The Eagles defense was a major concern early in the season. Concerning performances against the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons made fans weary of the season ahead. Even with a bounce-back game against the New Orleans Saints, the problem blew up again the following week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, since the bye week, the Eagles have slowly been building up the defense. Now, it seems like the players have completely bought into Vic Fangio’s defense. The defensive line has been tremendously better compared to the beginning of the season, and the young Eagles defense has been flourishing.
The Difference Makers
Going into the season, everyone knew of the Eagles talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, the new defensive scheme and pieces took a while to gel. Yet, the defense took off when Fangio started trusting in the young players. The Eagles defense has been the second-best in pass defense, and the reason lies with the two rookie defensive backs, Quinyon Michell and Cooper Dejean.
Together, they have transformed the Eagles cornerback room to one of the best in football to go along with Darius Slay. Mitchell has been a true shutdown corner capable of going one-on-one with the best in the league already. While Dejean has been a force in coverage, he’s been a monster making tackles in the open field and being a type of Swiss army knife for the Eagles defense.
Credit is also due to the Eagles front seven, a unit that struggled the most in the early part of the season. Jalen Carter has blossomed into one of the best defensive players in football, causing constant chaos. Zack Baun has been the surprise of this Eagles team and is putting together an arguable All-Pro type of season at linebacker. Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith have been picking up the slack left behind by Bryce Huff, and Nakobe Dean has been improving weekly.
What the Eagles Defense Does Going Forward
The Eagles have given up over 20 points once in the last six games and that trend should continue for much of the regular season. The Eagles will match up well against the pass-heavy offense in the NFC. Even against the Detroit Lions, the Eagles defense can play to stop the run and feel comfortable with their corners in one-on-one matchups.
Also, the biggest positive of the defense is the help it provides the Eagles offense. With a stifling defense, the Eagles can play an uglier brand of football that suits them best. With their offensive line, Saquon Barkley, and Hurts running ability, they can win games with time of possession. Moreover, they can avoid being so pass-happy and getting themselves into those lulls offensively.
After a tough start, the Eagles defense has turned it around and is poised for a strong finish to the regular season. With plenty of football left, this young Eagles defense can get even better. They take on the Los Angeles Rams in Sofi Stadium this week on Sunday night.
Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
