The Philadelphia Eagles are predicted by many to take another step forward during the 2022 season. After being a surprise wild card team during the 2021 season, Philadelphia is expected to contend for the NFC East crown this year.
A big reason for that is the expected improvement of the team’s offense. There is some pressure on Jalen Hurts to take that next step in his development in his second season in Nick Sirianni’s scheme, which is a reasonable expectation given the improvements made around him.
Hurts now has a bonafide No. 1 receiver to target in A.J. Brown, whom the Eagles acquired in a draft day trade with the Tennessee Titans. The team also signed Zach Pascal away from the Indianapolis Colts to add some more depth.
The biggest beneficiary of those additions very well could be DeVonta Smith. The former Heisman Trophy winner had an excellent rookie season, setting an Eagles franchise record with 916 yards, catching 64 passes to go along with five touchdowns. With the added talent around him, he should find much more room to operate as teams will not be able to focus solely on him any longer.
In addition to the improvements expected at wide receiver, the Eagles have one of the best tight ends in the league in Dallas Goedert. With Zach Ertz being traded last season, it is his time to shine as the unquestioned No. 1 option at the position.
He should be in line for a breakout season and was complimentary of Smith recently as well. Goedert compared Smith’s ability to beat defenders at the line of scrimmage to a friendly cartoon character.
“He’s like Casper The Friendly Ghost…People be pressing him, he throws a shimmy and just disappears.”
Lightning quick footwork, agility and speed are what helped Smith win the Heisman Trophy for the 2020 college football season before being the No. 10 overall pick by the Eagles in the 2021 NFL Draft. He routinely showed off those abilities during his rookie season and should be able to take another step forward with his production this upcoming season with the supporting cast improving around him.
