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Tag: Will Shipley

  • Could less be more for Eagles RB Saquon Barkley to get back on track?

    Saquon Barkley is struggling. He’s not finding running lanes, he’s not creating his own space, and he’s far from the electrifying playmaker who last year made the world stop suddenly with a reverse hurdle that would end up becoming the snapshot of his season, the signature highlight in a year full of awe-inspiring moves and explosive plays that produced a near 2,300 combined-yard season.

    Through four games, the NFL’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year is averaging almost half as many rushing yards per game as last season and, even more staggering, he’s averaging about three fewer yards per carry than last season. 

    Turns out, the culprit isn’t a dormant pass offense that’s failing to keep the boxes light and bodies off the line of scrimmage. You couldn’t have had a more impactful pass game than the Eagles had Sunday in the first half against the Buccaneers in Tampa. Jalen Hurts completed 15 of 16 passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, and Barkley still managed just 18 yards on seven carries.

    If you combine Hurts’ sizzling second half in Week 3 against the Rams with his scorching first half against the Bucs, there’s still an incongruence with the pass and run offenses.

    2H vs. Rams/1H vs. Bucs    2H vs. Rams/1H vs. Bucs 
    Jalen Hurts:  32-40 for 339 yards, 5 TD Saquon Barkley: 18-15, 2.8 ypc 

    Amazingly, when Hurts and the pass offense have been at their best, Barkley has actually been worse, averaging fewer than three yards per carry. It doesn’t make much sense.

    There could be any number of reasons for Barkley’s slow start – opponent game-planning, the right guard change from Mekhi Becton to Tyler Steen, injuries to Lane Johnson, the Week 1 loss of fullback Ben VanSumeren, tight end Grant Calcaterra’s suspect inline blocking. Any of these, or a combination of all, could all be factors.

    Also, all four of the Eagles’ opponents so far this season are teams they played last year, and only the Cowboys have a new defensive coordinator/defensive play caller. So it’s a safe bet that each of these opponents spent some time this offseason watching tape from last year’s games and trying to scheme up run defense differently.

    Also interesting is that another one of last year’s NFC workhorses, Packers RB Josh Jacobs, is also well off his pace from 2024. Jacobs’ 1,671 offense yards last year ranked fourth behind Barkley, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbbs. Jacobs also logged 337 touches, fourth-most in the NFC.

    But through four games in 2025, Jacobs only has 385 yards from scrimmage, 10th in the NFL, and is averaging just 3.3 YPC while ranking 12th in the NFL in rushing for the 2-1-1 Packers.

      ’24 YPG  ’25 YPG  ’24 YPC ’25 YPC
    Saquon Barkley  125.3  59.3 5.8  3.1
    Josh Jacobs   78.2 66.5 4.4  5.0

    Could the answer be less Barkley and more variety? Will Shipley was healthy and active after missing Weeks 2 and 3 but didn’t get a single carry against the Bucs. A.J. Dillon hasn’t been used very much and carried the ball only three times against Tampa Bay.

    Barkley and Jacobs are the only two RBs from 2024 who finished top-5 in total touches who remain top-five through the first four weeks of the season. Falcons RB Bijan Robinson, Rams RB Kyren Williams, and Ravens RB Derrick Henry joined Barkley and Jacobs as the five RBs who had the most touches last season.

    But so far, none of those other three are top-five this season. Robinson has the seventh-most touches, Williams the 11th-most and Derrick Henry the 25th-most.  

    Here’s how their 2025 season averages compare:

    RB ’24 YPG  ’25 YPG ’24 Rush YPC  ’25 YPC
    Bijan Robinson   78.5 85.6  4.8  4.9
    Kyren Williams  81.2 75.8 4.1  4.5
    Derrick Henry    113.0  71.0 5.9 5.8

    Robinson and Williams are performing better than last season on a per-carry and per-touch average while Henry is right around the same even though his total rushing yards per game is down as the Ravens have played in some shootouts early this season.

