever makes the cut will be battle-tested and ready to contribute from day one.
As the Eagles prepare for the 2023 season, the overhaul of their secondary is a clear indication of their commitment to strengthening their defense. With a mix of veteran presence, emerging talents, and top-performing rookies, the Eagles are geared up to address their pass defense woes and aim for a more robust and dynamic defensive performance on the field.