10 Eagles who need to thrive in Week 1 vs Packers

It may feel like it has been two years since the Philadelphia Eagles last played football in a game that mattered. It really hasn't been, but we totally understand if you're ready for Friday. That uninspiring exit from the playoffs last January didn't do much to instill confidence, but as expected, after a fascinating offseason we're back on the wagon.

What did you expect? You didn't think Philly would play a football game and we'd miss it, did you? What could be more important. Like last season, there are expectations.

Let's make long stories short here. A standalone primetime game cometh. Corinthians Satdium in Brazil provides the backdrop. Philly's stars and team leaders had better be ready to shine. The Green Bay Packers are a worthy opponent.

Here are ten of about 48 Birds we'll be watching closely.

Jalen Hurts

Well, this one's obvious. Just when it seemed like Jalen Hurts' supporting cast couldn't get any better, the Birds signed one of the game's best running backs. They traded for Jahan Dotson at the end of the preseason. QB1 has never had it better.

Kellen Moore is an obvious upgrade at offensive coordinator. Jalen has everything he needs. Now, in a different tax bracket, the Birds will only fly as high as he leads them. The man playing the game's most important position has got to be sharp in this one.

Saquon Barkley

In a game featuring two potentially elite offenses, ball control may tell the tale. Saquon Barkley can do it all: pass protection, rushing, and receiving.

A well-balanced offense could lead Philly to victory. Hopefully, Philly's new tailback is churning out some yards to protect a second-half lead to end this.

Dallas Goedert

As good as Dallas Goedert is, he's probably the fourth option in this Eagles offense. That doesn't mean he won't see his chances though. As good as this Packers defense is, he might be asked to produce.

Green Bay has, no doubt, discussed A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Saquon Barkley all week, but Philly's O has an embarrassment of riches. Dallas could be a nice weapon, on third down and in the red zone. Bold prediction? He scores in this one.

Cam Jurgens

Jason Kelce is gone, and now Cam Jurgens is the O-line's anchor. Sheesh. Talk about some big shoes to fill.

Do we really need to explain this one? Philly's new center and the rest of the offensive front will be busy all evening. They'll be asked to clear holes for Saquon and the running game and keep Jalen Hurts upright when he drops back to pass.

Jake Elliott

This one could be close. It felt like The Pack arrived last season during the playoffs. If their offense can build on what they were becoming the last time we saw them, they could put up a lot of points.

Then, there's the other side of the ball. The secondary was upgraded by adding Xavier McKinney. Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Bullard, Ty'Ron Hopper, and Evan Williams were all added during the NFL Draft.

Points could be at a premium, or we could see a shootout. Either way, the Birds had better make the most of every opportunity. If Philly's offense struggles at time to gain traction or if drives stall, Jake Elliott will be called upon. Fingers are crossed that he'll be at his best.

Bryce Huff

In 54 career games, the New York Jets only asked Bryce Huff to start seven, but that was back in 2021. He signed a three-year deal worth $51.1 million to join Philly during the most recent offseason, so that's all about to change.

The Birds, in essence, swapped Huff out for Haason Reddick. They'll be expecting the same level of production. Jordan Love is one of the NFL's top young signal-callers. It would be nice to see him on the turf a few times.

Nolan Smith

It's year two for Nolan Smith, and it's time to for him to prove he's worthy of the first-round draft choice the Birds used to select him.

That's it. That's the take. We believe he can do it. We expect Vic Fangio to make use of his athleticism.
Hey! There's no time like the present, right?

Nakobe Dean

We're assuming Nakobe Dean is starting. Heck, he should be starting. If he doesn't, there needs to be an investigation. He's Philly's best linebacker now, but the regular season is far from preseason play, and Matt LaFleur's offense might cause him some issues.

The biggest weakness in Dean's game is pass coverage. Look for Green Bay to try and exploit that, but his instincts are stellar. Fangio will attack with him by blitzing and using him as a hammer in the running game.

Darius Slay

The Packers are blessed with talent at wide receiver. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed will all see their share of targets. Philly's secondary will certainly be tested.

The dean at cornerback is Big Play Slay. He's also the best the Eagles have. He'll be tasked more often than not with playing some zone and limiting big plays in the passing game.

Jalen Carter

Christian Wilkins shined under Vic Fangio last season in Miami. He produced the best season of his career up to this point, but Jalen Carter has the potential to be more dominant.

The potential is there. He checks every box. Fangio will center much of what he wants to do around him.

Carter started hot during his rookie season but cooled off late. This year, the theme will be 'consistency'.

Everyone has been impressed with his maturity. We saw him throw Mekhi Becton a couple of times throughout Eagles training camp.

If he brings that meanstreak with him to Brazil, it could be a long night for Green Bay. You won't hear any complaints from us if that happens.