    Robinson’s backup, Tyler Allgeier, has 43 carries. William’s backup, Blake Corum, has 23 carries. Barkley’s backups – Dillon and Shipley – have combined for just 12. It should be noted that Hurts has 41 carries but that hasn’t taken away from Barkley’s workload, as Barkley’s 77 runs are second-most in the NFL behind Jacobs (80).

    Could the answer be as simple as just giving a few more opportunities to Shipley and Dillon? 

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    Geoff Mosher

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  • Will Shipley Out with Fractured Rib; Tank Bigsby Added for Depth – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Pixabay

    The Philadelphia Eagles’ running back group underwent a dramatic change following Week 1 of the season.

    Rookie running back Will Shipley suffered a fractured rib and is expected to miss playing time, which leaves a significant gap in the backfield.

    To quickly address this issue, Philadelphia executed a trade for Tank Bigsby, who now enters the rotation behind Saquon Barkley and A.J. Dillon. Barkley, who had already praised Shipley as one of the “smartest” players in the running back room, made it clear how meaningful this setback is for the team.

    This article details the impact of Shipley’s injury, the timeline for his return, Bigsby’s potential usage, and how this affects the overall rotation and dynamics in the Eagles’ offense.

    Will Shipley’s Fractured Rib

    Will Shipley’s fractured rib is a serious blow for Philadelphia, both in terms of health and offensive depth. Rib injuries are notoriously painful and can limit a player’s breathing, mobility, and ability to withstand hits. The expected recovery timeline indicates he will miss at least multiple weeks, which forces the coaching staff to reconfigure the backfield immediately. For a team that values versatility and depth at running back, losing Shipley early in the season removes an explosive option who had impressed teammates and coaches with his preparation and vision.

    Saquon Barkley’s Reaction to Shipley’s Setback

    Star running back Saquon Barkley emphasized just how big the loss of Will Shipley is by calling him one of the “smartest” players in the RB room. Such a statement highlights Shipley’s mental sharpness and football IQ, qualities that often separate rookies who adjust quickly from those who take longer to adapt.

    Barkley’s recognition reflects Shipley’s preparation in learning the offense, understanding protections, and applying instincts on the field. This endorsement underscores that the Eagles are losing more than just a body in the rotation—they are temporarily without one of their most promising young contributors.

    Philadelphia’s Quick Response with Tank Bigsby

    PHOTO: Pixabay

    The Eagles wasted no time once Shipley’s injury was confirmed. Their front office moved decisively to acquire Tank Bigsby via trade, ensuring that the backfield would not be left exposed. Bigsby arrives with the chance to carve out a key role, particularly in special teams contributions and situational rushing opportunities. His arrival not only stabilizes the depth chart but also adds fresh energy to the group at a critical time.

    Tank Bigsby’s Fit in the Eagles’ Offense

    Tank Bigsby’s running style makes him a natural fit for Philadelphia’s offensive system. Known for his physicality, vision, and ability to push through contact, Bigsby complements Saquon Barkley’s dynamic explosiveness and A.J. Dillon’s downhill power. The Eagles rely on a mix of outside zone and gap schemes, and Bigsby can handle both with efficiency. His versatility also positions him as a valuable option in case of further injuries, as well as someone capable of handling 10–12 touches when needed.

    A.J. Dillon’s Interim Role

    With Shipley sidelined, A.J. Dillon steps into a more significant role alongside Barkley. Dillon’s bruising style suits short-yardage and red-zone situations, giving the Eagles reliability when drives stall near the goal line. His role as the interim second option means he will shoulder a heavier load until Bigsby acclimates to the playbook.

    The combination of Dillon’s power and Barkley’s explosiveness provides balance while easing Bigsby into his responsibilities.

    Backfield Rotation After Bigsby’s Arrival

    The introduction of Bigsby reshapes the rotation entirely. Barkley remains the undisputed RB1, but Dillon now splits meaningful carries while Bigsby rotates in with targeted opportunities. Coaches may give Bigsby reps on special teams to maximize his immediate impact before gradually increasing his offensive snaps. Given how crucial depth can be in the early weeks, bettors and fantasy players alike often revisit their NFL picks when new contributors like Bigsby enter the picture—especially if volume and snap share projections shift.

