High Expectations

The Eagles were almost the best team in the league last year. They might be the best team in the league this year. One thing we know for sure is that they won’t catch anyone by surprise.

Most NFL franchises say they embrace taking risks, but only a handful of teams such as the Eagles truly do. And because of those risks this offseason, the Eagles should be the favorite to win Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, writes @GregBishopSI https://t.co/lnPIkmC2Le

— The MMQB (@theMMQB) May 16, 2023

And…ESPN says the Eagles have the best chance to win the Super Bowl.

Part of the Eagles higher rating is the weakness of the NFC. That could give them an easier path to the big game.

.@greggrosenthal's NFC East projected starters: Don't discount Kenneth Gainwell winding up with the most touches in Philly's backfieldhttps://t.co/1NTQO0nQYN pic.twitter.com/EazFWtAHQK

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 15, 2023

• I picked the Eagles to win the Super Bowl before last season because they had the best roster. This group is better now, so I’ll probably do it again.

Gregg thinks highly of the Eagles.

https://twitter.com/peter_king/status/1655425380654743552

Peter King put the Eagles atop his power rankings.

I think it is safe to say the team is expected to do well this year.

You might wonder if such high expectations will bring a burden that could negatively affect the team. I think Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni would tell you as long as they have a loaded roster, they’ll happily deal with the expectations.

The Eagles did lose a lot from last ­year’s team, but they have talented replacements in almost all of the areas. College football has taught us time and again that the best teams reload rather than rebuild. Obviously that is a bit different than the NFL, but the point is the same. If you have a good core of players, good coaches and good culture, it makes a world of difference when plugging in a new starter or key role player.

The Eagles will have quite a few new guys to mix in this year. There won’t be a drop-off in talent, just experience.

OUT

• Gardner Minshew
• Miles Sanders
• Zach Pascal
• Isaac Seumalo
• Andre Dillard
• Javon Hargrave
• Linval Jospeh
• Ndamukong Suh
• TJ Edwards
• Kyzir White
• Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
• Marcus Epps

IN

• Marcus Mariota
• Rashaad Penny
• D’Andre Swift
• Olamide Zaccheaus
• Cam Jurgens (2nd yr)
• Tyler Steen
• Jordan Davis (2nd yr)
• Jalen Carter
• Derek Barnett
• Nolan Smith
• Marlon Tuipulotu (3rd yr)
• Kentavius Street
• Moro Ojomo
• Nakobe Dean (2nd yr)
• Nick Morrow
• Reed Blankenship (2nd yr)
• Terrell Edmunds
• Justin Evans
• Sydney Brown
• Kelee Ringo

With the salary cap and a star QB with a huge deal, the Eagles have to be able to find young, cheap replacement players. On paper, it looks like they’ve done a great job. Some of these players have a ton of potential.

The veterans will help the new and young Eagles to fit in and learn the systems. The coaches will focus on teaching them the details needed to thrive in the NFL.

There is uncertainty, but there should also be excitement. If the Eagles can keep Penny healthy, he could have a big year in this offense. He’ll benefit from a great OL and the RPO game. Swift could be outstanding as well.

I think we’re all excited for the Georgia Guys (Davis, Carter, Dean and Smith). Their potential is through the roof. If they pan out as hoped, they could be the foundation of the defense for a while.

I’m sure more than a few people are fired up to see what Blankenship and Brown can do. They are young, but you have to love their athleticism and physicality. Both guys would run through a brick wall to get to the ball.

The Eagles haven’t had to force rookies into action. They have been able to mix them in. That should still be the case this season. Jordan Davis is more important than Jalen Carter right now. Nakobe Dean is more important than Nolan Smith. The second year players have to deliver. The rookies will be given a chance to play, but they won’t be expected to be starters or impact role players. The roster is deep enough that they’ll have to earn spots.

Nick Sirianni and his staff have shown that they will play rookies if the players are ready. DeVonta Smith started right away. Landon Dickerson started 13 games. Milton Williams started a pair of games and was a key role player. Kenny Gainwell was also a key role player as a rookie. I left off Williams and Gainwell off the list above because they’ve shown enough that we know they can produce in the NFL. The only question with them is if they can become impact players.

If the Eagles young talent lives up to expectations, the team has a good chance to meet the lofty preseason expectations, and that would mean another trip to the Super Bowl.

*****

The NFL approved the use of a gameday roster spot on an emergency third QB.

That QB can enter the game if 2 QBs are injured/disqualified. If an injured QB is cleared to return, the emergency QB must be removed.

— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) May 22, 2023

Remember when Carson Wentz got speared in the playoffs, left with a concussion, and then Josh McCown subsequently tore his hamstring, stayed in the game, couldn't do anything, the Eagles lost, didn't bitch about it for the next 5 months, and the NFL didn't change any rules?

— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) May 22, 2023

Some of Mr. Bama’s finest writing.

*****

Falcons sign JJ Arcega-Whiteside. https://t.co/cEBSRAHUIg

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 22, 2023

Good luck to JJAW. I’ll give the guy credit. He’s doing everything he can to stay in the league.

Might want to mix in holding onto passes. Just an idea.

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