5 biggest surprise players (both good and bad) for the Eagles in 2023

Not what Eagles fans expected: Nakobe Dean

We would never call guys 'busts' because they are injured. It has been two years though, and we still don't know if Nakobe Dean can play.

He makes this list because no one expected him to land on the injured reserve twice. No one saw that coming. Heck, we thought he had an opportunity to lead the Eagles in tackles. Go figure.

Not what Eagles fans expected: James Bradberry

We knew there was concern about Philly's decision to field two starting cornerbacks that would have eclipsed 30 years of age before Week 1 of the regular season. No one thought James Bradberry would deteriorate this quickly though.

There's regression, and there's falling off of a cliff. James has done the latter, and what's sad is it's going to be hard to trade him after this season. His extension is beginning to look like a massive error in judgment.

More surprisingly disappointing Eagles: Nick Sirianni, Brian Johnson, Sean Desai, Matt Patricia

Nick Sirianni has lost his swagger and some say the team's confidence. His assistants haven't really been much better.

We thought Brian Johnson's familiarity with Jalen Hurts would be a positive. It hasn't been. We were told Sean Desai's defense would be violent. It wasn't.

We still don't know why anyone thought Matt Patricia would be helpful. He has been bad everywhere he has been. This is a very disappointing coaching staff minus a few notables.

Dishonorable mentions/Disappointing Eagles: Kevin Byard, Shaquille Leonard, Kenneth Gainwell

Kenneth Gainwell was expected to take the next step following a nice postseason. Shaq Leonard and Kevin Byard's acquisition were gambles.

All of these guys have been disappointments, but Gainwell and Byard are signed past this season. They'll be back, but Leonard's lease is ending.

Again, sometimes things don't work out as you'd expect.

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