    Special Teams Boost from Bigsby

    One often-overlooked detail of the trade is Bigsby’s potential role on special teams. His physical running style makes him a candidate for kick return duties or as a coverage player on punt units.

    By excelling in these areas, Bigsby can immediately repay the Eagles for acquiring him while strengthening the overall roster’s versatility. His ability to contribute beyond running back duties makes the trade a smart insurance policy for Philadelphia.

    Long-Term Impact on Philadelphia’s Depth

    The NFL season is grueling, and injuries to running backs are common. By acquiring Bigsby now, Philadelphia ensures that its depth chart is prepared not just for Shipley’s temporary absence but also for the possibility of future setbacks. This foresight minimizes risk and strengthens the team’s resilience over a 17-game schedule, where having three capable backs is often the difference between stability and offensive drop-offs.

    Team Dynamics After the Adjustment

    The addition of a new running back inevitably changes the locker room dynamic. Fortunately, Barkley and Dillon bring leadership and professionalism, which helps integrate Bigsby quickly. The team’s ability to adapt to sudden changes reflects the culture built in Philadelphia—a culture that emphasizes resilience, accountability, and readiness.

    How Bigsby bonds with teammates both on and off the field will be critical for ensuring chemistry during this adjustment period.

    Recovery Outlook for Will Shipley

    A fractured rib often sidelines players for several weeks, depending on severity and healing speed. For Shipley, returning too early risks reinjury or worsening the damage. Medical staff will prioritize complete healing before clearing him to absorb contact again.

    While missing early-season reps hurts development, Shipley’s intelligence and preparation mean he should reintegrate quickly once healthy. His eventual return will give Philadelphia another valuable piece to fuel their playoff ambitions.

    Final Thoughts on Philadelphia’s Depth Move

    Philadelphia’s proactive decision to acquire Tank Bigsby demonstrates an understanding of the importance of depth in the modern NFL. The Eagles avoided panic by securing a capable back who can contribute immediately while awaiting Shipley’s recovery. Barkley continues to lead the group, Dillon fills the interim gap, and Bigsby provides flexibility across offense and special teams.

    This calculated adjustment ensures Philadelphia remains competitive despite the early setback, showing once again why roster depth and smart mid-season moves define successful teams.

    Tags: A.J. Dillon Eagles Jacksonville Jaguars Jaguars NFL Philadelphia Eagles PHLSN PHLSportsNation Saquon Barkley Tank Bigsby WegENT Will Shipley

    Categorized:Eagles News WegENT Blog

    PHLSportsNation

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  • Lightning and Thunder…Literally. – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Thursday Night’s Eagles Home Opener Had A Little Something for Everyone.

    No, no. Former Eagles running backs Ricky (Watters) and Charlie (Garner) aren’t making a comeback. The Eagles opening contest on the quest for NFL historical greatness began in bizarre fashion. But at least — this game had something for everyone and we found out a little more about these 2025 Eagles. We also found out that aerial assaults of human sputum prior to one offensive play being run is counterproductive, Saquon Barkley may be a year older but is still virtually unstoppable, raising the championship banner never gets old, and extended lightening delays are great for re-filling your chili fries — even at midnight.

    And of course — those Cowboys are still the Cowboys.

    Did defensive tackle Jalen Carter — after a full game of being double-teamed and beaten about by the Cowboys offensive line finally succumbed to the emotion of a full game and sent a flying saliva deposit that landed on Dak Prescott causing an ejection that propelled his team to triumph? Nope — you aren’t living in a dreamland — that scenario played itself out without one offensive snap elapsing in the 2025 NFL Season as his teammate Brian VanSumeren writhed in pain on the Lincoln Financial Field turf. Hopefully — this season is not over for both.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    The Eagles opened the night on offense with a combination of the legs of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Will Shipley — the latter of whom is well on his way to becoming yet another reliable weapon in the Eagles arsenal. The game would end in much the same way relying on Hurts and Barkley to spearhead the Eagles offense. And Barkley — whether powering off left tackle or making incredible one-handed catches in the open field — is as good as ever.

