The Philadelphia Eagles' Pass Defense: A New Chapter in 2023
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2023 NFL season, significant changes to their defensive lineup offer a renewed sense of optimism. After a dismal performance last season where their pass defense ranked among the lowest in the league, allowing a 97.6 passer rating and conceding 35 passing touchdowns, the team has overhauled their secondary in hopes of turning the tide.
One of the constants in the Eagles' lineup is cornerback Darius Slay, a reliable figure in the secondary. However, his counterpart from last season, James Bradberry, presents a more complex situation. Bradberry, who allowed nine passing touchdowns and an 87.9 passer rating, remains a subject of much speculation. The 31-year-old is under contract for two more years, having signed a three-year, $38 million deal in 2023. The Eagles are reportedly exploring various options with Bradberry, including a potential trade or even a post-June 1 cut, a move that would provide the team with some much-needed cap savings.
Experimentation seems to be the theme for Bradberry’s role in the upcoming season. The Eagles may trial him at the safety position within Vic Fangio's defensive scheme, or he might compete for the starting cornerback spot opposite Slay. Amid this uncertainty, the team’s younger talent is stepping into the limelight.
Kelee Ringo Joins the Fray
Rookie Kelee Ringo, who played 198 out of 199 defensive snaps during the final four regular-season games last year, showcased his potential by allowing a mere 40.8 passer rating in coverage and recording an interception. His performance positions him as a promising candidate for increased responsibility heading into the new season.
Isaiah Rodgers Making Waves
Another player making a strong case for a starting role is Isaiah Rodgers. Following an impressive minicamp, Rodgers is expected to secure a roster spot at cornerback. This adds to the depth and competition within the unit, which also includes recent draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Mitchell and DeJean bring versatility to the table, having experience lining up both inside and outside, as well as in dime packages. Mitchell, in particular, is vying for a starting position and could make history as the first Eagles rookie cornerback to start before Week 5 since Eric Allen in 1988. Meanwhile, DeJean is set to compete with Avonte Maddox for the slot cornerback role, enhancing the intra-team rivalry that naturally drives performance improvements.
Special Teams Battles and Depth Chart Decisions
Eli Ricks and Josh Jobe are also in contention, each bringing unique skills to the secondary. Jobe’s expertise on special teams is noteworthy, providing added value to his candidacy. With Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers appearing to be locks for five out of the six cornerback slots, the competition remains fierce for the final roster spot. Tyler Hall, who was signed in March, provides an intriguing wildcard. He is not only aiming for a special teams role but also gunning for a chance to start in the slot, adding further complexity to the Eagles’ decision-making process.
The upcoming season is set to be a pivotal one for the Eagles' secondary. With a mix of seasoned veterans and budding talent, coupled with strategic contractual decisions, the team aims to rectify the shortcomings of its pass defense from last year. By fostering internal competition and evaluating versatile roles for its players, Philadelphia hopes to build a more formidable and cohesive defensive unit, ready to meet the challenges of the 2023 season.