Handing Out Hardware

The much-anticipated season-opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and rival Dallas Cowboys kicks off Thursday evening at Lincoln Financial Field.

For the Eagles, they’ll be unveiling a mainly young nucleus that also includes some veterans and locker room pillars.

Ahead of the opener, I assessed the construction of the roster this offseason, how those pieces fit, and – if things go as envisioned – which Eagles are best positioned to seize a slew of prestigious awards.

Here are my picks for the following categories: team MVP, offensive breakout, defensive breakout, special teams standout, top rookie, biggest surprise, most valuable role player and assistant coach with the biggest impact.

GETTY IMAGES: Can Jalen Hurts lead the Eagles to consecutive Super Bowl wins?

Team MVP: QB Jalen Hurts

Hurts acts as the proverbial thermostat, setting the temperature – and tone – for the 2025 Eagles. The reigning Super Bowl MVP this offseason has been open and introspective, thought-provoking and comfortable, complementing his palpable sense of confidence and gravity of his role as a leader. The interpretation of this version of Hurts could simply boil down to him winning a Super Bowl and not bearing as much pressure. He knows what it takes to reach the NFL’s summit, the mentality, singular focus and sacrifices and required to win when the stakes are highest. The hunger to continue evolving is as evident in Hurts as his embracing the new set of challenges that accompany the dawn of a new season.

Hurts pilots an offensive presided over by first-time coordinator Kevin Patullo, his sixth play-caller in as many seasons (although Shane Steichen took over for Nick Sirianni in 2021 and called plays again in 2022). While the offense is likely to again adopt a run-centric identity, heavily feeding running back Saquon Barkley until teams can effectively counteract, the evolution under Patullo will be vital in propelling the unit forward.

Simply stated, the offense almost has to evolve to remain ahead of the curve. With that, I’m expecting to see an uptick in the passing game, highlighting the skill sets of the Eagles’ dynamic set of pass-catchers, including wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert. Hurts, who also double as a valuable plus-one in the running game, should have more opportunities to open things up via the aerial attack. I’m not suggesting Patullo’s offense will suddenly rival the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams but I do envision Hurts having a larger hand in the offense as a passer.

Make no mistake; this is Hurts’ offense. It was evident this summer that the sixth-year signal-caller has full command. He leads the unit with authority and urgency and has proven time and time again that it’s in his DNA to answer the bell when the lights are shining brightest. Taking all of that into consideration, the team MVP feels clear cut.

Offensive Breakout: RB Will Shipley

This distinction is relative, as the offense is primarily predicated on the production of Barkley, Brown, Smith and Goedert. But for this award, I took 18 training camp practices and projected roles into account. I nearly went with Jahan Dotson here, as the former Commanders wideout dazzled in his first offseason with the team. And Dotson very well might experience a breakout of sorts, reeling in around 25-30 catches among a crowded group of skill players. In the end, I chose second-year running back Will Shipley.

Shipley, who logged just 30 carries as a rookie, elevates into the No. 2 role behind Barkley, replacing the invaluable Kenny Gainwell, who signed in free agency with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heavily factoring into my decision is that Shipley is the Eagles’ most natural pass catcher at the position, showcasing savvy and decisive route-running and soft hands throughout the summer. Often times, the Clemson product served as a trusted outlet option for Hurts. Full disclosure: running backs have been featured in the passing game in previous camps without it manifesting in the regular season. But if the offense is to evolve – and I’m hardly expecting wholesale change – one of those new wrinkles could include distributing the ball to the backs out of the backfield.

Shipley, who looks a tad faster than last summer, adds another dimension to a high-octane offense as an ideal changeup option behind Barkley – who in training camp referred to Shipley as the “smartest back in the room.” He provides explosiveness and wiggle in space and has demonstrated encouraging developments in pass protection. It’s probably unrealistic to expect Barkley to shoulder similar volume as last season, where he touched the ball 482 times, including the postseason. That’s where Shipley could come into play.