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    And as if another historic moment was needed — with 4:44 left in the third quarter — the first Eagles Game ever was suspended due to lightening. You read correctly — we’ve seen ice games, blinding blizzards, mud-filled Championship Games. We’ve seen games turn into a Bounty Bowl, our team combine during war-time with the Steelers. We’ve even seen snowballs assaulting Santa and Duracell battery packed ice balls attempt to adjust Jimmy Johnson’s hair against these very same Cowboys. But we’ve never seen a 65-minute intermission that ended a game after midnight. All of Philly was moving slowly on Friday morning.

    And then there is backup Cowboys running back Miles Sanders — whose outrage at a lack of touches in Super Bowl LVII propelled him in part to separate from a franchise that is now the finest football organization is in the universe — his once prominent role now occupied by his Nittany Lion teammate Saquon Barkley. His third quarter fumble — scooped up by Quinyon Mitchell — brought back memories. The Eagles defense is still a force to be reckoned with — even without Jalen Carter.

    But perhaps the Eagles pulling out the a close game to a division rival was the most lasting facet of Thursday night’s home opener. Miles Sanders and the Cowboys are 0–1 —the former once projected to be the franchise running back that Philadelphia could have drafted after not being in a positioned to select one Saquon Barkley. 

    Yes — Alanis Morissette — Isn’t that ironic?

    Tags: Charlie Garner Dak Prescott Jalen Carter Jalen Hurts Miles Sanders Miles Sanders contract Ricky Watters Saquon Barkley Steagles Will Shipley

    Categorized:Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Another Weapon In the Arsenal – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Another Weapon In the Arsenal – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Photo Courtesy of Eagles Nation on X.

    Ainias Smith Has Waited His Whole Career For This Opportunity.  The Eagles Need Him.

    Warming up in the middle of Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati was a new Eagles receiver not far from A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith. This wasn’t Zach Pascal or Jahan Dotson. This was Eagles Draft Selection Ainias Smith from Texas A&M.

    Three weeks ago, when the Eagles were without two top weapons (Devonta Smith, Brown) in Tampa Bay — the offense once again looked anemic. The team is once again looking for someone to step up as a another weapon in the receiving room.

    Smith was a fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M for the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is to-date the only player in NCAA history with 2,000 receiving yards, 250 rushing yards, 250 kickoff return yards, and 250 punt return yards.

    Last week in Cincinnati was an another significant one for the rookies. Will Shipley blasted through the middle of the defense for a seventeen-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The only problem was that it was called back for a holding penalty. Shipley could be key down the stretch in order to keep Saquon Barkley’s touches down as the playoffs approach.

    Ainias Smith was able to join the active roster due to a Bryon Young hamstring injury.

    Michael Thomas Leibrandt

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  • Eagles 2024 Fantasy Football Guide – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles 2024 Fantasy Football Guide – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

    The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the best offenses in the NFL, if not the best.
    For the fans’ sake, that’s good for fantasy football leagues around the country.

    Which Eagles should you draft? How might they perform? That’s what I’ll try to answer.

    For simplicity, I’ll reference points per reception (PPR) formats, as there are different discussions in non-PPR leagues.

    Saquon Barkley, Running Back

    The Eagles’ new starting running back, Saquon Barkley, whom they paid handsomely, is going off the board pretty early in most leagues. He is seen as give or take, one of the five best running backs this season.

    Especially with a playmaker like Barkley, he should get high-end usage and be somewhat involved in the passing game as well. Behind a competent offensive line (an elite one, at that), he should soar as long as he’s healthy.

    It’s a worthwhile concern to take issue with a potential lack of touchdowns due to how many weapons are on the offense. This can limit Barkley’s upside. There’s a very high floor here but a questionable ceiling. Could he really be the best running back in fantasy?

    A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver

    Simply put, A.J. Brown was a league-winner last season. Averaging 19.9 PPR points per game from Week 3 to Week 16, this player demolished the competition. He showed his upside even with big names in the fold—this is a good top receiver in all leagues with more than a couple of people.

