In this bye week the spotlight is on the Eagles’ cornerback James Bradberry, who, despite high expectations, has faced challenges this season. Last year’s standout performer has seen a decline in various metrics, raising questions about the reasons behind his shaky performance. As the Eagles regroup during the bye week, there’s optimism that Bradberry can bounce back in the second half of the season.
1. **Bradberry’s Decline:** James Bradberry, a key offseason acquisition, has experienced a significant dip in performance compared to last year. Various metrics, including defensive passer rating, completion percentage, and yards per target, highlight the struggles he’s faced in 2023. The reasons behind this decline are complex, considering factors like age, positional changes, and the overall instability in the Eagles’ secondary due to injuries.
2. **Slay’s Performance:** While concerns surround Bradberry, Darius Slay has maintained a steady performance, although not reaching his exceptional levels from last season. The Eagles’ success heavily relies on the cornerback duo of Bradberry and Slay, making their second-half performance crucial for the team’s playoff aspirations.
3. **Hurts’ Rushing Impact:** Jalen Hurts continues to demonstrate his effectiveness when rushing for 30 or fewer yards, boasting an impressive 11-1 record as a starter under these conditions. Hurts’ dual-threat ability remains a significant factor for the Eagles’ offensive strategy.
4. **Nakobe Dean’s Challenges:** Linebacker Nakobe Dean has faced a challenging second season, marked by injuries and a lack of impactful plays. Despite the disappointment, it’s crucial to acknowledge Dean’s age and potential for growth in the future.
5. **A.J. Brown’s Milestone:** A.J. Brown aims to reach 5,500 career yards in his 70th game, potentially becoming the 9th-fastest player in NFL history to achieve this milestone. Brown’s consistency and impact on the Titans’ offense position him among the league’s top receivers.
6. **Eagles’ Record Against Winning Teams:** The Eagles boast an impressive 10-1 record against winning teams since the start of last year, showcasing their ability to perform against strong opponents. This trend positions them among a select group of teams with a winning record against other winning teams.
7. **HowieBall Success with Josh Sweat:** Josh Sweat’s development as an edge rusher stands out as a success for the Eagles, considering he was the 130th pick in the 2018 draft. Sweat’s performance surpasses several higher-drafted players at his position, solidifying Howie Roseman’s knack for finding talent in later rounds.
8. **Departed Free Agents’ Performance:** The article reflects on the performances of departed free agents, highlighting both successes and challenges. While some players have thrived in new environments, others face adversity or contribute to struggling teams.
9. **Brandon Graham’s Sack Milestone:** Brandon Graham, at 35 years and 216 days, becomes the second-oldest Eagle to record a sack. This accomplishment adds to Graham’s legacy, showcasing his longevity and impact on the Eagles’ defense.
10. **Eagles’ Sack Surge:** After a slow start in the first three games, the Eagles’ defense has surged with 24 sacks over the last seven games, tying them with the Ravens for the most in the league since Week 4. The team is on pace to surpass last year’s sack total, indicating an effective pass rush.
As the Eagles enter the bye week, the observations provide insights into key players’ performances and set expectations for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the second half of the season.