It’s finally that time of the year again. No improvement on the smoldering heat and the leaves haven’t changed yet, but we have the NFL. The birds are back!
Coming off of a season reminiscent of 2023, maybe last season was just another Super Bowl hangover. Despite that, the Eagles did become the first NFC East repeat champions in two decades.
The questions and pressure is back on head coach Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts. But there’s a lot more to that. It’s Lane Johnson’s swan song. A.J. Brown is now a New England Patriot and the Eagles replaced him with their first round draft pick Makai Lemon out of USC. They also added wide receivers Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks, along with cornerback Riq Woolen from the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Most importantly there’s a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion and he’s calling the plays for the offense.
What will this season entail for the Eagles?
There will be some hiccups in the beginning. New offensive coordinator with a brand new scheme, could mean there will be a few bumps that will absolutely upset and panic fans. I can already hear the calls on 94WIP or just the fans screaming in Acme about how Andy Dalton needs to start and the Eagles need to start a firing spree. But just like the new look Sixers, patience will be key.
The offensive personnel is mostly the same minus A.J. Brown. Their offensive line is still one of the top lines in the league. So the Eagles have that going for them. This offense revolves around its run game.
Saquon Barkley’s 2025 season was a little bit of a disappointment coming off his incredible 2024 campaign. He’s 29 now and in running back years, he’s about 63. Barkley feels different than most aging running backs. He’s in the same class as guys like Adrian Peterson and Derrick Henry, where as long he stays healthy and has a good offensive line, he should be able to bounce back and put up 1,500 rushing yards. Barkley, like the entire offense, also benefits from Sean Mannion taking over the coordinator role. No more poorly designed run plays right up the middle where the opposing defense stuffs him. God I’m so happy Kevin Patullo is gone.
I’ve been rewatching The Sopranos and I’m at the end where Dr. Melfi is finally fed up with Tony. She’s finishing his sentences and calling him out for defacing her magazines. She’s had enough, she’s done. That’s how fans will react with Nick Sirianni. Play calling duties for week one are going to come from Mannion and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Sirianni, though, is still a good head coach and motivator. Only seven head coaches have reached multiple Super Bowls before turning 44. I believe he’s still a winning head coach. But if the Eagles sputter throughout this season he might be looking for another job.
The defense should be strong, but losing a veteran leader like Reed Blankenship will hurt them. They’re relying on safety and second round draft pick Andrew Mukuba to step up and take over his role. Considering draft position, he should be ready. Riq Woolen was also signed to the team. He can be a bit of a wildcard on the field and has had his moments messing up and causing big penalties. He is a great addition to the cornerback room. Jihaad Campbell is also an exciting young player to watch, who I believe could take that next step and be a huge factor for the defense. Jalen Carter was signed to a massive extension at the end of July. Jalyx Hunt has also been projected to have a breakout season. Jordan Davis is also still Jordan Davis, and the corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are young and healthy.
I’m excited to watch Devonta Smith as wide receiver number one. It finally feels like it’s his time. Surely Mannion has been drawing up plays for him and Hurts and we’ll see what that looks like on Sunday. The former Heisman winner will look like a stud and one of the top guys in the league by season’s end.
Barring a devastating injury, or Jalen Hurts regressing so far that he’s unplayable, this is one of the top teams in the NFL. There are Super Bowl aspirations. I know the Los Angeles Rams are the sexy pick, but the Eagles have experience and a locker room that no longer has a guy who will go on Twitch and complain about his targets.
These aren’t the end times, no need to get ready for the rapture if the Eagles stumble out of the gate. The NFL will clear Big Dom. Hopefully Pablo Torre doesn’t get involved.
At worst, this is a 10 win team, which will be upsetting. At best, they’re competing for a Super Bowl on Valentine’s Day. If they are playing in the Super Bowl, I wish the best towards everyone in romantic relationships, or brunch on Valentine’s Day will have record highs for restaurants in Philly. Overall the Eagles will compete, they’ve succeeded and won before, Kevin Patullo can’t hurt us anymore and the potential locker room issue with A.J. Brown was swiftly dealt with by Howie Roseman. We’re looking at a three peat for the NFC East. I’m not confident that any team is strong enough to take that crown away from Philly. Maybe LeBron’s presence will bring another ring. Who’s to say. Go birds, it’s finally time.
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