    Brown is magical with the football in his hands, so a decreased target share isn’t much of a worry. If he’s healthy, he’ll get plenty of looks. He only had seven touchdowns in 2023, so the sustainability of his play leans more optimistic than pessimistic.

    Jalen Hurts, Quarterback

    The time to maximize Jalen Hurts’ stock was a long time ago, but it now seems that the fantasy world has caught onto his status as a top-tier player. It’s tricky when dealing with quarterbacks, as a lot of people will tell you that you’re better off waiting until later rounds to take one. That’s only true in some instances.

    Assuming your league has anywhere from eight to around 12 participants (and just one quarterback slot), which should be a large majority, there are options out there aside from the elite names. But to truly contend for a championship, you must have an answer. For example, there’s a low likelihood that teams who were streaming quarterbacks late in the season did much of anything in the playoffs—that’s a vital position.

    If you can trust yourself to scope out future breakouts who are going low in drafts, such as rookie Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, then it’s justified to avoid a quarterback and take another position. But if you want to be confident in a vital spot in the lineup, taking someone like Hurts makes sense. He can pass and run, and he should be one of the leaders in rushing touchdowns (which are worth more than passing touchdowns) thanks to the “Brotherly Shove.”

    DeVonta Smith, Wide Receiver

    Even in competition with Brown and others, DeVonta Smith got his fair share of targets last season. From Week 8 to Week 16, he averaged 17.4 points, even in a crowded offense. As a secondary receiver, this is one of the higher-end options.

    Betting on talent in fantasy is never a bad idea. Though Smith could soar in a situation where he isn’t behind one of the best receivers in the world, this is a gifted player who could take charge any given week. There’s some consistency here, but you’re looking for games that he can blow open. In the Eagles’ offense, he absolutely has the chance to do that.

    If you’re in a championship game, that’s the kind of upside you dream of.

    Dallas Goedert, Tight End

    Dallas Goedert used to be one of the best tight ends in fantasy, but he had a disappointing season in that regard in 2023. There’s a ton of competition for involvement, and, unfortunately, players like Barkley, Brown, Smith, and even Hurts take the ball out of his hands. This isn’t a bad upside bet, though.

    Touchdowns are massive for tight ends since they don’t get the ball a ton, but Goedert only had three last season. And there’s just not a lot of confidence we see that number soar, but there’s a non-zero chance that it does. In bigger leagues (closer to 16 or more people), this might actually be a smart play. But he’s a low-end starter in your standard 8-12-man league.

    Jake Elliott, Kicker

    There aren’t many kickers better than Jake Elliott, either in real life or in fantasy football. He has been especially incredible over the last two seasons for the Eagles, aided by a dominant offense.

    Most assume that there isn’t a difference between the top kickers and those on waivers, which is true to some extent. However, you could be gaining a point or two on a week-to-week basis when looking at his averages. We’ve all lost games by that margin—it almost feels like it happens all of the time. In my personal case, it happened in a championship game in a friend’s league last year (it was actually by 0.06 points).

    Kickers matter, too.

    If you want the best option and some upside, it’s not crazy to go for someone like Elliott when skill positions are still flying off the shelves, especially when you’ll statistically end up cutting them anyway.

    Eagles D/ST

    It would be best to leave this defense and special teams unit on waivers. The Eagles’ defense was one of the worst in the NFL last season, yet their most memorable splash in the offseason was a running back.

    Some improvement here can happen, but it might only be a good idea to stream this defense if they have a favorable matchup. Even that wasn’t always the best bet—their lack of sacks, takeaways, and overall inability to stop offenses resulted in some low-end quarterbacks feasting.

    Deep League Targets

    Suppose you’re in a very deep league, such as with 32 players; both Jahan Dotson and Will Shipley appear to be decent bets. There’s some upside here.

    With Dotson, it feels like an injury to either Brown or Smith would be the path here. Obviously, you never want players to get hurt—these athletes have families to feed. However, the reality of the sport is that it can happen to anyone. That would theoretically allow Dotson to get a big target share. It’s a sad way for that pick to pay off, but it’s something to understand. He’s a strong option with whom Hurts could fall in love anyway, perhaps. Hopefully, his emergence is what wins him over, and not someone getting hurt.

