Finally, it’s game time.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ team plane arrived in Brazil on Wednesday night. That means it’s finally time to put the chatter aside and play some football. All eyes will be on the Eagles and Green Bay Packers Friday night for what will be the NFL’s first regular-season game in South America, and the league’s first Week 1 game on a Friday night since 1970.
Here are six breakout candidates for the Eagles entering Week 1 against the Packers:
- Nakobe Dean
Prior to takeoff, the Eagles dropped some surprise injury news. Veteran Devin White, signed in free agency presumedly to fill a key role at inside linebacker, did not make the trip due to an ankle injury. That opens up a full-time role for Dean, who was arguably the team’s best player in the preseason games, and reportedly won the starting job from White entering Week 1. A big season opener against a good Packers offense would put Dean on track for breakout status.
- Quinyon Mitchell
The No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is primed for a major role against the Packers. In fact, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio revealed to reporters that he’s ready to play every defensive snap, if that’s what it takes. Mitchell was solid throughout training camp, seeing a ton of time at the nickel spot. A breakout season for the rookie would ease a lot of concerns in Philadelphia about the current state of the secondary.
- DeVonta Smith
As his lucrative contract extension suggests, Smith is already a star in the league entering his fourth NFL season. He has three extremely productive seasons under his belt, but that true breakout year? That could still be on the horizon for a player who stands to benefit not only from new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, but the attention opposing defenses will be forced to pay to fellow stars A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley. Smith enters the 2024 season with a low floor and untapped upside to post career highs across the board in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
- Cam Jurgens
Can a center really be a top breakout candidate? When you’re a former second-round pick who’s replacing a future Hall of Famer in Jason Kelce, you fit the criteria. This is Jurgens’ time, and like Kelce, he’s an interesting guy off the field. He launched his own beef jerky company, handing out samples to coaches during his pre-draft interviews. He also tweeted a viral 2021 clip of himself practicing pass blocking skills against a steer. If Jurgens’ play on the field can match his big personality, the Eagles will be in good shape this season.
- Jalen Carter
Multiple NFL analysts are expecting huge things from Carter this season. Jordan Dajani of CBSSports.com recently released his All-Under-25 Defensive Team, ranking the best defensive players in the NFL under the age of 25, and Carter was mentioned as a first-team selection. ESPN also projected Carter as a top-100 player in the league in 2024. The former Georgia star was on pace for a monster rookie season, piling up 3.5 sacks in his first five games. He cooled off later in the year, but he’s a great bet to be an impact player in Vic Fangio’s defense this season.
- Jordan Davis
With Fletcher Cox gone, the time is now for the former No. 13 overall draft pick. Davis arrived at training camp this season noticeably slimmed down, now listed at 336 pounds after playing last season north of 350 pounds, he said. In Vic Fangio’s scheme, he’ll be tasked with more responsibilities than filling gaps and stuffing the run. The Eagles' interior defensive line now boils down to Carter and Davis, it’s that simple. It’s up to them to make the most of the opportunity.
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