The consensus among the national media this off-season is that the Eagles are favorites to win the NFC East and are legitimate contenders in the conference. This has the local media and Eagles fans nervous.
The Eagles made great strides under first year head coach Nick Sirianni. Coming off a 4-11-1 season in 2020, they finished 9-8 and earned a playoff appearance. They rebounded from a 2-5 start and finished the regular season strong, but were dominated and completely out classed by the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This off-season GM Howie Roseman went to work adding talent and depth to this roster, by having a strong draft, made a big time trade and signed key free agents. The Eagles selectted DT Jordan Davis, C Cam Jurgens and LB Nakobe Dean with their first three picks Davis is a big strong athletic freak and he will pose problems for opposing offenses. Jurgens is strong athletic mauler and he is in the mold of Jason Kelce. He is expected to learn from and then replace Kelce, when he retires. Dean is a two time Butkus award winner, who was a absolute steal in the third round.
On draft night, Howie Roseman traded star wide receiver A.J. Brown and then immediately signed him to a new contract. Brown was a star receiver with the Tennessee Titans. He is a big and strong playmaker and a good friend of starting QB Jalen Hurts. Brown, along fellow WR DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert gives the Eagles elite talent for Jalen Hurts to throw to.
In free agency, the Eagles signed LB Kyzir White, CB James Bradberry and WR Zach Pascal. These are great additions. White and Bradberry are both impactful players and immediate upgrades to the defense. Pascal gives the Eagles good depth at receiver.
The Eagles have enough talent to compete for the title and possible for contenders for the conference title. How far the Eagles go will depend on the play of Jalen Hurts. The Eagles are a very talented football team. The local media and fans should not be nervous of the high expectations, they should just embrace and the see how the season plays out.
photo courtsey of USA Today sports
