Weird 2025 prediction has Eagles fans rethinking their pass rush expectations

As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles enter the upcoming NFL campaign with a massive target on their backs. The 31 other teams (some more realistic than others) are all gunning for the throne; they are the standard. With that in mind, head coach Nick Sirianni and Co. can't go out there, do the same thing and expect the same results.

The league saw what the Eagles did in 2024, punctuated by a dominant title run. Everyone will make the necessary adjustments when they're on the calendar and hammer them home, so Philadelphia must get creative, or dare we say weird. It's on Sirianni to think outside the box and throw a counterpunch.

With that in mind, let's try predicting the most offbeat moves the Eagles will make in their championship defense season.

Weirdest Philadelphia Eagles predictions for the 2025 NFL season

Jalen Hurts leads the league in rushing TDs

No player has scored more rushing touchdowns than Hurts since he took over as the Eagles' full-time starting quarterback in 2021 (52). Not even longtime bell cows like Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs or even his own teammate, Saquon Barkley. Yet, the Super Bowl LIX MVP hasn't led the sport in said category in a single season during this stretch, though that changes now.

Philly was two votes away from seeing its patented "tush push" banned this offseason. As fans know, this reinvented rugby scrum has propelled Hurts to several pay dirt trips with his legs. The Eagles still have this ace in the hole, which should enable him to maintain his role as their de facto goal line option. He ran for 10 one-yard scores in 2024!

Moreover, after racking up nearly 500 touches last season, managing Barkley's workload and avoiding putting additional wear and tear on his body is logical. The Eagles are playing the long game here with aspirations of claiming another ring, so they need him at full strength. Hurts can help ease some of that burden, particularly when they're close to the end zone.

Cooper DeJean makes full-time move to safety

DeJean is a defensive back in every sense of the term -- put him anywhere in the secondary and he'll thrive. The Eagles wasted no time putting his versatility to the test as a rookie and were rewarded tenfold. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has ostensibly leaned into the malleability this summer, moving him around the cornerback, nickel and safety spots. However, uncertainty surrounding who starts next to Reed Blankenship will force Philly to adjust accordingly.

Primarily a boundary corner in college, DeJean mostly worked in the slot with the Eagles last year. He didn't really spend much time at safety at Iowa, but his skill set as a physical ball hawk who understands coverages fits the position. Sydney Brown and 2025 second-round pick Andrew Mukuba have each shown flashes in the preseason. Nevertheless, can Philly trust either of them to hold it down on the back end for a squad eyeing a second straight Lombardi Trophy?

Typically, there's no putting the genie that is DeJean's ability to shift across the formation back in the bottle once it's out. Alas, the Eagles may not have much of a choice if Mukuba and Brown aren't ready. Fortunately, fifth-round newcomer Mac McWilliams looks the part of a capable inside corner, which makes this switch easier.

Joshua Uche records 10+ sacks

The Eagles boasted the eighth-highest pass rush win rate in football last season (43 percent). Nonetheless, they lost two of their top three sack leaders, defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Josh Sweat, to free agency. Not to mention, franchise legend Brandon Graham's retirement creates another void along the front seven. Uche wasn't brought in to single-handedly replace them, given his one-year, $1.92 million contract, but he'll play a massive role in plugging the gaps.

Injuries derailed a once-promising career trajectory for Uche. He tallied 11.5 sacks with the New England Patriots in 2022 and has failed to reach that number in the two seasons combined since. The 2020 second-round selection has the strength, speed and athleticism to get after the quarterback. With All-Pros like Jalen Carter and Zack Baun chasing down opponents alongside him, there should be ample clean-up opportunities.