TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Philadelphia’s offensive line is deep, talented and experienced. Anchored by five-time Pro Bowl C Jason Kelce and three-time Pro Bowl RT Lane Johnson, the unit has combined for 351 starts — all with the Eagles. LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson and RG Isaac Seumalo round out perhaps the best line in the NFL. They helped open up holes for an Eagles rushing attack that led the NFL in 2021 with 2,715 yards and 25 TDs. Kelce put off retirement to return for his 12th season, but his streak of starting 122 consecutive regular-season games could be in jeopardy after having elbow surgery in early August, though he is eyeing a return for Philadelphia’s season opener at Detroit on Sept. 11. Weaknesses: Safety is the biggest question on Philadelphia’s improved defense. After playing in a rotation last year, fourth-year pro Marcus Epps has been moved to starter after Rodney McLeod signed with the Colts in the offseason. Eagles coaches have spoken highly of Epps, who set the stage for a strong training camp with an interception of QB Jalen Hurts (right) on the first day of preseason practice. Next to Epps will be veteran Anthony Harris, who led the Eagles with 72 tackles last season in his first year in Philadelphia after spending the previous six in Minnesota. Expectations: With a solid returning core, some key offseason additions and a relatively weak NFC East division, the Eagles are poised to return to the playoffs for the second straight season under second-year coach Nick Sirianni. But Philadelphia’s notoriously demanding fans likely won’t be satisfied with merely a postseason berth, particularly one that ends like last season’s 31-15 wild-card round blowout loss at Tampa Bay. And fans might get their wish because it won’t be surprising if the Eagles make a deep postseason run this season.