Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles' pass defense grappled with some significant challenges, finishing near the bottom of the NFL rankings. They allowed a daunting 97.6 passer rating and conceded an alarming 35 passing touchdowns. This lackluster performance has led to a substantial overhaul of their secondary as the team prepares for the 2023 season.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry anchored the Eagles' cornerback positions last year, with the former retaining his role moving forward. However, Bradberry's performance left something to be desired; he allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating. Now at 31 years old, Bradberry’s future with the team is uncertain. Despite being only one year into a three-year, $38 million contract, the Eagles are weighing their options, including the possibility of trading him or cutting him after June 1 to save on cap space.
One intriguing prospect for Bradberry is a potential shift to safety in Vic Fangio's defensive scheme. Alternatively, he could find himself competing for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay, but the competition will be fierce.
Emerging Opportunities and New Faces
Kelee Ringo, a standout during the tail end of the last regular season, left an indelible mark by playing 198 out of 199 defensive snaps in the final four games, allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and even snagging an interception. His performance has solidified his position within the team, making him a presumed lock for one of the cornerback slots.
Meanwhile, Isaiah Rodgers has impressed in minicamp and is anticipated to secure a spot on the roster. The Eagles’ faith in their younger players is further evidenced by their recent draft picks, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both of whom offer substantial versatility. Mitchell is a strong contender for a starting position and might well become the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. DeJean is set to compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role.
Depth and Special Teams Focus
Additional depth and competition come from Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe, both vying for positions on the team. Jobe, in particular, is noted for his special teams expertise, making him a valuable asset beyond the defensive backfield. Tyler Hall, who joined the team in March, is another player fighting for a spot on special teams and potentially as a slot cornerback starter.
The Eagles appear to have all but decided on five of the six cornerback slots, earmarking Slay, Mitchell, DeJean, Ringo, and Rodgers as the core of their secondary unit. This leaves room for competition among the aforementioned players to round out the final roster spot, highlighting the significant depth and talent at the cornerback position entering the 2023 season.
While the Eagles have shown a clear commitment to improving their pass defense, the reshuffling and potential moves indicate a proactive approach in addressing last season's shortcomings. The increased competition and influx of new talent promise to make training camp and preseason an exciting period for the team and its fans. As Philadelphia aims to rebound from their defensive struggles, all eyes will be on how these changes translate onto the field.