Bold Predictions for Eagles' Individual Stat Leaders in 2022 NFL Season

The Philadelphia Eagles may put up some big offensive numbers and impressive defensive stats in 2022, but they'll be most focused on trying to improve their win total from last year.

After going 9-8 and returning to the playoffs in 2021, they have the potential to fare even better during the upcoming season. They improved their roster over the offseason and their top players showcased their skills during a 1-2 preseason slate.

Now, Philadelphia is rapidly approaching its regular-season opener. It should have an opportunity to get off to a strong start with a road matchup against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 11. And from there, the Eagles are likely to be a contender for the NFC East title.

If this franchise is going to keep moving in the right direction, it will need some key players to power it to success. With that in mind, here are several bold stat predictions for the Eagles for the 2022 season.

Jalen Hurts Will Account for 40 Total Touchdowns

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 27: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to playing the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on August 27, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Jalen Hurts hasn't had an offense this talented around him since he arrived in Philadelphia in 2020. And now that the 24-year-old quarterback has two seasons of NFL experience under his belt, he appears poised for a third-year breakout.

There have been glimpses of his full potential over the past two years, especially in 2021, when he threw for 3,144 yards and 16 touchdowns while also rushing for 784 yards and 10 scores. But those numbers could be much bigger in 2022.

Not only does the 24-year-old have a solid stable of running backs to turn to in the backfield, but the Eagles' receiving corps is also greatly improved. That's because they traded for A.J. Brown to be their No. 1 pass-catcher, which should also help the likes of DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins and tight end Dallas Goedert.

With more playmakers to utilize and a better knowledge of what to expect from NFL defenses, Hurts can develop into one of the most impactful QBs in the league this year.

Don't be surprised if he accounts for 40 total touchdowns, with a probable split of about 32 through the air and eight on the ground.

A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith Will Each Have More Than 1,000 Yards

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 03: A.J. Brown #11 and DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles look on during OTAs at the NovaCare Complex on June 3, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Neither Brown nor Smith reached 1,000 receiving yards during the 2021 season. The former, who was playing for the Tennessee Titans, had 63 catches for 869 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games; and the latter had 64 receptions for 916 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games during his rookie campaign.

Sure, they are now part of the same offense, but there should be plenty of passes to go around, especially if the Eagles are more likely to move the ball through the air at a higher frequency. So both playmakers are poised for big seasons.

In fact, Brown and Smith will both end up with more than 1,000 receiving yards, as they'll emerge as Hurts' top two targets in Philadelphia. Brown eclipsed that mark in each of his first two NFL seasons in 2019 and 2020, and Smith should take a step forward this year now that he has a year's worth of experience at this level.

The Eagles brought in Brown to boost one of their weaker position groups, and it should immediately pay dividends. Not only with the big numbers he'll put up but also with the way it should better open up Smith, who may not get quite as much attention from opposing defenses as he did last year.

Eagles Defense Will Finish in Top 10 in Sacks

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 12: Fletcher Cox #91 and Haason Reddick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the New York Jets during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 12, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Jets defeated the Eagles 24-21. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

How much of a difference can Haason Reddick make for a pass-rushing unit that was among the worst in the NFL in 2021? Likely a big one.

The 27-year-old was one of Philadelphia's top offseason acquisitions, and he will fill a huge hole for its defense. He's thrived in multiple defensive systems, as he had 12.5 sacks during his breakout season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 and then recorded 11 sacks last year in his lone season with the Carolina Panthers.

The Eagles also added two talented rookies to their front seven in defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean, a pair of former Georgia standouts. With those additions, it may give other players, such as Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and others, an easier path to opposing quarterbacks.

Last year, Philadelphia ranked 31st in the NFL with 29 sacks. Now that it has Reddick, who is likely to record double-digit sacks along other improving young players, it can end up in the top 10 in this stat in 2022.