Can Jalen Hurts and the Eagles Breakout in 2022?

It’s been a hectic few months for many. But the Philadelphia Eagles have quietly assembled one of the best offseasons in the NFL.

Looking to make huge steps in Jalen Hurts’ second year as their starter, the Eagles have faced their problems head on. Their recent acquisition of cornerback James Bradberry is the latest in a string of big signings that will make Philadelphia much more competitive in 2022.

The offseason for NFL teams consists of free agency and the NFL Draft. A successful offseason includes the right additions in both of these areas. It’s accurate to say that the Eagles have achieved just that.

Big upgrade on defense

Expectations are much higher in Philadelphia this year. Their moves over the past couple of months suggest they are much better primed for the upcoming season than in 2021. 

Despite still making it to the Wild Card Round of the playoffs last year, the Eagles will want to improve on their 9-8 record. And thankfully, they are addressing their issues. With the additions that they have made, 2022 should yield much better results.

The Eagles ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks last season. So having brought in young pass rusher Hassan Reddick, to a three-year, $45 million deal, their prospects for an improved year already look more promising.

Reddick has 23.5 sacks from the last two seasons. He will surely give the Eagles a much needed boost in pass rush. 

Elsewhere, the Eagles finished 11th in defensive passing yards and 20th in interceptions last season. So it’s welcome to see the arrival of former Giants’ Pro Bowl cornerback Bradberry. He finished with four interceptions last year and should upgrade the Eagles’ secondary opposite of Darius Slay.

Philadelphia also finished below par in rushing touchdowns allowed, ranking 24th. But they decided to address this in the draft. In what was a an A+ NFL Draft performance this year, they took two Georgia prospects in defensive tackle, Jordan Davis and linebacker, Nakobe Dean. 

Davis is a beast of an athlete, and Dean was projected to be a first round pick and fell to the third round. He particularly can prove to be an absolute steal for Philadelphia this year. 

Is Hurts really the man for Philadelphia?

There has been a lot of talk regarding Jalen Hurts this offseason. Can he lead them forward to success in 2022? I certainly hope so.

Approaching his second full year as a starter and third overall, Hurts should be a huge boost for this team in 2022. He has another year of growth behind him and another year with this progressing offense. 

The influx of wide receivers getting paid this offseason also opened up an opportunity for the Eagles to improve on their 25th ranked passing offense. The front office showed they believe in Hurts by acquiring their own star wideout to aid in his development. 

Philadelphia acquired A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans and signed him to a four-year, $100 million deal during the draft. Partnering Brown alongside second year DeVonta Smith gives the Super Bowl LII winners a standout receiving duo for many years to come.

The team had the number one rushing attack in the NFL last year. They will likely be one of the best once again.

The addition of Brown will help balance their offense and allow them to be more explosive as a unit. Hurts’ potential to beat teams with his legs will open up the passing game for the entire team. 

Of course, the jury is still out on Hurts. The former Alabama QB has to perform in 2022, otherwise it’s over.

He’s got the resources at his disposal. Now, he has no excuses.

This offseason is all about making the right moves and Philadelphia has done just that. They have addressed the weak parts of their team with high impact players.

With another year moving forward, they will be on their way to a Conference Championship Game or a Super Bowl very soon.