Should the Philadelphia Eagles Still Be the NFC Favorites in 2023?

Questions Answered: Containing Hurts, the Irv Ease Back, Cine's Usage
Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

As training camp continues to get closer, many folks have begun previewing the 2023 season and what we should expect to see from each NFL team in 2023. Over the course of the next couple weeks, we will be breaking down all 32 NFL teams, going over some of the biggest moves of the offseason, best-case and worst-case scenarios for 2023, and addressing some of the questions facing each team. Today, we’re heading out east to talk about the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the NFC East division.

Dallas Cowboys

Reaction to Vikings Loss vs. Cowboys
Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws over Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
  • 2022 Record: 12-5 (2nd in NFC East, No. 5 seed in NFC)
  • Best Addition: WR Brandin Cooks
  • Biggest Loss: TE Dalton Schultz
  • Underrated Move: Re-signing Leighton Vander Esch
  • 2023 Floor: 9-8
  • 2023 Ceiling: 12-5
  • Biggest Question: What Does the Running Game Look Like without Zeke?

In a similar decision to the one that the Minnesota Vikings made in regard to Dalvin Cook, the Dallas Cowboys decided to release Ezekiel Elliott this offseason. As a result, there should be a much larger load for Tony Pollard in 2023, who recorded nearly 1400 yards from scrimmage last season on just 232 touches.

However, the offensive line remains a bit of a question mark heading into the new season. Tyler Smith was incredible at left tackle last season after Tyron Smith went down with injury, but who gets the nod in 2023? Additionally, the left guard spot is under some scrutiny with Terence Steele potentially taking over the spot after only playing right tackle over his first three NFL seasons.

Regardless, the question for the Cowboys this season is one of how deep can they go into the playoffs rather than one of whether or not they make it. Brandin Cooks gives Dallas a legit trio at wide receiver, and their defense should be incredible once again with Micah Parsons leading the way.

New York Giants

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares to snap the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
  • 2022 Record: 9-7-1 (3rd in NFC East, No. 6 seed in NFC)
  • Best Addition: CB Deonte Banks
  • Biggest Loss: IOL Nick Gates
  • Underrated Move: Signing WR Parris Campbell
  • 2023 Floor: 7-10
  • 2023 Ceiling: 11-6
  • Biggest Question: What Happens with Saquon Barkley?

This offseason has brought a ton of contract talk to New York. The Giants handed QB Daniel Jones a massive contract extension that will keep him with the team for four years and is worth $160 million with $92 million guaranteed. Now, we wait and see if the Duke product can live up to this type of money.

However, the opposite has been the case for RB Saquon Barkley. With the franchise tag deadline of July 17th looming, Barkley is yet to receive a new deal with the team, and that could cause problems in terms of their long-term relationship.

Overall, the Giants roster on paper suggests that they should be in playoff contention once again, particularly with a defensive front that should overwhelm many offensive lines. Deonte Banks is exactly what they needed in the secondary as well while Parris Campbell gives Jones a big target to throw to.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK.
  • 2022 Record: 14-3 (1st in NFC East, No. 1 seed in NFC)
  • Best Addition: DT Jalen Carter
  • Biggest Loss: RB Miles Sanders
  • Underrated Move: Drafting CB Kelee Ringo
  • 2023 Floor: 11-6
  • 2023 Ceiling: 14-3
  • Biggest Question: How Do They Withstand Losing Both Coordinators?

The Philadelphia Eagles once again nailed the draft this spring, finding a way to land multiple Georgia Bulldogs, including Jalen Carter, who they took ninth overall. Carter and Jordan Davis were a dynamic duo in the middle of Georgia’s historic defense in 2022, and that success should translate to the NFL.

They also managed to land Kelee Ringo in the fourth round, an athletic corner with great size who could end up being a starter at the NFL level if everything falls the right way. At the end of the day, Philly’s already elite defensive personnel got even better.

However, it may not be all smooth sailing for Philadelphia in 2023, particularly at the start of the season. They were forced to replace both their offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason, meaning both units will have to familiarize themselves with new schemes this year. Regardless, look for this team to dominate the trenches, with one of the best offensive and defensive lines in all of football. They will be a serious contender once again.

Washington Commanders

Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates with Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) after connecting on a long pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
  • 2022 Record: 8-8-1 (4th in NFC East)
  • Best Addition: CB Emmanuel Forbes
  • Biggest Loss: QB Taylor Heinicke
  • Underrated Move: Declining Chase Young’s fifth-year option
  • 2023 Floor: 4-13
  • 2023 Ceiling: 10-7
  • Biggest Question: Is Sam Howell the Guy?

The Commanders are hell-bent on making sure Sam Howell gets his shot at quarterback, parting ways with both Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz this offseason. Luckily for Howell, he’ll get a bit of help along the way.

Free agent signing Andrew Whylie should provide additional pass protection alongside 2021 second-round pick Samuel Cosmi, making this a bit of an easier transition for Howell than in other spots. The wide receiver group is rather talented as well, which could send them up this list if guys like Dyami Brown progress further.

The offense may be a streaky group this year, leading to some struggles, but defensively, this group is one of the best in the league. Notably, Chase Young had his fifth-year option declined, though, which means 2023 is a tipping point for him. The former third overall pick needs to be able to stay healthy this upcoming season, or he may be looking for a new team soon.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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