Eagles' Biggest Weaknesses Ahead of 2022 NFL Training Camp
The Philadelphia Eagles look much different than the team that went 9-8 and just made the playoffs last season.
Head coach Nick Sirianni had a successful debut season at the helm. This offseason, general manager Howie Roseman has made a lot of moves that will make the team an even bigger threat in the NFC East.
Roseman used every avenue possible to improve the roster. Trading for A.J. Brown, signing Haason Reddick and drafting Jordan Davis are all moves that addressed areas of need.
However, there's no such thing as a perfect team, and there are always weaknesses that can't be addressed in one offseason.
As the Eagles prepare for training camp and the 2023 campaign, these are still areas that could use improvement.
Tight End Depth
Until the Eagles traded Zach Ertz, they had the luxury of two starting-caliber tight ends. Philadelphia employed 1-2 personnel (one running back, two TEs) 25 percent of the time, per Sharp Football Stats.
As run-heavy as the Eagles offense was last season, the ability to have two tight ends who can block and catch extended what the offense could do.
With Ertz gone, they don't quite have the same ability. Dallas Goedert is obviously the top tight end and is worthy of the role. However, Jack Stoll was the next most-utilized tight end on offense but only saw eight targets.
Goedert returns and will build on his 830-yard performance last season.
Having a second tight end who could at least be a further threat in the passing game would help create a more versatile attack.
For now, it looks like the Eagles have enough belief in Stoll and sixth-round round pick Grant Calcaterra to develop into that role. If neither looks ready to step up throughout training camp then Jared Cook, Kyle Rudolph and Jimmy Graham are some of the veteran names still available.
Cornerback Depth
Defenses can never have enough pass-rushers or cornerbacks.
In the Eagles' case, the pass-rushing depth is far from a problem. They have one of the deepest stables of quarterback-hunters if everyone is healthy. Haason Reddick will join Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Derek Barnett on the edge.
However, the cornerback room gets a little dicey after the first wave of names. James Bradberry was a great signing to form a dynamic duo on the outside with Darius Slay. Avonte Maddox is qualified to play in the slot.
The talent and experience fall off sharply after that.
Zech McPhearson saw the most action last season of the candidates to play as the fourth corner. He only saw 17 targets come his way but allowed just nine completions for 96 yards.
It isn't a lot to go on but the 24-year-old is the kind of player who is going to have to develop for the Eagles to reach their full potential.
Slay is 31. Bradberry is 28. It's unrealistic to think there won't be times when the Eagles' young corners are going to get pressed into action.
Jalen Hurts
If you created a checklist for a successful NFL offense, the Eagles tick almost all of the boxes.
They have an elite offensive line, a promising wide receiver duo in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and a stable of capable backs. The last hurdle is a quarterback capable of elevating the unit to one of the NFL's best.
Jalen Hurts might be able to get there this season, but he hasn't arrived yet. That's the biggest weakness on the roster.
The 23-year-old is a unique talent in the position. Based on runs of more than 10 yards and plays in which the runner hit over 15 miles per hour, Next Gen Stats named the quarterback the most explosive runner in the NFL.
His ability to boost the run game does not absolve him of his passing duties, though. In that department, he was below average at 19th in QBR and 28th in completion percentage.
Hurts' efficiency as a passer is the key to unlocking the offense's potential. The Eagles have done a great job of surrounding him with the talent and coaching necessary to make a leap in his second year as the starter.
If he does, he will turn Philadelphia's biggest weakness into a legitimate strength.