Taking Flight

The Philadelphia Eagles landed around 8:45 p.m. local time in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Wednesday evening, merely hours away from their season opening matchup against the Green Bay Packers, in the first-ever NFL game in South America.

While the opener pits a pair of presumed NFC juggernauts against one another to start, the game should quickly act as a measuring stick in assessing where both teams stand.

Taking a step back, however, the calm before the storm affords a moment of reflection, thinking back to the construction of the roster and how the team came together over a four-month span. Also, 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 team MVP, offensive player of the year, defensive player of the year, special teams player of the year, breakout player, biggest surprise, comeback player and assistant coach.

GETTY IMAGES: How will QB Jalen Hurts bounce back in 2024?

MVP: QB Jalen Hurts

On the heels of an uneven succession of spring practices as he acclimated to a new offensive system crafted by coordinator Kellen Moore, Hurts returned for training camp poised, confident and in full control entering his fourth season as a full-time starter. While big plays largely eluded the offense during the summer, Hurts flashed his efficiency, delivering passes with timing and accuracy, allowing his receivers to create after the catch. And even if he held the ball a touch too long at times during passing drills, his rapid-fire decision-making was also notable. He seemingly knew exactly where to go with the football, keeping the offense on schedule while avoiding turnovers — until the final day of camp.

What I’ve observed is the developing maturation of a player positioned to take the next step in his evolution as a signal-caller. Hurts has taken ownership of the new-look Eagles offense, to the degree of having a heavy hand in his collaboration with newly minted center Cam Jurgens in handling protections up front, doling out responsibility. But for Hurts to fully evolve, he’ll need to prove he can consistently become a full-field reader, which promotes optionality in terms of play-calling and personnel with the full offensive menu available.

While the running element is a critical part of his game that will remain, and will open things up for running back Saquon Barkley, I’m expecting Hurts to make best use of his embarrassment of riches at the skill position. In doing so, however, he’ll have to involve the running backs in the passing game and tap into his mid-range game, unlocking tight end Dallas Goedert.

Taking everything into account, I feel pretty strongly that Hurts surpasses the 4,000-yard passing mark for the first time in his career, totaling 4,100, while also establishing a new career-high in passing touchdowns, somewhere between 26-28. Add in another 650-700 on the ground, and you have your 2024 Eagles MVP.

Offensive MVP: WR DeVonta Smith

At times, greatness can be taken for granted. The day-in, day-out consistency that often makes the extraordinary look routine become expected. But with Smith, I was served with a constant reminder this summer of just how special the fourth-year wideout is — as well as the potential trajectory of his seasonal output in a more imaginative offense. In part, watching Smith run routes, which I often made a point of observing during camp, equates to poetry in motion. The subtleties and nuances of a calculated tactician, almost as if gliding through patterns. While often overshadowed by his counterpart, A.J. Brown, Smith is a master of his craft, and pieced together arguably the most complete camp of any Eagle.

Smith, who should be moved around quite a bit, including in the slot to maximize his effectiveness in Moore’s offense, regularly showcased his ability to win on all three levels this summer. But where Smith really deserves recognition is his ability to go up and compete for the football in contested catch situations and play through contact. Smith, who had some of the more memorable, must-see reps in camp in his showdowns against rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, will slice-and-dice any defensive back with the savviness and detail in his route-running.

While Smith should greatly benefit from Moore’s offensive concepts, the 25-year-old should also garner considerably less attention from defenders, thus liberating Smith and creating mismatches. Additionally, somehow, Smith’s chemistry with Hurts seems to have reached another level.

Even with the plethora of playmakers on hand, I have Smith eclipsing his career-best season in 2022, where he accumulated 1,196 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 95 catches. This season, Smith rolls up 1,300-plus, with eight or nine touchdowns to go along with his total.

