It's a new season — and the Eagles’ lines, they are a-changin’

by Jeff Neiburg

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A changing of the guard — on both sides of the ball

The Eagles lost large chunks of their heart and soul earlier this year when Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox announced their retirements a month apart.

A changing of the guard — on both sides of the ball

The Eagles lost large chunks of their heart and soul earlier this year when Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox announced their retirements a month apart.

Their departures forced a youth movement and a changing of the guard of sorts when it comes to the offensive and defensive lines. Kelce was the anchor of one of the best offensive fronts in football, and one of the city’s most popular sports personalities. Cox was the vocal, veteran leader of the defensive front.

Eagles mixing old and new — and adding a new scheme

Cam Jurgens is moving from right guard back to his natural center position. And with Cox gone, the Eagles need the two young defensive tackles out of Georgia, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, to take a big step forward. There are other new faces, too, like former Jets edge rusher Bryce Huff, and former Jets offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, who is the new starting right guard. Both units will be focal points in new schemes, led by Kellen Moore on offense and Vic Fangio on defense. Continuity also remains, with Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata manning the offensive tackle spots, and defensive end Brandon Graham starting his retirement tour. So, how will it all work?

Jalen Carter, defensive tackle

Runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, he had more pressures (49) than any rookie defensive tackle has had in the last 10 seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. The Eagles need that version, not the one who faded down the stretch.

Jalen Carter, defensive tackle

Runner-up for Defensive Rookie of the Year, he had more pressures (49) than any rookie defensive tackle has had in the last 10 seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. The Eagles need that version, not the one who faded down the stretch.

Jordan Davis, defensive tackle

Entering his third season, Davis is the de facto elder statesman in a defensive line room transitioning into the future. “It’s our team, and we want to take control of that,” he said.

Jordan Davis, defensive tackle

Entering his third season, Davis is the de facto elder statesman in a defensive line room transitioning into the future. “It’s our team, and we want to take control of that,” he said.

Bryce Huff, edge rusher

The Eagles’ replacement for Haason Reddick is a former Jets edge rusher whom the Eagles are asking to do what he hasn’t done much of: show he’s an every-down player. Huff had 10 sacks last season but will likely see more snaps in 2024.

Bryce Huff, edge rusher

The Eagles’ replacement for Haason Reddick is a former Jets edge rusher whom the Eagles are asking to do what he hasn’t done much of: show he’s an every-down player. Huff had 10 sacks last season but will likely see more snaps in 2024.

Nolan Smith, edge rusher

A first-round pick last year, Smith has shown flashes of speed and potential. But the Eagles will need to see those skills be put to better use, especially considering how Jalen Carter draws double teams.

Nolan Smith, edge rusher

A first-round pick last year, Smith has shown flashes of speed and potential. But the Eagles will need to see those skills be put to better use, especially considering how Jalen Carter draws double teams.

Brandon Graham, edge rusher

Friday is Graham’s 15th season opener, and it’s his final, as the longtime Eagle most remembered for forcing the Super-Bowl-sealing fumble in 2018 will retire after this season. His duty now? Help pass the torch to the future.

Brandon Graham, edge rusher

Friday is Graham’s 15th season opener, and it’s his final, as the longtime Eagle most remembered for forcing the Super-Bowl-sealing fumble in 2018 will retire after this season. His duty now? Help pass the torch to the future.

Cam Jurgens, center

With Kelce-sized shoes to fill, the 25-year-old seems ready for the task. He said he prepared for the job when he moved to right guard last season by not changing his pre-snap routine.

Cam Jurgens, center

With Kelce-sized shoes to fill, the 25-year-old seems ready for the task. He said he prepared for the job when he moved to right guard last season by not changing his pre-snap routine.

Mekhi Becton, right guard

The Eagles signed Becton to a one-year prove-it deal and then watched him win the job at right guard, a position he hasn’t played in the NFL. Becton is big for a guard (6-7, 363), giving the Eagles the biggest projected line in football.

Mekhi Becton, right guard

The Eagles signed Becton to a one-year prove-it deal and then watched him win the job at right guard, a position he hasn’t played in the NFL. Becton is big for a guard (6-7, 363), giving the Eagles the biggest projected line in football.

Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator

Nick Sirianni no longer controls the offense. It belongs to Moore, the 36-year-old former quarterback now tasked with making sure the offense that got stale at the end of last season is built to last.

Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator

Nick Sirianni no longer controls the offense. It belongs to Moore, the 36-year-old former quarterback now tasked with making sure the offense that got stale at the end of last season is built to last.

Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator

The Eagles had a Fangio-influenced defensive scheme last season, but now they have the real thing. The Eagles are deeper at LB and CB than they were last season, but it’s on Fangio and his staff to turn things around.

Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator

The Eagles had a Fangio-influenced defensive scheme last season, but now they have the real thing. The Eagles are deeper at LB and CB than they were last season, but it’s on Fangio and his staff to turn things around.