The Philadelphia Eagles are out for revenge. After going all the way to the Super Bowl in 2022-23, the Eagles struggled mightily in the 2023 season. The record doesn't show it, but the entire team did not play at the same level they did before. Now, Philly is looking for redemption as they look for their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

One of the cornerstones of their 2022 playoff run was cornerback Darius Slay. Slay was also one of the many free agents for the Eagles that offseason. The star CB ended up staying, but it was revealed that he very nearly joined the Baltimore Ravens. However, a call from a beloved person around the team apparently changed Slay's mind, per Kevin Oestreicher.

“Eagles CB Darius Slay revealed how he almost joined the Ravens last offseason “I almost was for sure a Baltimore Raven. I really committed to the Ravens and was finna go, then [Big] Dom called me and said ‘Slay, I want you here”’”

Big Dom is referring to Dom DiSandro, the former chief security officer for the Eagles who is now promoted as an assistant coach. Why is he notable? Well, DiSandro was involved in a little scuffle with San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Dre Greenlaw during the 2023 season. Greenlaw and the security guard got into it after the former had a confrontation with Philly WR DeVonta Smith. Both players would end up being ejected.

Slay would end up staying with the Eagles, which has some interesting ramifications. Since they missed out on Slay, the Ravens ended up drafting Nate Wiggins and T.J Tampa this year. Also, a lineup of Slay, Marlon Humphrey, and Brandon Stephens sounds excellent on paper, but would it have translated?

As for the Eagles, their secondary was a big issue for them during the season. It was on full display in their Wild Card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their secondary struggled with tackling, leading to their unceremonious exit from the team.

Eagles' secondary woes

Eagles' Darius Slay (24) watches as the Ravens leave the huddle Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens 30-28. Sports Eagles Ravens
Jerry Habraken via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The Eagles addressed some of their CB problems by drafting Quinyon Mitchell in the 2024 NFL draft. Some believe that he's the CB of the future, and could potentially unseat James Bradberry as the CB2 behind Slay. It's certainly an interesting move, but one that will have a lot of impact for Philadelphia.

The main concern for the Eagles this season is how they will adjust to life without their veterans. Longtime- center Jason Kelce and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox announced their retirement this season. Philly prepared for the latter's retirement by drafting Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis in consecutive drafts, so there's that. For the former, the Eagles have groomed Cam Jurgens as their starting center.

The Eagles will once again attempt a deep playoff run this season. They were never truly able to get into a comfortable groove last season despite the early wins. That manifested later on in the season as they limped into the postseason and were quickly dispatched in the first round. With a new defensive coordinator taking the helm, will Philly's once-storied defense come back into form?