After their Super Bowl win, the Eagles face a 2024 title defense by rebuilding their pass rush, replacing Sweat & Graham. Can new faces forge a new identity?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just a month away from returning to the NovaCare Complex, the Philadelphia Eagles are basking in the glow of a Super Bowl LIX victory. But as the champs prepare to defend their title, the calm of the offseason is giving way to pressing questions. With a target on their back and a tough schedule ahead, starting with a primetime opener against Dallas, the path to a repeat will be forged in the fires of intense training camp battles.
After losing Josh Sweat to free agency, Brandon Graham to retirement, and trading Bryce Huff, the Eagles must replace the core of a pass rush that powered the NFL's best defense last season.
The most glaring uncertainty lies at edge rusher. The championship defense said goodbye to franchise mainstays Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, and traded away the productive Bryce Huff. The front office has opted for a 'quantity and quality' approach to the rebuild, bringing back Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt while adding veterans Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche on one-year 'prove it' deals. They also drafted Antwaun Powell-Ryland. While the talent is there, creating chemistry and consistent pressure will be the top priority. The front office will be watching closely, with the possibility of another trade or free agent signing looming if the group doesn't gel quickly.
On offense, the questions are more about durability and depth. Trade rumors surrounding Dallas Goedert were put to rest when the Eagles bypassed tight ends in the draft, signaling immense faith in their TE1. However, Goedert has yet to play a full season since his rookie year, and his health remains a pivotal factor for an offense that relies on him heavily. He was a beast in the postseason with 215 yards and a touchdown, and the Birds are betting on him staying on the field. Further down the line, a quiet competition is brewing at right guard after Mekhi Becton's departure to the Chargers, leaving a starting spot open for Tyler Steen and others to claim.
While the roster churns, the heart of the team's culture remains strong. Retired legend Jason Kelce demonstrated his enduring connection to the city and the organization by hosting his 5th annual Team 62 charity event at the Ocean Drive on Tuesday. Raising money for the Eagles Autism Foundation, the event was a massive success, proving that even in retirement, Kelce's leadership and presence are a foundational part of the Eagles' identity.
With Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts and rushing champ Saquon Barkley leading a star-studded offense, the Eagles have the firepower to go back-to-back. But championships are won in the trenches. The next month will be crucial as the team seeks answers at edge rusher and right guard. All eyes will be on the NovaCare Complex as these battles unfold, leading up to the September 4th season opener against the Cowboys, the first test for the defending champs.
