Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles appeared poised for another Super Bowl run. They kicked off the year with an impressive 10-1 record, solidifying their status as one of the league’s elite teams. However, their season drastically turned during a primetime matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, who avenged their previous NFC Championship Game defeat by dismantling the Eagles 42-19. Philadelphia stumbled through the remainder of the regular season, losing five of their last six games. Despite their late-season woes, the Eagles managed to clinch a postseason berth, but this time, their journey to the Super Bowl began on the road.
Philadelphia’s struggles continued in the playoffs, where they were soundly defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-9 in the opening round. This disappointing end prompted significant changes in the coaching staff. The Eagles parted ways with their offensive and defensive coordinators but retained head coach Nick Sirianni. As we look ahead to the 2024 season, here’s our preview and record prediction for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Previewing the Eagles’ Offense
Even during their winning streak last season, the Eagles’ offense seemed slightly out of sync. Several games required strenuous efforts to secure victories. The once-dominant unit from their previous Super Bowl run lost its edge. This regression raised questions about whether the departure of offensive mastermind Shane Steichen, who took the head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts, had left a void that proved too challenging to fill. While the Eagles still managed to rank as a top-ten offense, more was needed for Brian Johnson to keep his job as offensive coordinator. Johnson, who had been promoted from quarterbacks coach, struggled to maintain the high standards set before him.
Philadelphia hired Kellen Moore as their new offensive coordinator to revitalize the offense. With previous stints at the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers, Moore has a track record of working with quarterbacks who possess traits similar to those of Jalen Hurts. The success of the Eagles’ offense will largely depend on how quickly Moore and Hurts can develop chemistry and implement the new system.
On the field, the Eagles made significant upgrades to their offensive personnel. They signed former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million contract, bolstering their ground game. Additionally, they extended fourth-year wide receiver DeVonta Smith to a three-year, $75 million deal, including $51 million guaranteed. To further strengthen their receiving corps, the Eagles traded for Commanders’ wideout Jahan Dotson, sending their third and seventh-round draft picks to Washington. Dotson, entering his third season, has consistently delivered over 500 receiving yards per year since joining the league. His addition provides a solid third option in the passing game, complementing Smith and veteran A.J. Brown.
Previewing the Eagles’ Defense
While the offense faced challenges, the defense experienced a significant decline from its previous high standards. Once one of the league’s top units in points allowed, sacks, and total defense, the Eagles’ defensive performance regressed sharply. This decline led to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Sean Desai. After the Eagles’ losing streak began with the lopsided loss to the 49ers, Desai was demoted, and Matt Patricia took over play-calling duties. However, the change did little to improve the team’s defensive performance.
In response, the Eagles hired Vic Fangio, a highly respected defensive mind, to take full control of the defense. Fangio is known for his ability to craft formidable defensive units, and his task will be to revitalize an Eagles defense that finished near the bottom of the league in points allowed, passing yards, and total yards. Philadelphia has initiated a youth movement in the secondary, using their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Both players are expected to play significant roles in the future of the Eagles’ defense.
The Eagles also made impactful acquisitions in free agency, signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who returns to the team after a stint that included their 2022 Super Bowl run. Additionally, they secured former Jets defensive end Bryce Huff, known for his pass-rushing prowess. With these additions, Fangio will have the tools to build a formidable defense in 2024.
Projected Outlook and Predicted Record: 13-4 (NFC East Champions/Super Bowl Contender)
2024 must be a year of success for Coach Sirianni; there’s no other way to put it. And no success does not mean a first-round trip to the playoffs. The Eagles brass want deep postseason appearances with the possibility of playing in the Super Bowl. The organization has been known to part ways with head coaches if they believe the message being preached is becoming stale. Former coaches Doug Pederson and Andy Reid are two names that come to mind. Both individuals were fired despite having tenures that contained consistent success. The 2024 schedule for Philadelphia sets them up perfectly to rebound from last season’s collapse. However, postseason dominance will determine the long-term stability of the current era of Eagles football.
