All in all, it is fair to say that the Philadelphia Eagles had a successful 2021 season – having seemingly found their next starting QB in Jalen Hurts, they were able to learn a lot about the strengths and shortcomings of their squad, while also making the postseason in the new format.
Coming up short in a one-sided game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, the Eagles had their season end sooner than they had wanted, but it gives them a chance to get a jump-start on their offseason planning. Plus, having over $13 million in cap space currently, they are likely able to make some moves this offseason to help improve their team.
3 Fixes to help Philadelphia's chances at winning Super Bowl 57
3. Establish a healthy run/pass mix – and stick to it
Philadelphia entered the 2021 season with an eye towards establishing the passing attack as their main means of obtaining offensive success. But with Hurts and the offensive having too many instances of going stagnant, switching to an attack that focused on the run was what head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen decided to ‘run’ with.
After that change was made, the Eagles were able to experience a much more impactful attack, helping turn Hurts into the bonafide QB1 that the team desperately needed him to be. But 2022 needs to be a year that sees the offense establish a healthy mix between both styles, focusing the offense to the team’s strengths while developing under aspects as supporting factors.
2. Go grab DeVonta Smith’s running mate – Garrett Wilson
Of all the ways to improve this team, addressing the offensive weaponry is most important, especially with how it would help keep Hurts on his ascension.
Having grabbed Alabama rookie DeVonta Smith last draft, the Eagles have found their bonafide WR1, but still are lacking in that area. Enter in Garrett Wilson.
One of the draft’s best overall wide receivers, Wilson fits a similar mold to what Smith is, especially in terms of explosion, physique, and play style. Pairing Wilson with Smith certainly would lower the fantasy ceiling of both players, but it would be a great way to help improve an offense in desperate need of established passing-game weapons.
1. Address the defense through big-ticket free-agent signings
While the offense collects the headlines, it is the defense that has been the unsung hero of this team this season, ranking in the top 10 in yards allowed, yards allowed per offensive play, rushing yards allowed, and rushing yards per attempt.
Supported by Darius Slay and Steven Nelson on the outside, this unit exceeded expectations, but still is in need of reinforcements. Plus, with DE Derek Barnett, FS Anthony Harris, and Nelson all hitting the open market this offseason, they will need to target their replacements.
DC Jonathan Gannon employs a multi-front unit that adapts to the offensive scheme more than utilizing its own, so looking at players like Chandler Jones and Marcus Maye could present PHI with a fresh look next season.
While Jones and Maye represent the big-ticket signings that could immediately vault this unit up into the top 5, they also represent huge financial commitments that this team may not be ready for. But if the Eagles want to become a constant threat in the NFC and threaten Dallas for the divisional crown, they need to take a jump into the big spender pool to try and make that happen.
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