5 bold Eagles predictions heading into the 2023 NFL Season
By Lior Lampert
Following a Super Bowl loss, the Eagles’ front office had a busy offseason. Here are five bold Eagles predictions heading into the 2023-24 season.
The Eagles posted a 14-3 record last en route to being crowned NFC Champions. However, they came up just shy of winning the Super Bowl, losing 38-35 to the Chiefs.
Howie Roseman and the Eagles’ front office has been busy this offseason in their pursuit of getting the franchise back to the NFL’s biggest stage with the hopes of winning this time around.
Bold Eagles predictions heading into the 2023 NFL season
5. Javon Hargrave’s presence will be missed
The Eagles’ defensive unit combined for 70 total sacks in the 2022-23 season, which ranks third all-time by a team in a single season. Javon Hargrave played a large role in the historic pass-rushing season, tallying a career-high 11 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Unfortunately, for the Eagles, Hargrave played himself out of the Eagles’ pay range and elected to sign a four-year contract with the 49ers worth up to $84 million ($40 million guaranteed). Not only did Hargrave leaving for the 49ers hurt the Eagles, but it also made their conference rival and arguably biggest threat even stronger.
While the Eagles addressed the need to replace Hargrave by selecting Jalen Carter with the No. 9 overall selection in the NFL Draft, it remains to be seen how ready he is to take the prominent role that Javon Hargrave had as an interior lineman for a Super Bowl contender. Leading up to the NFL Draft, Carter was connected to a car crash that killed two people, including one of his college teammates. As you’d expect, the incident has weighed heavily on him and taken a toll on his physical performance.
Update: Georgia DL Jalen Carter couldn’t finish his position drills due to breathing heavily and cramping up, according to @Mark_Schlabach
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 15, 2023
Reports say he showed up 9 pounds heavier at his Pro Day than he was at the combine. He declined to run a 40.pic.twitter.com/v7bQ61XIem
Still dealing with the aftermath of the events, Carter is now being sued by a survivor of the car crash incident for his role in the matter. Whether or not Jalen Carter can bounce back from this life-altering event and how quickly he can do it will have a major impact on the Eagles’ ability to replace Javon Hargrave’s presence.