Forward of the 2022 season, I launched the primary of my annual lists of daring, overly optimistic predictions and, a lot to my shock, I just about nailed each single one in every of them.
Final summer time, I pushed optimism to the brink of lunacy and, because the Eagles’ season cratered, so did my predictions.
This 12 months, I’ll attempt to be extra measured in my prognostications, particularly as a result of I’ve completely no really feel in any respect for a way this Eagles group goes to carry out with Jalen Hurts, two new coordinators and a head coach whose job is on the road.
They may very well be nice! Or, it may all blow up of their faces! Let’s roll the cube and make some predictions!
Eagles Tight Ends Mix for 7+ Touchdowns
Based mostly on the reporting from coaching camp, Dallas Goedert and No. 2 tight finish Grant Calcaterra are going to see extra motion than they did final season. Goedert was invisible for a lot of ‘23, averaging simply 4.2 catches per sport and 42.3 yards per sport, decrease than the 4.6 and 58.5 he averaged the 12 months earlier than. He additionally caught a mere 3 TDs, though getting in the long run zone has by no means been a giant a part of his sport. Calcaterra has been lower than an afterthought within the Eagles’ passing assault, but it surely positive seems like he’s having an impressive summer time, too.
When Moore was in Dallas, he knew the right way to get probably the most out of tight ends, particularly Jason Witten and Dalton Schultz. In ‘21, his remaining season because the Cowboys OC, Schultz hauled in 78 catches for 808 yards and eight TDs with Dak Prescott slinging the ball and backups Blake Jarwin and Sean McKeon including 3 TDs between them. Whereas I don’t anticipate Goedert and Calcaterra combining for 10 scores with A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and the Brotherly Shove getting loads of objective line alternatives, I do count on the tight ends to be featured extra prominently in Moore’s offense in Philadelphia.
Tanner McKee Turns into the Eagles’ Again-up QB
Tanner McKee is an intriguing prospect and has been receiving an growing variety of reps because the No. 2 QB this spring. Whereas Moore is imploring of us “to not learn an excessive amount of into it,” I’m studying one thing into it, although Moore mentioned each are doing “superb.”
The Eagles traded for Pickett this offseason to be Hurts’ back-up, however there seems to be some softening there. Pickett was taken twentieth general within the 2022 NFL Draft by the Steelers, whereas McKee was a sixth-round choice a season later by the Eagles, however Pickett wasn’t chosen by the Birds and so they didn’t quit a lot to get him.
Positive McKee seems like he’s working in sluggish movement more often than not, however he can throw the soccer.
If Hurts has to overlook time this 12 months, I’m calling it now. McKee is getting the ball.
Johnny Wilson Catches 40+ Passes because the Common Slot Receiver
There’s one thing about Sixth-round choose slot receivers that the Eagles actually like. And like Quez Watkins earlier than him, Wilson seems to have the within observe on the Birds’ No. 3 receiver gig. If that occurs, I imagine Wilson will not less than match Watkins’ manufacturing in 2021 when, as a second 12 months participant, he caught 43 balls for 647 yards because the slot receiver.
Cam Jurgens Replaces Jason Kelce Adequately at Middle
Will he be a Professional Bowler? Most likely not immediately, however I imagine in a man who can do that.
He’s Kelce’s hand-picked successor. He’s gonna be simply high quality.
Jalen Hurts Rushes for 750+ Yards
The headline out of coaching camp is the insanely good summer time Hurts is having working Moore’s system. As of the tip of Wednesday’s follow, he nonetheless hadn’t thrown an interception and seems to be transferring a lot sooner and with extra fluidity than he did a 12 months in the past at the moment. It’s mentioned he’s seeking to show one thing in 2024, which must be a scary proposition for opposing defenses, and the implementation of blitz-beaters and pre-snap motion ought to solely assist to open up working lanes for him.
There’s nonetheless a bit concern concerning the modifications on the offensive line, however Hurts had a extra regular offseason this 12 months than final 12 months, and my guess is Moore will discover methods for him to run. Hurts had solely 605 yards on the bottom a season in the past, down from 760 in 2022 and 784 the 12 months earlier than. I imagine he’ll be again over 750 yards dashing this season, with a couple of extra non-Tush Push TDs coming, too.
Nolan Smith Data 7+ Sacks
I’m not in search of the previous first spherical choose to set any sort of data this 12 months, however after barely having the ability to get on the sector a season in the past, Smith goes to see much more defensive snaps in 12 months No. 2. Given the chance and his athleticism, I’m predicting a 7-sack season for Smith, manufacturing I’m positive Vic Fangio would gladly take.
Saquon Barkley Finishes with 1400+ Whole Yards
All of those predictions are primarily based on these gamers staying principally wholesome in 2024, and that’s no extra vital than for Barkley, who outdoors of Hurts and A.J. Brown will be the most indispensable participant on the group. No. 2 on the depth chart is Kenny Gainwell, somebody who’s ill-equipped to hold a starter’s workload on any Sunday.
Barkley nonetheless has the juice and, with all of the weapons arrayed round him, ought to have his most efficient season ever. With a playoff-bound Giants group in ‘22, he ran for 1312 yards and hauled in 57 balls for 338 yards, good for 1650 complete yards and 10 TDs. I’m predicting he’ll cross the 1400 complete yard barrier, with 1,000+ on the bottom and one other 400+ within the air, or some mixture like that.
Quinyon Mitchell has 4+ Interceptions
Mitchell has been getting an schooling in NFL cornerbacking this summer time, going up towards, and trash speaking with, Brown and Devonta Smith. By all accounts, he’s holding his personal towards these guys, whereas additionally seeing time within the slot.
Fangio goes to discover a technique to play the Eagles’ first spherical choose and groups are going to be trying his technique to begin the season. I imagine Mitchell will see sufficient snaps to select off not less than 4 balls in 2024.
Jalen Carter Named 1st Workforce All-Professional
Sure, I imagine in his second season, Carter will find yourself being one of many two finest defensive tackles within the sport. I can’t wait to see what he can do now that he is aware of what the trials of a full NFL season are like.
Eagles Win the Tremendous Bowl
Look, I may sit right here an predict that they make the playoffs however lose within the divisional spherical, or that they win the division however fall brief within the NFC Championship Sport, however what enjoyable is that? Hurts seems like an MVP season is incoming, Brown, Smith, Barkley and Goedert give the Eagles the 4 finest positional stars they’ve ever had play collectively, and the protection solely must be first rate to ensure that this group to get again to the Tremendous Bowl.
I actually imagine the Tremendous Bowl loser hangover was actual final 12 months. Getting that shut and falling brief messed with their minds, making the 2023 season a dreadful and depressing marketing campaign, even after they had been successful. They overburdened themselves with expectations and took all the enjoyment out of taking part in soccer.
I don’t assume they’re going to make the identical mistake this time round. I feel Nick Sirianni was humbled by final 12 months, that the brand new coordinators know what they’re doing, and that the gamers have healed any rifts that existed by the tip of final 12 months.
The Eagles are successful the Tremendous Bowl.
Let’s go.
