The Philadelphia Eagles started hot again in 2023 but at around the halfway mark, the defense collapsed and the offense seemed broken. Unlike 2022 which ended with a Super Bowl appearance, Philly did not even make it past the Wild Card round in the playoffs against the Buccaneers.
Ultimately despite their big names, the 11-6 Eagles placing in second for the NFC East had their biggest meltdown in Tampa Bay, getting embarrassed 32-9 away from home. The coordinator changes on both sides of the ball and depth on the roster were deficiencies that got the better of them.
However, this offseason, Howie Roseman did his magic by going against the grain, addressing positions he’s not known to invest in at running back and cornerback. But that was a necessity, as their flaws at those spots were big contributors as to why their team wasn’t good enough to advance further in the playoffs.
Star quarterback Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni have some pressure heading into the 2024 season, as new coordinators were brought in. Kellen Moore for offense and Vic Fangio for defense, making this coming season big for the duo to make it work or else some massive changes may be had next offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles: Easiest Stretch
Their later half of the schedule seems easier than the early portions on paper for the Eagles. From Week 14 and 15, Philadelphia faces the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers at home in back-to-back games. They then finish out the season with all NFC East opponents from Weeks 16-18.
While it could get interesting against the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles should take care of business for at least 2/3 of those games.
Having a Week 5 bye does hurt them, despite having a relatively easy strength of schedule. Even with the back half being easy in theory, their first few games could be regarded in the same light.
From Week 2-4 before the bye, they face the NFC South, and while those teams improved in some fashion, the Eagles should be able to win most if not all those games if they are legit contenders.
According to the strength of the schedule, Philadelphia has the ninth easiest based on the 2023 records of their 2024 opponents.
Philadelphia Eagles: Toughest Stretch
The Eagles will have to win a few more games to surpass the 12-5 Cowboys of last season as the division champions.
Dallas is sort of a wild card this year with Dak Prescott and the rest of the team, but their offense should still be elite with CeeDee Lamb. The Eagles’ secondary must show up for that game for them to have a chance, as they usually split the series like the last two seasons.
Philadelphia plays both the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 12-13, two playoff teams, at their home stadium for those weeks. It will be interesting if their defensive improvements are enough against the top offenses in the NFL.
Two weeks before for Weeks 10-11, they will go against their NFC East foes Cowboys and Commanders for the first time this year.
Weeks 6 will test their elite offense, as Philadelphia plays the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field with their top-tier defense led by Myles Garrett.
Weeks 8-9 will test their defense, as they face the Cincinnati Bengals away with the dynamic duo of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase if healthy, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. This would be a familiar face with Doug Pederson, head coach of the Jags, returning to Philadelphia in Week 9 for his second time.
Philadelphia Eagles: Important Games
Week 4 against the Bucs is a big one for the Eagles to overcome but besides that, the middle portion of their schedule will test them somewhat.
The Brazil game for Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers will also be a benchmark for how the team is after a disappointing finish against a playoff-caliber opponent.
Philadelphia has five prime-time games, as they play seven playoff teams from a year ago. The return to Metlife Stadium for new Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will be must watch in Week 7 against the New York Giants.
The home opener against new Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins in primetime will be another spectacle in Week 2, making it the second time they face him for a night game, just with a new team.
This schedule overall should give them a path to win the NFC East again, poised to win about 11 or 12 games if everything goes well.
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