Eagles versus Patriots: Defensive expectations and bold predictions for Week 1

D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny both score rushing touchdowns.

The Eagles, like every other team, experienced a lot of roster turnover this offseason. They lost their top two safeties and their top two linebackers. They lost their best young interior defensive lineman. They lost a Pro Bowl tailback, one that led the team in rushing yards.

If this was any other team, we'd tell you to worry. With this team, there's a reason to be confident, and it's some of the new additions that make us feel that way.

Kenneth Gainwell is the guy we have seen take reps during the summer in two-minute drills and the like, but we expect D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny to get their touches. Both reach the end zone on Sunday.

Philly's 2023 first-rounders, Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, combine for five QB pressures and a sack.

Are you noticing a trend here? We'll say it again. Expect the new guys to make plays. Expect some 'wow' moments from Philly's pair of first-rounders on Sunday.

Nolan Smith wasn't on Philly's Wednesday afternoon injury report. That's fantastic news. Jalen Carter will earn more snaps on game day obviously, but both will make an impact.

Here's what we're thinking. As a tandem, they'll rack five QB pressures and get home a couple of times for a knockdown and maybe a sack. It's going to be fun to watch these guys grow up together, and we believe we'll be discussing them further after Week 1's game.