Defensive MVP: DT Jalen Carter

The flashes of dominance that were evident at times during his rookie campaign have become the norm through the spring and summer for Carter, the centerpiece of the Eagles’ modified defense. In the wake of the Fletcher Cox’s offseason retirement, the onus will fall on Carter, as well as linemate Jordan Davis, to power the 2024 defense if they are to vault from the bottom tier to a more respectable level under the supervision of veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. So far, however, Carter appears to have resoundingly answered the bell.

Carter, 23, is too strong and powerful for most interior lineman to ward off, winning with a daunting blend of leverage, advanced hand usage to disengage, explosiveness off the ball and lateral quickness. His knack for interior penetration in training camp became so regular that it was almost expected. And when he isn’t knifing into the backfield to disrupt a play or in hot pursuit of a vulnerable quarterback, 6-foot-3, 314-pound Carter is occupying double teams, freeing up teammates to reap the benefits and make plays.

The heightened responsibility, and scrutiny, that accompany a blue-chip draft pick — along with the role he is inheriting — doesn’t appear to be lost on Carter, who appears to be in peak physical condition and poised to sustainably produce at a more consistent clip.

I believe Carter, in his second season, racks up double-digit sacks on his way to achieving All-Pro recognition.

Special Teams MVP: LB Ben VanSumeren

A core-four special teamer entering his second NFL season, VanSumeren checks off every box teams typically covet in an impactful third phase performer. For starters, VanSumeren, 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, possesses 4.4 speed and has notably refined his instincts and anticipatory traits, alterations to his game with which he prides himself. He’s also fearless and craves physicality, virtual prerequisites for the role. Without honing in on VanSumeren firing downhill like an unabating missile on kickoffs, it’s hard to appreciate his natural athleticism and tenacity. I expect the 24-year-old to quickly establish himself as one of the NFL’s elite third phase coverage specialists, parlaying into an appearance on the Pro Bowl ballot, but VanSumeren’s role shouldn’t be measured exclusively on production.

While kicker Jake Elliott serves as the captain for Michael Clay’s unit, there are players who don’t necessarily boast that distinction but undertake a leadership role, whether that be Christian Elliss or Josh Jobe in the past. In recent years, the unofficial title of “protector,” or enforcer if you like — the duties including, but hardly limited to, pulling players off the pile on the heels of a Britain Covey punt return and generally prioritizing the safety of the returner — belonged to Elliss, with tight end Jack Stoll briefly filling in when Elliss departed. This season, I fully anticipate VanSumeren undertaking the role.

“Special teams is in my bag,” VanSumeren said late in the summer. “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. That’s the way that I feel.”

Top Rookie: CB Quinyon Mitchell

Much has been thrown at Mitchell, the Eagles’ first-round cornerback, including temporarily moonlighting at nickelback. The Toledo product, however, has responded favorably, showcased a high-level football intellect and adaptability. Mitchell, reserved by nature, isn’t shy about flashing his on-field bravado and moxie, relishing challenges and refusing to back down. Perhaps the truest gauge to where the rookie is in terms of his development was how well he fared in matchups against Smith and Brown.

But teams will inevitably target Mitchell, hoping to exploit the rookie and perhaps even tame his confidence. Working in Mitchell’s favor, though, is his innate ability to live play-to-play, maintaining a short memory and lining back up. Mitchell will begin his career as the Eagles’ primary nickel defender — kicking outside in base — and will have a lot on his plate. Still, the 23-year-old is further along than perhaps the team could have fathomed. Growing pains are to be expected and he’s sure to take his lumps, but expect Mitchell to eventually settle in, continuing to ace his weekly tests.

Mitchell is not only my pick for the Eagles’ top rookie, but also my choice for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Breakout Player: TE Grant Calcaterra

The ‘breakout’ tag is relative, and while I’m hardly suggesting Calcaterra makes a Pro Bowl leap in his third season, I have seen enough through the spring and summer to convince myself he’s going to have a role offensively under Moore. Calcaterra, 25, is an athletic move tight end who should be able to shake free and find room to operate in the intermediary levels with teams game planning to slow the Eagles’ more heralded batch of skill players. Taking things a step further, Calcaterra figures to see an uptick in usage under Moore, whose track record indicates a utilization of his tight ends.