GETTY IMAGES: This year will be Moro Ojomo’s third season but first as a starter. He’s asked to fill the void left by Milton Williams’ departure to New England.

Defensive Breakout: DT Moro Ojomo

Second-year pass-rusher Jalyx Hunt garnered some consideration here, but I opted to go with third-year defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, who has been tasked with replacing free-agent departure Milton Williams and who enjoyed a productive training camp. He routinely proved to be disruptive and played behind the line of scrimmage. His play in training camp elicited praise from offensive linemen like Tyler Steen and Landon Dickerson – the latter said Ojomo is “awkward” to block – as well as a contingent of his defensive teammates.

Quick-twitched and explosive, Ojomo has a good understanding of how to accentuate his use of leverage, hand usage and long arms to defeat block and knife into the backfield. There weren’t many series, or plays, where the Texas product wasn’t making his presence felt. He’s perhaps the team’s best-kept secret, though it doesn’t appear that will hold true for much longer.

For perspective, Ojomo last season accounted for 388 snaps, or 37 percent of the team’s defensive total – identical to that of fellow defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Williams, for reference, logged 501 snaps, accounting for 48 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps. While it will likely require a platoon approach to atone for the absence of Williams, Ojomo is the one most likely to reap the benefits of a bump in playing time. It was also telling that the team entrusted Ojomo to play meaningful snaps down the stretch last season.

He might not offer equivalent production compared to Williams as a run defender, but I’ve seen enough of Ojomo to conclude he offers more juice as a pass-rusher, though he doesn’t yet have a regular-season sack to his name. That narrative should quickly flip, however, especially with Ojomo playing alongside Jalen Carter. The hallmark of this iteration of the Eagles’ defense, in my estimation, will be reliant on interior pressure and dynamic second level play, and Ojomo figures to play an instrumental role in that.

Special Team Standout: FB Ben VanSumeren

VanSumeren, a converted linebacker, once said, “If I don’t make the play on special teams, there’s something wrong with me, because I should go out there and make every play on special teams.” And given the newly implemented kickoff rule, promoting increased opportunities for returns and coverage opportunities, VanSumeren could quickly accumulate a flurry of coverage stops.

A fullback who doubles as a core-four special teamer, VanSumeren offers a unique skill set – and mindset – when it comes to the third phase. The third-year pro, who is 244 pounds, clocks in with 4.4 speed. He craves contact and relishes setting the tone, serving as the centerpiece on the coverage units.

But VanSumeren’s impact could extend beyond wrangling returners; there’s also the blocking aspect that he’s taken to as well as the potential to even field kicks, though the primary returners are Shipley and fellow running back A.J. Dillon. Given the rule change and his involvement, it wouldn’t surprise me to see VanSumeren garner league-wide recognition for his special teams contributions, perhaps resulting in an appearance on the 2025 Pro Bowl ballot.

Top Rookie: LB Jihaad Campbell

From the first day of training camp, Campbell was well ahead of schedule. Once expected to be full-go “sometime in August” in light of offseason labrum surgery, Campbell hit the ground running, making his presence felt from Day 1. The first-rounder began with the second unit, alongside fellow rookie Smael Mondon Jr, while second-year linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. teamed with 2024 All-Pro Zack Baun on the first team.

But Campbell’s range and physicality was evident from the start, often accenting plays with an edge, whether it was taking Goedert to the ground after a catch or attempting to swipe the ball from quarterback Tanner McKee. The tools were apparent, and his swift path to first team snaps proved inevitable.

Campbell, who covers a ton of ground, has proven to be a quick study. And his role as a starter appeared to be all but etched in stone when he sat out the preseason finale. Perhaps Campbell’s most pronounced skill sets that often revealed itself this summer was his ability to read and diagnose, along with his proficiency in block destruction, a coaching point emphasized by position coach Bobby King.

