The Eagles head into their bye week following what was arguably their most impressive performance of the season. Yet questions remain…
Is the run game really back or was that a product of opponent more than execution? This is THE most important question for the Eagles and will determine how far they advance through the postseason. This team goes as the run game goes. Even though the Eagles didn’t run the ball well in the Super Bowl, it was the threat of that potent ground attack that opened everything else up and gave Jalen Hurts time and room to work. Against the Giants, there seemed to be a more concerted effort to get outside, to have Hurts under center more, and engage more pulling. We’ll know right away if the run game is back on track, because the Eagles will face the 3rd (Packers) and 4th (Lions) ranked run defenses back-to-back out of the bye.
Will AJ Brown be invested or a distraction? Through eight weeks, Brown has mostly been a distraction. As I’ve stated previously, I have no problem with a star receiver wanting the football or expressing his frustration with an offense that doesn’t employ its best weapons. On the other hand, the social media nonsense and cryptic quotes need to end if this team is going to make a run at repeating. Kevin Patullo absolutely needs to get Brown more involved in the offense, but Brown also has to be more committed to the offense. Brown has dogged his routes too many times this season. November is when the contenders find their stride. The Eagles need Brown to get on board and stay there.
Who will be the second outside corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell? The trade for Michael Carter II this week clearly indicates the Eagles are unhappy with the status quo. Kelee Ringo and Adoree’ Jackson failed to lock down that role and Jakorian Bennett couldn’t stay healthy long enough to prove himself worthy of the role either. Carter II is more of a slot corner, so does that mean Cooper DeJean is moving outside? I am not in favor of such a move if that is the plan. DeJean is an elite tackler and does a phenomenal job at navigating the mesh/rub routes NFL offenses love, especially on 3rd and 4th downs. Surrendering DeJean’s production inside is not ideal. I wonder if the return of Nakobe Dean gives the Eagles more flexibility with Jihaad Campbell and they get a little creative. Perhaps Campbell gets more run as a hybrid slot corner on early downs with DeJean moving outside. I don’t know if that will work but they’re clearly grasping at straws right now.
Will the return of Nolan Smith Jr. elevate the Eagles pass rush enough or do they need to make a move? Until Week 8 against a dreadful Giants offensive line, the pass rush has been lacking production in Smith’s absence. With a squeaky outside corner issue, the pass rush has to be productive for the Eagles to return to their 2024 form. Brandon Graham’s return should add some depth but don’t expect a significant jump in production there. The Eagles could make a move but it has to be a “no doubter” for it to be worth the loss of a draft asset. Meaning, no 3rd rounders for a Robert Quinn type again. If you’re going to upgrade the position, then go all in, especially at such an important roster spot. I’m talking about guys that could stick around for more than half a season. Jermaine Johnson comes to mind. Maybe Maxx Crosby if the price is reasonable and the Raiders finally free the all pro defensive end. Just please stay away from the band aids.
There are of course more questions that need answering, but these are the four most pressing. The answer to each of these questions will significantly and directly impact the outcome of the 2025 season. Let’s hope for the best.
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Thursday Night Pick; Ravens -7.5