Picking Eagles Midseason MVPs On Both Sides Of The Ball
The Philadelphia Eagles are known for their all-around talent, and as the 2024 NFL season reaches its midpoint, the team’s performance has been a reflection of that strength. With the Eagles continuing to be Super Bowl contenders, many players have stood out on both sides of the ball. As the season enters the second half, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who has been the team’s most valuable player (MVP) on offense and defense?
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro and Reuben Frank, two seasoned Eagles reporters, have weighed in with their picks for the midseason MVPs. Both Zangaro and Frank bring their own perspectives and analysis to the table, considering both individual performance and overall impact on the team’s success. Here’s a breakdown of their choices for the offensive and defensive MVPs at the season’s midpoint.
**Offensive Midseason MVP: Jalen Hurts
Dave Zangaro’s Pick: **Jalen Hurts**
Zangaro’s choice for the Eagles’ offensive MVP is quarterback Jalen Hurts. It’s hard to argue with his selection, as Hurts has continued to be the centerpiece of an offense that ranks among the league’s best. In 2024, Hurts has taken another step forward in his development as a passer, while still maintaining the dual-threat ability that makes him one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
Hurts has showcased incredible poise, leadership, and efficiency. His ability to read defenses, make accurate throws, and extend plays with his legs has kept the Eagles’ offense clicking. Through the first half of the season, Hurts has thrown for over 2,000 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just 3 interceptions. His rushing ability remains a weapon, with several key touchdowns on the ground.
Hurts’ impact goes beyond the stats, though. He’s developed a strong rapport with his receiving corps, most notably A.J. Brown, and continues to get the best out of the Eagles’ offensive line and running backs. As a leader, his ability to rally the team, particularly in clutch moments, has been a defining trait.
Reuben Frank’s Pick: **A.J. Brown**
Frank, on the other hand, has chosen wide receiver A.J. Brown as his midseason MVP on offense. Brown, who was acquired via trade in 2022, has continued to be a dominant force in the passing game. Through the first half of the season, he has been one of the NFL’s leading receivers, with over 700 yards and 6 touchdowns, including several spectacular catches.
What makes Brown so valuable to the Eagles is not just his ability to accumulate yards and score touchdowns but also his consistency in key moments. Whether it’s converting a third down or making a big catch in the red zone, Brown has become Hurts’ most reliable weapon. His physicality, route-running, and ability to win contested catches make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Brown’s presence allows Hurts to have more options on offense, opening up the field for other players and creating opportunities in the running game. The chemistry between Hurts and Brown has only grown stronger, making the Eagles’ offense even more potent.
**Defensive Midseason MVP: Jalen Carter**
Dave Zangaro’s Pick: **Jalen Carter**
When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, Zangaro’s midseason MVP choice is rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The 9th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has lived up to the hype and has been a dominant force in the Eagles’ defensive front seven.
Carter’s ability to disrupt the pocket and stop the run has made him an invaluable asset. His combination of strength, speed, and football IQ has allowed him to make an immediate impact, and he’s quickly becoming one of the top defensive tackles in the league. Through the first half of the season, Carter has registered 5 sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, and multiple tackles for loss.
What’s even more impressive is his ability to play in all situations, whether it’s on passing downs or in short-yardage situations. His versatility in the defensive line rotation has kept opposing offenses off balance, and his presence has freed up other players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham to make plays.
Carter’s ability to collapse the pocket and cause chaos up front is a key reason why the Eagles’ defense has remained one of the top units in the league, and Zangaro credits him with being the most impactful defensive player on the roster at the halfway point of the season.
Reuben Frank’s Pick: **Darius Slay**
Frank’s pick for defensive MVP is veteran cornerback Darius Slay, who has continued to play at an elite level as one of the best cover corners in the NFL. At 33 years old, Slay’s ability to shut down top wide receivers and make critical plays in the passing game has been a key factor in the Eagles’ success on defense.
Slay has recorded 3 interceptions, including a pick-six, and has been a lockdown corner on the outside. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate routes, and maintain excellent coverage has allowed the Eagles to stifle passing attacks and force turnovers. He has also been a leader in the secondary, helping to mentor younger players like James Bradberry and rookie safety Sidney Brown.
Beyond the numbers, Slay’s experience and ability to make game-changing plays in crucial moments have been vital. His leadership on and off the field has helped the Eagles maintain their defensive identity as one of the toughest units in the NFL.
**Why These Picks Matter**
Both Zangaro and Frank’s choices reflect the immense talent across the roster and the high level of play that the Eagles have displayed. Offensively, both Hurts and Brown have been the pillars of the team’s success, with Hurts leading the offense as a dual-threat quarterback and Brown providing a dynamic receiving option. Defensively, Carter’s emergence as a disruptive force on the interior and Slay’s consistent shutdown ability on the perimeter are what make them stand out as top candidates.
The Eagles’ success in 2024 is due to a balanced attack on both sides of the ball, and these midseason MVP picks represent two key components of that balance. Whether it’s Hurts continuing to elevate his game as a leader and playmaker or Carter and Slay anchoring a fierce defense, the Eagles have multiple players who are making a case for being the team’s most valuable contributor.
**Looking Ahead to the Second Half**
As the Eagles look ahead to the second half of the season, the performances of these players will be crucial in determining the team’s playoff positioning and potential for another deep postseason run. Hurts and Brown will need to maintain their elite play on offense, while Carter and Slay will continue to anchor one of the league’s toughest defenses.
Ultimately, the Eagles’ midseason MVP selections from Zangaro and Frank highlight the depth of talent on this roster and the importance of both individual and team success. With key players stepping up on both sides of the ball, the Eagles are well-positioned to remain contenders throughout the rest of the 2024 season.
