The Philadelphia Eagles head into their early bye week with a 2-2 record, but the bitter taste of their recent 33-16 loss lingers, revealing deeper issues that need to be addressed. As they prepare for the rest of the season, here are five key adjustments they should consider making:
1. Revamp the Opening Script: The Eagles have struggled to score in the first quarter, becoming the only team in the NFL without a single first-quarter point. The blame lies partly in their poorly constructed opening game scripts, a collaborative effort between head coach Nick Sirianni, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo, and run game coordinator Jeff Stoutland. In the Week 4 loss against the Buccaneers, despite missing their top two wide receivers, the Eagles leaned heavily on the passing game, calling for seven pass plays out of their first nine. The team must reevaluate their strategy and create better-balanced, adaptable scripts to start games stronger.
2. Give Rookie Cooper DeJean a Shot: The Eagles invested heavily in second-round pick Cooper DeJean, trading with their NFC East rival Washington Commanders to select him 40th overall. DeJean, a cornerback, has the potential to replace the inconsistent Avonte Maddox in the slot. While DeJean may face growing pains, giving him experience now could pay dividends later, as the team views him as a future cornerstone of the defense.
3.Play Rookie Jalyx Hunt: Another young talent waiting in the wings is third-round pick Jalyx Hunt, a pass-rusher who could be the solution to the team’s struggles at generating pressure on the quarterback. Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff, both expected to be key contributors, have underperformed, with Smith registering just three QB pressures and Huff remaining largely invisible. While Smith had a decent game against the Buccaneers with four tackles, Hunt deserves more opportunities after showing promise in limited snaps. Incorporating Hunt into the rotation for 20+ snaps could help ignite the pass rush and apply more pressure on opposing offenses.
4. Fix Turnover Issues: The Eagles have been plagued by turnovers, sitting at -6 in turnover differential after finishing last season at -10. Offensively, they must prioritize ball security, while the defense needs to find ways to create more takeaways. While there’s no easy solution, this is a critical area where coaching staff must focus their efforts to turn the season around.
5. Roster Adjustments and Safety Mix: Safety Sydney Brown is close to returning from injury, and once his practice window opens, the Eagles will need to cut a player to make room. Linebacker Devin White, who hasn’t found a role in the defense, should be the odd man out. Brown’s return would also allow for more flexibility in the secondary, as he could share time with C.J. Gardner-Johnson based on matchups. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio emphasized that Brown won’t be thrown into a full-time role immediately, but a mix-and-match approach could help the defense find its rhythm. Fangio also called for better tackling and sharper execution from Gardner-Johnson, highlighting the need for improvement in the secondary.
These adjustments could help the Eagles regain their footing as they come out of the bye week and prepare for a tough road ahead. With a focus on better play-calling, giving young talent more opportunities, fixing turnover issues, and tweaking the roster, the Eagles have the potential to bounce back and contend in the NFC.
