The Philadelphia Eagles have been a dominant force in the NFL in recent years, and after their Super Bowl LVII appearance, many fans and analysts are still buzzing about how close they came to winning it all. But with a new season on the horizon, the Eagles are facing some major changes — and not just on the field. One of the team’s brightest stars, Devonta Smith, recently revealed some behind-the-scenes details that fans might not know, and it has serious implications for the team moving forward.

In an exclusive interview, the Super Bowl champion wide receiver pulled back the curtain on what’s really happening in the Eagles’ locker room, and it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While the Eagles have maintained their status as one of the NFC’s top teams, some internal shifts are taking place that could change the course of their future.

The Departure of Key Players: What Fans Don’t See Coming

One of the biggest revelations from Smith’s interview was the departure of key players who were part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run. While fans are well aware of the team’s offensive and defensive stars like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Lane Johnson, what they might not know is how much the team has changed at a foundational level. The Eagles have lost several crucial pieces who helped them reach the pinnacle of success.

Smith, known for his calm demeanor and sharp football IQ, explained how the team has had to adjust to the absence of certain veterans who were instrumental in shaping the Eagles’ locker room culture. “We’ve lost some big names, some guys who were really the heartbeat of this team,” Smith said. “And it’s not just the players, but also the leadership. That stuff doesn’t get talked about enough.”

Key defensive players like T.J. Edwards and Javon Hargrave have moved on to new teams, leaving holes that need to be filled in both talent and leadership. On the offensive side, the Eagles have also seen some changes in their depth chart, particularly with the departure of some valuable backup players. While the Eagles’ core remains strong, it’s clear that the team has experienced turnover that will require an adjustment period.

Devonta Smith’s Perspective: The Reality of Team Chemistry

Devonta Smith is no stranger to the grind of an NFL season, and he knows that winning a Super Bowl isn’t just about what happens on the field; it’s about the chemistry and culture in the locker room. With the departure of key veterans, Smith stressed that the team’s chemistry has shifted, but he remains confident in the ability of the younger players to step up.

“It’s a different vibe now, but it’s also an opportunity for the younger guys to take that next step. It’s all about who’s ready to step up and fill the gaps,” Smith explained. “Some of the guys we lost were big personalities, leaders, but this team is still very strong. It’s just going to take some time to get used to the new roles.”

Smith is particularly excited about how some of the young players, like DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins, have matured and developed their games. But he also hinted that the Eagles’ leadership dynamic is evolving, and that could play a big role in the team’s success or struggles moving forward.

Jalen Hurts: The Rock of the Team

Despite the departures, Smith was quick to highlight that one thing hasn’t changed for the Eagles: Jalen Hurts. Hurts, coming off a monster season and Super Bowl performance, has solidified himself as the face of the franchise. And for Smith, Hurts is the constant that keeps the Eagles competitive.

“We know who Jalen is now. He’s not just the quarterback; he’s the leader. The way he commands respect in that locker room, the way he gets us all to follow him, it’s something special,” Smith said. “I’ve never been on a team where the leader is so calm under pressure, yet so intense when it matters most.”

Hurts’ ability to lead, both with his play on the field and his demeanor in the locker room, has been key in maintaining the Eagles’ championship aspirations. And with Hurts locked in for the long haul, the Eagles have a clear leader who can keep the team focused despite any internal changes.

The Tough Road Ahead: Will the Eagles Rebuild or Reload?

While the Eagles have done a great job reloading their roster, they’re not without their challenges. The departure of players like Edwards and Hargrave means that the defense will need to find new stars to step up, especially as they continue to compete in a highly competitive NFC East division. The team also faces questions about how their offense will adapt to the loss of some of their depth at the wide receiver and running back positions.

But Smith remains optimistic that the Eagles can remain a top contender. He believes that while it’s going to take time to get the new pieces to gel, the foundation is already in place. “We’ve got the talent. We’ve got the right pieces in place. Now it’s just about building those relationships and getting the communication down,” Smith said. “We’ve got work to do, but I believe in this team. We’ve got the right people in charge, and that’s half the battle.”

What Fans Can Expect in the 2023 Season

Looking ahead to the 2023 season, fans can expect the Eagles to still be one of the top teams in the NFC. However, there may be some growing pains as the team adapts to changes in both personnel and leadership dynamics. With Jalen Hurts continuing to develop into one of the league’s top quarterbacks and Devonta Smith emerging as a true star in the wide receiver role, the Eagles still have the tools to compete at the highest level.

But Devonta Smith’s revelations about the internal adjustments the team must make show that this isn’t going to be an easy road back to the Super Bowl. The Eagles will need their younger players to step up in a big way, and that may take some time. The leadership void left by key departures could also present some challenges, but with a roster full of hungry players and a coaching staff led by Nick Sirianni, the Eagles aren’t likely to fade away anytime soon.

Conclusion: The Eagles Are Still in the Hunt

While the loss of some key Super Bowl champions could be a concern for the Eagles, Devonta Smith’s insights remind us that this team has the talent, leadership, and determination to reload and compete again. Fans may not realize how much has changed behind the scenes, but the Eagles’ core is still strong, and they’re far from done. With Jalen Hurts at the helm and a squad full of hungry players ready to rise to the occasion, the Eagles will continue to be a force to reckon with in the NFL for the foreseeable future.

Despite the turnover, the Eagles’ Super Bowl window is far from closed. It’s just going to take a little bit of time for this new chapter to unfold. The NFL better be ready — the Eagles are still coming.