As the NFL pre-season progresses, the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster is beginning to take shape. However, while some players are solidifying their positions, others find themselves at risk of losing their starting spots.

This is especially significant as the team prepares to defend its NFC Championship title in the upcoming 2024 season. Here’s an in-depth look at two players whose starting jobs are in jeopardy, and what it might mean for the team going forward.

Tyler Steen’s Struggles and the Rise of Mekhi Becton

One of the most surprising developments this pre-season has been the potential demotion of Tyler Steen, a player who was widely expected to secure the starting right guard position after the departure of Cam Jurgens. Steen, a third-round pick from the 2023 draft, came into the Eagles’ camp with high expectations.

His college pedigree, having played under Nick Saban at Alabama, made him an ideal candidate for Jeff Stoutland’s offensive scheme. With the right guard spot seemingly his to lose, many assumed Steen would step into the role seamlessly.

However, the emergence of Mekhi Becton as a viable option at guard has thrown a wrench into those plans. Becton, originally drafted as a tackle by the New York Jets, has been looking to reinvent himself after injuries derailed his early career. Despite being a natural tackle, Becton’s willingness to convert to guard and his NFL experience have made him a strong contender for the starting job.

Steen’s preseason performance has been a mixed bag, with the young lineman showing flashes of potential but also struggling at times. His debut against the Baltimore Ravens saw him take 36 snaps split between left and right guard, but it was clear that he still has some growing to do.

Eagles’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore acknowledged Steen’s efforts but also hinted that the young lineman needs to find his rhythm.

“Just good to see him back out there. Get him going, and so you know, he did a nice job. Obviously, it’s the first preseason game for everyone,” Moore said during a press conference. “We are going to keep letting this thing grow, and so we’re excited with where all these guys are.”

The praise for Steen was tempered with the realization that Becton’s experience and adaptability might make him a better fit for the starting role, at least in the short term.

Becton’s larger frame and stronger NFL resume give him an edge, particularly as the Eagles look to solidify their offensive line ahead of a season where they will face some of the toughest defensive fronts in the league.

If Steen does indeed lose the starting job, it doesn’t mean he’ll be sidelined for the season. The Eagles are likely to keep him active on game days as a versatile backup who can play both guard and tackle positions. Injuries are a part of the NFL, and Steen could find himself back in the starting lineup at some point during the season. However, for now, it appears that Becton’s resurgence might push Steen into a reserve role as the team heads into the regular season.

Avonte Maddox Faces Competition from Quinyon Mitchell

Avonte Maddox has been a mainstay in the Eagles’ secondary since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Known for his quick change-of-direction abilities and his versatility, Maddox has primarily been the team’s starting slot cornerback. Over the years, he has also spent time at free safety and even had a stint on the outside, though the latter didn’t play to his strengths given his smaller stature.

Despite his experience and past success, Maddox’s position as the starting slot corner is under serious threat this pre-season. The Eagles’ decision to bring in Quinyon Mitchell, a 2024 first-round pick, has created stiff competition at the position. Mitchell’s impressive performance in camp has led to him taking the majority of the first-team snaps at slot corner, while Maddox has seen his role shift more towards safety.

Mitchell’s size, speed, and physicality have made him an attractive option for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who has a different vision for the slot cornerback position compared to his predecessors. Fangio views the slot role as more akin to a weakside linebacker in certain situations, emphasizing physicality and run support in addition to coverage skills.

“Nickel essentially is really a linebacker position. You know, if you go back to the traditional 4-3 if you stayed in a 4-3, a linebacker would be walked out on that slot. Well, the linebacker leaves the game, and now you’re in nickel, and the nickel is on that slot,” Fangio explained. “So essentially, when you pare it down, he’s playing linebacker-type zones more involved in the run than a corner is. So, it’s a drastically different position.”

This philosophy shift has put Maddox, who stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 185 pounds, at a disadvantage compared to the more physically imposing Mitchell. While Maddox has excelled in coverage throughout his career, Fangio’s system demands more from the slot cornerback in terms of run defense and physicality at the line of scrimmage—areas where Mitchell has outshined him in camp.

The Eagles’ decision to release Maddox earlier this year and re-sign him to a more team-friendly deal was a clear indication that his role might be changing. Instead of being the undisputed starter at slot corner, Maddox now appears to be transitioning into a utility role, where he can be deployed in various situations depending on the team’s needs.

This transition doesn’t necessarily spell the end of Maddox’s time in Philadelphia. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset to the Eagles’ defense, and he could still see significant playing time, particularly in sub-packages or as a backup at multiple positions. However, it’s clear that Mitchell’s emergence has shifted the dynamic in the secondary, and Maddox may need to adjust to a new role as the season progresses.

The Bigger Picture: What These Changes Mean for the Eagles

The potential demotion of both Tyler Steen and Avonte Maddox highlights the depth and competition within the Eagles’ roster as they prepare for the 2024 season. While it’s always tough to see established players lose their starting spots, this level of competition is a positive sign for the team’s overall strength.

For Steen, the challenge is to continue developing his skills and learning from the veterans around him. The NFL is a league of constant evolution, and young players often need time to fully adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game. Even if he doesn’t start Week 1, Steen’s journey is far from over, and he could play a crucial role as a swing lineman who can step in whenever needed.

As for Maddox, his situation is a testament to the ever-changing nature of NFL defenses. As coordinators like Fangio bring in new schemes and philosophies, players must adapt to stay relevant. Maddox’s ability to play multiple positions in the secondary makes him a valuable piece for the Eagles, even if he isn’t the starting slot corner anymore.

Ultimately, these developments underscore the importance of depth in the NFL. Injuries, matchups, and other unforeseen circumstances can drastically alter a team’s lineup over the course of a season. Having players like Becton, Steen, Mitchell, and Maddox, who can step in and contribute at a high level, is what separates the good teams from the great ones.

For the Eagles, the 2024 season is filled with high expectations. After reaching the Super Bowl last year, anything less than a deep playoff run will be considered a disappointment. As the roster begins to solidify, the coaching staff’s decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in setting the tone for the season. Whether it’s Steen finding his groove, Maddox adjusting to a new role, or other players stepping up to fill the gaps, the team’s success will depend on how well they navigate these challenges.

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, nothing is guaranteed. Starting jobs can be won or lost in the blink of an eye, and the pre-season is often the proving ground where these battles are fought. For Steen and Maddox, the next few weeks will be critical as they look to either reclaim their spots or embrace new roles within the team. As fans eagerly await the start of the regular season, all eyes will be on the Eagles’ roster to see how these and other position battles play out.

In conclusion, the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles are a team in transition, with key positions still up for grabs as the pre-season unfolds. While some players, like Tyler Steen and Avonte Maddox, may find themselves on the brink of losing their starting jobs, their journeys are far from over. In a league where depth and adaptability are crucial, the Eagles’ ability to navigate these challenges will be key to their success in the upcoming season.