To put my breakout selection into perspective, Calcaterra, over 30 games, has mustered only 120 receiving yards on nine receptions (13 targets). He’s also combined for just 345 offensive snaps over that span. As the Eagles’ new No. 2 tight end enters year three, expect an uptick in production in a tight end-friendly offense.

Biggest Surprise: EDGE Jalyx Hunt

For many, the third-round draft selection of edge rusher Jalyx Hunt from tiny Houston Christian was initially met with skepticism and tempered expectations. In fact, prior to this summer — when his athleticism and wide-ranging skill set was showcased — it was widely believed Hunt would redshirt as a rookie, mostly spending his weeks on the inactive list while possibly offering the occasional boost on special teams. But, as I’d mentioned upon the draft night selection, pump the brakes on the redshirt discourse.

The lengthy pass-rusher flashed his explosiveness and athleticism throughout the summer, often winning his matchups, providing pressure off the edge and appearing more advanced at this stage than perhaps many envisioned. While I’m hardly suggesting Hunt seizes a starting role or even accounts for a prominent piece of the snap share at his position group, he should factor as a situational rusher. I expect him to elbow his way into the rotation.

Comeback Player: S Sydney Brown

Brown, who tore his ACL covering a punt in the regular-season finale at MetLife Stadium back in January, has looked primed and ready to contribute for some time, though the Eagles have understandably adopted a more conservative approach in bringing Brown back into the fold.

But Brown, who is beginning the season on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list, should return to action following the bye week. A versatile, heat-seeking missile who should provide an immediate spark on special teams, and eventually, once fully up to speed on Vic Fangio’s scheme, defensively. Like fellow safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Brown’s energy and passion tends to radiate, and the 24-year-old should be able to pick up where he left off pre-injury. A realistic expectation for the tenacious Brown would be contributing as a sub package defender once up to speed and as a prominent force on special teams.

Top Assistant Coach: DBs coach Christian Parker

“They’re getting a bright, young coach. Obviously, Vic [Fangio] knows him, Vic’s worked with him before. Christian’s really sharp.

“I’d say his degree, if you will, in defensive football is in that scheme. He was a pleasure to work with and I’m excited that he has that opportunity. Vic and I talked at length about Christian. He was one of the coaches that we kept from last year’s staff.” – Broncos head coach Sean Payton back in February.

Inheriting a young crop of defensive backs, particularly on the heels of a season in which the room was largely under fire, constitutes as a daunting assignment for most coaches. But for Parker, a rising star among the coaching ranks, he couldn’t have landed in a better place to flourish. With many of the defensive backs being so young, Parker — a noted hands-on teacher — has the luxury of molding the room, imparting his wisdom and refining techniques to fit the scheme. Presumably, there weren’t as many bad habits to break.

But while communication breakdowns and mental lapses became far too prevalent a season ago, on the surface, given the youth, the 2024 outlook wouldn’t appear to be all too different. Parker, however, is known for his communication and simplification, tailoring to strengths, understanding the “why” behind each call. He also has a growing track record of development. Of all the position groups on defense, it’s arguable that Parker is faced with the most difficult task. If the secondary is to elevate its play and eliminate explosive plays — a blueprint in this system — Parker will be a major reason why.

Another plus that frequently came up when asked is Parker’s relatability — he’s just 32 years old — as another strength in conveying his message and finding ways to connect. A valuable attribute for a secondary in transition.

“Real technical coach,” cornerback Eli Ricks said late in the summer. “Always going over the technique, which is a lot different compared to last year. Really honing in on that. I feel even smarter, the playbook’s a little bit bigger. But [Parker] moves pretty fast and he’s a lot younger, so he can relate to us. And I think he’s a great coach.”

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