Whether attacking the line of scrimmage or blowing up the line of scrimmage, Campbell has already proven to be a force. While it’s worth noting Campbell didn’t get to rep all that much alongside Baun, who tended to a back issue for much of camp, the pairing arms the second level of Vic Fangio’s defense with athleticism, physicality and cover ability. His length to narrow throwing windows, combined with his urgent closing ability, should give him an advantage in coverage, and the improvements in that area come with reps and game experience. The splash plays should mount early.

Further supporting my selection is that Campbell also offers the versatility to rush the passer, which could reveal itself at some point. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say this team has its most complete set of linebackers in years.

Biggest Surprise: G Tyler Steen

It won’t be a surprise to me, per se, but I suspect many on the outside will be pleasantly surprised by the play of Steen, the third-year pro and Eagles’ newly minted right guard. Miring on a unit comprised of All Pros and household names, Steen is the unknown, tasked with replacing free-agent departure Mekhi Becton.

Accruing 316 snaps over 17 regular season appearances (two starts) during the regular season, and playing in all four postseason contests, Steen gained valuable experience and perspective. Many of his opportunities occurred in-game, a challenging task for any player. For him to capably execute and to enable the standout play up front to continue without a let-up required attention to detail on the practice field, applying the directives of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, and remaining engaged on the sideline.

What I’ve observed from Steen, quiet by nature, is a growing confidence that stems from stacking productive days and carrying out Stoutland’s vision. He’s cognizant of ensuring he holds up his end, perpetuating the annual tradition of upholding the status of the league’s best offensive line.

Steen offers a different skill set than Becton did; he’s better in space and is more of a fluid-mover laterally. In fact, I’d argue the offense didn’t miss a beat when Steen was inserted last season, supporting my bullishness on the third-year lineman. He’s been preparing diligently behind the scenes for his opportunity, and everything I’ve seen and heard this summer suggests he’s primed to seize it.

GETTY IMAGES: OT Fred Johnson returns to give the Eagles much needed depth.

Most Valuable Role Player: OL Fred Johnson

Johnson was among the offseason’s more under-discussed free agent departures. Seeking an opportunity to try his hand as a starter, Johnson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, creating an internal void for the Eagles at swing tackle. The team attempted to fortify that area with veteran tackle Kendall Lamm, now with the Dolphins, to no avail.

For the first time in years, the Eagles’ depth along the offensive line was in flux, justifiably prompting questions about its viability in 2025. But the Eagles, ahead of cutdowns, swung a trade with the Jaguars, returning Johnson to Philadelphia. And for as excited as the Eagles were to reacquire Johnson, the feeling felt mutual.

The reality is that both Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata missed time last season, and the Eagles lacked a surefire contingency plan. Johnson, who last season started six games for the Eagles, will serve as the all-important swing tackle role on game day. He’s taken to Stoutland’s coaching and has logged valuable snaps in the league. He also offers guard versatility, arming the Eagles with a trusted fill-in if need be.

Assistant Coach With Most Noticeable Impact: DL coach Clint Hurtt

Hurtt, a former defensive coordinator, has overseen the development of Jalen Carter, Milton Williams and others, but given the youth and inexperience in the room this season, his impact should be even greater. For perspective, the aforementioned Ojomo inherits the role previously occupied by Williams and now serves as a prominent component to the rotation. There’s also fourth-year pro Jordan Davis, whom the team is banking on to take a step forward and shoulder a larger workload. With Ojomo and Davis, their development will be critical to the defense’s success.

The Eagles also have a host of younger players, like fourth-rounder Ty Robinson and holdovers Byron Young and Gabe Hall, who will play meaningful snaps at some point this season. Bringing them along throughout the season and strengthening the depth also falls under Hurtt’s job description.

Hurtt, regarded as one of the better defensive line coaches in football, certainly has his work cut out for him, but he has moldable balls of clay with which to work.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com