    As for Shipley, he might not even get more reps than Kenneth Gainwell, another running back for the Eagles. The rookie has been pretty good in his action, though, and could be a solid early-down option in some instances. It’s hard to come by running backs in 32-man leagues so that big performances can win you a matchup. Shipley can maybe provide a few points here and there with a couple of 10-point showings if the Eagles like him enough and he hits his stride. That’s an unlikely outcome, but it’s not impossible. With that being said, there isn’t enough upside to consider him in normal leagues with a dozen or fewer players, but he’s intriguing if you have way too many football friends.

    There’s a saying that you should try to avoid drafting based on your personal rooting interest. But in the Eagles’ case, you’re justified in doing so.
    If anything, some of these players might be undervalued.

    PHOTO: Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports

    Justin Giampietro

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  • Eagles 2024 Preseason Preview – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    Eagles 2024 Preseason Preview – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2024 preseason is now just a week away. Let’s preview the action.

    Eagles’ Three Opponents

    The Eagles have three opponents this preseason, one of which is at home and two of which are on the road. Let’s take a look.

    At 7:30 PM EST on Friday, Aug. 9, the Eagles visit the Baltimore Ravens for their first contest. Baltimore had won 24 straight games in the preseason with their last win ironically being at home against Philadelphia, then they lost two straight to end the streak in 2023.

    At 7:00 PM EST on Thursday, Aug. 15, the Eagles will visit the New England Patriots for their second preseason showdown. We’ll presumably see rookie quarterback Drake Maye take some snaps for them, so it could be a packed crowd.

    The Eagles will finish their preseason slate during a 1:00 PM EST game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Lincoln Financial Field. Minnesota hasn’t won a preseason contest since Aug. 24, 2019.

    Eagles’ Preseason Struggles

    Since winning the Super Bowl in 2017, the preseason has not been kind to the Eagles record-wise. Though a win-loss record doesn’t mean that much when you’re tracking individual results, it hasn’t been pretty.

    Philadelphia has a 3-11-2 record in the preseason following their Super Bowl victory. With a minus-156-point differential in that span, they’re losing each game by just under 10 points—that’s especially surprising considering how low-scoring the games tend to be.

    Below are their season-by-season results since 2018 (with the exception of 2020, which was canceled). Their point differential is in parenthesis:

    • 2023: 0-2-1 (Minus-15)
    • 2022: 1-2 (Minus-40)
    • 2021: 0-2-1 (Minus-43)
    • 2019: 1-2 (Minus-20)
    • 2018: 1-3 (Minus-38)

    Considering their struggles (and the dominance of the Ravens), don’t expect the Eagles to sweep the slate or anything. Based on their last five showings in the preseason, the opposite is probably more likely.

    Four Eagles to Watch

    PHOTO: —

    This preseason, there are plenty of players to look out for—here, we’ll highlight four in particular. That list consists of offensive lineman Mekhi Becton, running back Will Shipley, wide receiver Johnny Wilson, and edge Jalyx Hunt.

    Becton is an interesting one due to his potential. The New York Jets’ top draft pick from 2020, his athleticism is what makes him stand out. He could hold a decent role with the Eagles in 2024 depending on injuries. He’s probably not an instant starter, but he could certainly work his way up there.

    Taken in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Shipley has reportedly impressed the Eagles’ coaches. While Saquon Barkley clearly has the starting running back spot taken, the former could take some reps from Kenneth Gainwell during the season as the second-string running back. Shipley could be a solid option for the Eagles, so he should get some usage in the preseason.

    Wilson is a big receiver who was taken in the sixth round of the 2024 class. He should be allowed to take over during preseason—it’ll be interesting to watch. Parris Campbell seems to be the firm third-string wideout behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but Wilson could get some snaps in the regular season.

    Hunt was drafted in the third round of this past draft by the Eagles as a highly athletic threat on the edge. He should get some reps in the regular season and perhaps get a sizable role pretty soon for a third-round pick.

    With only a month left until the start of the 2024 regular season, Eagles football is very close. The preseason should serve as a small taste of what’s to come.

