The Philadelphia Eagles defense is on a mission to be the NFL’s top unit this season, a bold prediction for a squad that was already a top 10 force last year and has arguably only gotten better. After what we saw last season, you’d be crazy not to think this Vic Fangio-led defense has the potential to be an absolute monster. They are built to carry the team, especially with some legit questions swirling around the offense.
Fangio’s Firepower: A Secondary Rises, D-Line Wrecks Games
Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, this unit has incredible continuity, and that’s a huge reason for the hype. The secondary, already Super Bowl-tested, is flat out ascending. Adding Riq Woolen in free agency was a massive pickup, and get this, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were both first-team All-Pro in just their second year. That’s insane production. Up front, the interior defensive line duo of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis is an absolute strength. These guys can wreck games with raw power right up the gut, no doubt about it. You’ve also got Jihaad Campbell, who’s entering his second season as a versatile linebacker with immense upside, and veteran Pro Bowler Zack Baun bringing some serious savvy to the group. It’s a stacked lineup that looks ready to dominate.
Edge Rush Questions Loom As Offense Transitions
While the defense looks like a beast, there are still some lingering questions, particularly around the edge rush. The Eagles have been in the bottom half of the league in pressure rate for three straight seasons, and that’s a stat that just has to improve. Losing Jaelan Phillips, who heated up quarterbacks in the back half of last year before signing with Carolina, stings. They did trade for Jonathan Greenard and immediately extended him, but he’s been battling a nagging pectoral injury this summer. Good news, though: he’s off the PUP list and on the initial 53-man roster, so he should be nearing a return. Moro Ojomo is expected to step up in the meantime, but losing Greenard for any stretch is a blow to that pass rush. These defensive front seven guys have to step up big time, especially since the offense is dealing with some “myriad and totally legitimate” questions, including a new coordinator, Sean Mannion, who’s a first-time playcaller, and the departure of longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. Plus, they traded away A.J. Brown.
This defense is going to have to be the rock for a transitioning offense as they work through those early-season growing pains. If Fangio’s crew lives up to its “absolute monster” potential, it’s gonna be a fun season to watch them wreak havoc.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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