By David Weinberg
The Eagles were the NFL’s class valedictorian for the second time in eight years this season.
They were among the league’s top teams for most of the regular season, then aced their final exam with a 40-22 thumping of the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
No wonder they call New Orleans the “Big Easy.”
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts and a ferocious defense dominated the game, then earned the right to stage a joyous celebration among an estimated 1 million fans in Philadelphia last Friday.
As is the case every season, there will be some changes to the coaching staff and roster. They are already on the lookout for a new offensive coordinator since Kellen Moore became the New Orleans’ Saints new head coach. Sixteen players, including standouts such as linebacker Zach Baun, guard Mekhi Becton, running back Kenneth Gainwell, defensive end Josh Sweat, and defensive tackle Milton Williams, are set to become unrestricted free agents and will no doubt draw interest from other teams. In addition, veteran defensive end Brandon Graham is expected to retire.
But the roster is still stacked with talent, enough to make the Eagles a serious contender to win the NFC East and perhaps make the Super Bowl again.
Hopefully, city officials have enough grease to rub on the poles again next season.
Final grades
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts was a bit inconsistent early in the season, but became developed into a consistent, reliable quarterback who really shined in the playoffs and Super Bowl. Hurts’ interception in the Super Bowl was his first since November 10th and was more than overshadowed by his two touchdown passes and “tush push” TD run. Including playoffs, he finished with 23 TD passes against just six interceptions and added 824 rushing yards with a team-high 19 rushing TDs. GRADE: A.
Running back
Saquon Barkley enjoyed the best season by an Eagles’ running back in franchise history. He became just the ninth NFL player to reach the magical, 2,000-yard mark, gaining 2,005 yards in 16 games with 13 TDs that featured a franchise-record, 255-yard performance against the Los Angeles Rams. He added 499 yards in the playoffs to set an NFL single-season rushing record. GRADE: A-plus.
Offensive line
The expected dropoff after center Jason Kelce retired after last season never materialized. His replacement, Cam Jurgens, stepped in and stepped up to join tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata and guards Landon Dickerson and newcomer Mekhi Becton to form the best offensive line in the NFL. GRADE: A.
Wide receiver/tight end
There were times when the Eagles’ passing game was not a major factor in games, but that was due to Barkley’s output. A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith still enjoyed impressive seasons. Brown caught 67 passes for team-high 1,079 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season. Smith led the team with 68 receptions for 833 yards and eight TDs. Both had TD catches in the Super Bowl. Tight end Dallas Goedert was hampered by injuries during the regular season, but was a key part of the offense in the playoffs. GRADE: A.
Defensive line
This group was better than its stats suggest. The front line registered 18.5 of the team’s 41 total sacks, but applied constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks and was part of the league’s best run defense. Edge rusher Josh Sweat led the team with eight sacks in the regular season and had 2.5 in the Super Bowl. Nolan Smith led the NFL with fours sacks in the playoffs. Tackle Jalen Carter was among the best interior linemen in the league, collecting 4.5 sacks and creating constant havoc. Tackle Jordan Davis was a solid run-stuffer, but not much of a factor as a pass rusher. Offseason acquisition Bryce Huff was invisible. GRADE: A-minus.
Linebacker
Zach Baun was an example of a player who took full advantage of an unexpected opportunity. Signed to a one-year deal, he flourished under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Baun tied for sixth in the NFL with 151 tackles, tied for the league lead with five forced fumbles, then added a big interception in the Super Bowl while becoming a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Nakobe Dean also played well, notching 128 tackles in 15 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. GRADE: A.
Secondary
The Eagles have had some dynamic cornerback duos in their history, including Eric Allen and Roynell Young, Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, and Brown and Asante Samuel. Rookies Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell are on track to add to the legacy. Mitchell was a finalist for NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. DeJean’s pick six in the Super Bowl was a defining moment. Cornerback Darius Slay was good, not great. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned to tie for third in the league with six interceptions. Safety Reed Blankenship was steady. GRADE: A.
Special teams
Place-kicker Jake Elliott finally had a down year. He was just 28-for-36 on field goals during the regular season, including 1-for-7 from 50 yards and over. He missed three PATs in the playoffs, but was 4-for-4 on field goals in the Super Bowl. Punter Braden Mann averaged 48.8 yards per punt. They struggled in other areas, allowing Cleveland to return a blocked field goal for a touchdown. Kelee Ringo returned a blocked extra point for two points against Tampa Bay. GRADE: C.
Coaching
Head coach Nick Sirianni was on the hot seat after a 2-2 start, but is now the toast of the town. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio were nothing short of terrific. GRADE: A.
Season awards
Offensive MVP: Barkley
Defensive MVP: Baun
Special teams MVP: Elliott (because of Super Bowl)
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points.
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