    Justin Giampietro

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  • New Eagles That Need To Make An Impact In 2024 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    New Eagles That Need To Make An Impact In 2024 – Philadelphia Sports Nation

    The Eagles may have made some drastic changes throughout the roster. But there’s still some uncertainty about the depth chart. But with the new coaching changes and acquisitions made in the offseason (and yet to come), there’s plenty of players who will have their opportunity to make an impact on the roster.

    Below are a few standouts to look forward to in the regular season.

    Bryce Huff

    The biggest change to the Eagles defensive line is going to be the swap of Haason Reddick for Bryce Huff.

    In his 4 seasons with the Jets, Huff put up 17.5 sacks (with 10 coming in his last season), as well as 21 QB hits and 10 TFL in the 2023 season. During that season Huff only played 480 defensive snaps (42.22%). When you look at the workload that Haason Reddick had on the Eagles last year, with 862 defensive snaps (74.18%). Reddick posted 11 sacks, 23 QB hits and 13 TFL.

    Huff will have big shoes to fill in his opening season with the Eagles. But with a defense the Eagles have gone all out on, hoping to turn things around from the #26 rank they had last season, and 31st in passing defense.

     

    Will Shipley

    With the 127th pick in this years NFL Draft, the Eagles selected running back Will Shipley. Shipley had 827 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns in his final season at Clemson. Could the Eagles need to reduce Saquon Barkley’s workload, Shipley should be the best available backup. Fans and opponents saw the Eagles overuse of Kenneth Gainwell last season, with only 364 rushing yards. And unless his offensive woes(4.3ypc) were also due to Brian Johnson’s uncreative offense. He should be on a very short leash as the Eagles longest tenured back.

     

    There won’t be much to expect from Shipley in his rookie season if all goes well. But in the event of injury, the Eagles RB depth will need to come into play. And if Kellen Moore’s new offense can bring out the best in all 3 backs, perhaps they’ll be able to make their way into more top 10 rankings.

     

    C.J. Uzomah

    Something I spent most of last season hoping the Eagles would address, was adding another tight end to the roster.

    When they signed CJ Uzomah along with Kellen Moore becoming the new offensive coordinator. The offense was going to get some new looks. Uzomah might not have had much to show for his 2 seasons with the Jets, but joining a backup role behind Dallas Goedert might be the perfect setup for his next season.

    Throughout Moore’s OC seasons, his teams 1&2TEs had the following stats:

    2019(Cowboys)
    Jason Witten – 63Rec, 529Yards, 4TD
    Blake Jarwin – 31Rec, 365Yards, 3TD

    2020(Cowboys)
    Dalton Schultz – 63Rec, 615Yards, 4TD
    Blake Bell – 11Rec, 110Yards, 0TD

    2021(Cowboys)
    Dalton Schultz – 78Rec, 808Yards, 8TD
    Blake Jarwin – 11Rec, 96Yards, 2TD

    2022(Cowboys)
    Dalton Schultz – 57Rec, 577Yards, 5TD
    Jake Ferguson – 19Rec, 174Yards, 2TD
    Peyton Hendershot – 11Rec, 103Yards, 2TD

    2023(Chargers)
    Gerald Everett – 51Rec, 411Yards, 3TD
    Donald Parham – 27Rec, 285Yards, 4TD
    Stone Smartt – 11Rec, 155 Yards, 1TD

    With productive seasons from multiple TEs across multiple seasons and including a 2nd team should mean good things for the coming Eagles offense. If Dallas Goedert stays healthy for all 17 games of the season, the Eagles might be able to expect a 1,000 yard season from him, let alone how many yards they’re able to get from their TE2, arguably C.J. Uzomah until listed otherwise.

     

    There’s more than just the 3 players who need to make their impact known. But from the draft and free agency, these are the roles that could help define this Eagles season as a success, from positions they could have been lacking in the last few years.

     

    We only have to wait 19 more days until Training Camp starts. And after that, pre-season will be right around the corner.

     

    Photo Credit: Seth Wenig / AP Photo 

    Tyler L’Heureux

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