PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles open 2023 NFL training camp on July 25 at the NovaCare practice facility in South Philadelphia. Here’s a closer look at a few storylines:
Biggest question: Are they in for a Super Bowl hangover?
The last NFC team to lose the Super Bowl and make it back to the game the following year was the 1974 Minnesota Vikings. League history is working against them, as is the fact that they lost both offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason along with five defensive starters in free agency. Philly also has to overcome one of the most difficult schedules in the NFL.
But the roster is still loaded, quarterback Jalen Hurts is on the climb and the group seems motivated to get back to the big game and win it.
The most compelling position battle: Safety.
With 2022 starters C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps signing elsewhere in free agency, the position is up for grabs. Former Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Terrell Edmunds and second-year player Reed Blankenship are the early favorites to claim the jobs, but the front office is very high on rookie Sydney Brown out of Illinois and former New Orleans Saint Justin Evans is also in the mix. Expect a spirited competition this summer.
Fiercest fantasy-relevant battle: Running back.
The Eagles reshuffled the running back room, acquiring D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions and inking Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal after losing Miles Sanders to the Carolina Panthers in free agency. They join a group that includes up-and-comer Kenny Gainwell, Trey Sermon and the ever-efficient Boston Scott. It’s not hard to picture Swift being in the lead role, but with so many capable options, there’s plenty to sort out between now and the regular season when it comes to snap distribution.
Most impactful offseason addition: Jalen Carter, DT
There’s some risk in adding Carter, who fell to ninth in the draft in part because of off-field concerns. There’s no denying his ability, however. The Georgia standout and 2022 first-team All-American was considered arguably the top prospect in April’s draft. He has the ability to be a game-changer up front and can make an instant impact as a rookie if he puts it all together.
Player with the most to prove: Arryn Siposs, P
He missed six games late in the season with an ankle injury before returning for the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. A misfire by Siposs late in the game resulted in a 65-yard Kadarius Toney return, setting up a Kansas City touchdown that extended its lead to eight. The Eagles added undrafted rookie free agent Ty Zentner in April to push Siposs. They will compete for the job in camp.