10 Eagles we expect superior performances from in Week 1 regular-season opener

There's no need to waste anyone's time here. This feels like one of those times when we could impress you with well-thought-out one-liners and crafty wordplay. We instead elected to run the ball right at you. There isn't anyone reading these words who is unaware of what's at stake for the 2023-2024 Philadelphia Eagles.

Last year was fun. We hated how it ended. That feeling we had may never leave us, but it's over. We must and will move on.

The trek back to football's biggest game features a much tougher schedule than the last one we endured. The Birds face great coaches and some of the top quarterbacks in the game. Winning the NFC won't be easy, but it's doable, and it begins with a game in Foxborough Massachusetts

Here are ten Eagles that we expecting to be discussing in great detail following what should be an Eagles Week 1 victory over the Patriots.

Let's make a few things abundantly clear. We don't like the New England Patriots. We respect Bill Belichick. Still, he could retire tomorrow and we wouldn't bat an eyelash.

No one cares about the Patriots mystique, how well-coached they are, or Tom Brady appreciation day. All we care about is an Eagles Week 1 victory and beginning this season on a high note. Here are ten Eagles we trust to make that happen.

1. James Bradberry, cornerback

James Bradberry is classy and lets his play on the field do the talking, but something tells us that he has this game circled on his calendar if, for no other reason, one of the guys on the other sideline.

We aren't qualified to give Sean Desai game planning advice, but we wouldn't complain if he told Number 24 to blanket JuJu Smith-Schuster all afternoon.

Hey 'TikTok Boy', your day is coming.

2. Jordan Davis, interior defensive lineman

We realize that some of you have labeled Jordan Davis' rookie season as a disappointing campaign. We disagree, but we get where you're coming from.

Could it have been more exciting? Certainly! But, you have to understand the scheme and whatnot. Davis isn't asked to be the statistical machine, but we're still expecting some big plays this season.

Expect some big plays from the big guy in Week 1.

3. Jalen Carter, interior defensive lineman

Since his arrival, all we have heard are stories about Jalen Carter's brilliance. Guess what? We believe every single one of them.

Never forget this was a young man who had the potential to be the first player taken during the most recent NFL Draft. Witness the birth of the next Eagles legend versus the Pats.

4. Cam Jurgens, right guard

Cam Jurgens is going to be good. Jason Kelce likes him. His position coach, the best in the business, Jeff Stoutand likes him. He has been given high praise by his buddies in the locker room and former coaches who were able to lean on his talents before.

That's good enough for us. We're going to enjoy watching him play this season.

5. Nakobe Dean, linebacker

A third-round draftee no more... Nakobe Dean is now the quarterback of the Eagles' defense. He has the full confidence of new defensive coordinator Sean Desai. He wears the green dot and calls the defensive signals.

Don't be shocked when he leads the team in tackles. That's how this defense is structured. A new era in Philly is looming. Heaven help New England's offense.

6. Nolan Smith, EDGE

With three former Georgia Bulldogs standouts already named, we give you another. Nolan Smith has been nursing an injury, but he has had plenty of time to heal. Here's the good news. Philly doesn't necessarily need him to be one of their stars immediately.

That's good news for the rookie as it allows him to relax, but that's terrible news if you're the Patriots. Expect Number 3 to play with his hair on fire.

7. Haason Reddick, EDGE

Yep. This is one of those reasons why Nolan Smith can just relax and play his game. We're considering taking on a few wagers that end with Haason Reddick winning the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year Award.

We won't be shocked when he begins the 2023 campaign with a bang. Are two sacks and a forced fumble too much to ask for?

8. Kenneth Gainwell, running back

The Eagles added D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny during the most recent offseason. Kenneth Gainwell has earned the trust of his coaches though. Whenever there was a two-minute drill or anything run in practice sessions this summer, it was Kenny G who saw the field most often.

Expect to see a lot of Swift and Penny during the campaign. That's why they're here, but we're this close to labeling Kenny as RB1.

9. DeVonta Smith, wide receiver

'Smitty catches everything'. His teammates on the Alabama Crimson Tide roster told you that. He is already the owner of a couple of franchise records (most receiving yards by a rookie and most single-season receptions by a wide receiver).

DeVonta Smith is as smooth as they come. Everyone knows that, but he has been robbed of two Pro Bowl nods, and frankly, we want an apology.

A.J. Brown dominated in the regular-season opener last season. This time, it's Skinny Batman's turn.

10. Jalen Hurts, quarterback

Do we really need to explain this one? Jalen Hurts didn't just take a step forward last season. He shed Clark Kent's suit and transformed into Superman. Here's what doesn't get mentioned very often.

There is still room to improve and grow. That's right. We haven't seen the best of Jalen Hurts yet. Citizens of Foxborough beware. You are the first victims in 2023.

11. Very honorable mention: Dallas Goedert

They say a quarterback's best friend is a strong running game. That's probably true. Here's another theory that we'll subscribe to. A quarterback's safety blanket is a great tight end. Jalen most certainly has one of those in his supporting cast.

Here's a developing story that we haven't mentioned much. The Jalen Hurts/Dallas Goedert connection has become a thing of beauty this summer. QB1 trusts his tight end.

Here's our bold prediction. Dallas Goedert WILL play every game and exceed 1,000 yards receiving. He's that special. Keep an eye on him in Week 1.

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