Since 2000, the Eagles have been consistent playoff contenders in the NFC, finishing only one season under .500. During the decade, despite having an offensive-minded head coach and offensive stars such as Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, the team's backbone has been Jim Johnson's aggressive defense.
When that unit has made key plays and limited opponents' scoring, the Eagles have been more successful. But last year, except in a few key games, both the solid and the spectacular elements were missing from the defense.
It didn't help that longtime linebackers/defensive backs coach Steve Spagnuolo took the system he learned under Johnson to New York and made the division-rival Giants the league's top pass-rushing defense. The Eagles were beaten at their own game in their own division.
Despite sending a defensive end, Trent Cole, to the Pro Bowl, the Eagles finished with a so-so total of 37 sacks, and Cole (12 1/2) provided more than a third of them.
On the last line of pass defense, the secondary, injuries were a major problem. Cornerback Lito Sheppard missed five games, while safety and unit leader Brian Dawkins missed six, contributing to the team finishing dead last in the league with only 11 interceptions.
The Eagles managed to be pretty strong against the run because of good interior line and linebacker play, but they didn't really strike fear into teams by swarming after quarterbacks and forcing them into big mistakes.
The defense did have one surprising stand against the high-powered Cowboys offense in an impressive Week 15 victory. Philly recorded three sacks and three picks of Tony Romo in a 10-6 win. Not surprisingly, both Sheppard and Dawkins were active for that game.
The Eagles will need many more performances like the one they enjoyed in Dallas to get back into contention for a playoff spot in a very tough NFC East. However, there's hope they can do it with a cleaner bill of health and improved personnel.
The strength of last year's team was up front, where Cole and young tackles Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley combined to anchor the defensive line. Former Titan Juqua Parker showed promise in seven starts last season, and the addition of former Raider Chris Clemons (eight sacks) will bolster both the team's edge pass rush and its overall depth. At linebacker, Omar Gaither will be more comfortable making plays after moving from the middle to the weak side.
Of course, there is that monster offseason addition in the secondary. Philly obtained arguably the best player on the free-agent market: cornerback Asante Samuel. Samuel, with 16 interceptions over his final two seasons in New England, has emerged as one the game's most dangerous ballhawks. Not only does he reinvigorate the Eagles' takeaway potential, but he also allows them to have a fine nickel package that includes '07 starters Sheppard and Sheldon Brown.
After a down year, Johnson should be much happier with the results this season. The defense can take a huge leap with Samuel's presence as the driving force.
The offense is the source of the team's second burning question: What should be expected from McNabb? But if the defense regains its old swagger, that question won't matter as much. As the team proved as recently as 2006, it can win plenty of games when the defense is operating at a high level, supplemented by heavy doses of Brian Westbrook and the running game.
Philadelphia finished in the division basement and was the only team in the NFC East not to make the playoffs last season, but it still was 8-8 and proved it could play with the 13-3 Cowboys when everything was clicking.
The Eagles have improved their roster and gotten healthy enough on defense to turn the NFC East standings upside down. With a little help from the offense, worst to first isn't as big of a jump as you might think.
Original Story:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/vie....
When that unit has made key plays and limited opponents' scoring, the Eagles have been more successful. But last year, except in a few key games, both the solid and the spectacular elements were missing from the defense.
It didn't help that longtime linebackers/defensive backs coach Steve Spagnuolo took the system he learned under Johnson to New York and made the division-rival Giants the league's top pass-rushing defense. The Eagles were beaten at their own game in their own division.
Despite sending a defensive end, Trent Cole, to the Pro Bowl, the Eagles finished with a so-so total of 37 sacks, and Cole (12 1/2) provided more than a third of them.
On the last line of pass defense, the secondary, injuries were a major problem. Cornerback Lito Sheppard missed five games, while safety and unit leader Brian Dawkins missed six, contributing to the team finishing dead last in the league with only 11 interceptions.
The Eagles managed to be pretty strong against the run because of good interior line and linebacker play, but they didn't really strike fear into teams by swarming after quarterbacks and forcing them into big mistakes.
The defense did have one surprising stand against the high-powered Cowboys offense in an impressive Week 15 victory. Philly recorded three sacks and three picks of Tony Romo in a 10-6 win. Not surprisingly, both Sheppard and Dawkins were active for that game.
The Eagles will need many more performances like the one they enjoyed in Dallas to get back into contention for a playoff spot in a very tough NFC East. However, there's hope they can do it with a cleaner bill of health and improved personnel.
The strength of last year's team was up front, where Cole and young tackles Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley combined to anchor the defensive line. Former Titan Juqua Parker showed promise in seven starts last season, and the addition of former Raider Chris Clemons (eight sacks) will bolster both the team's edge pass rush and its overall depth. At linebacker, Omar Gaither will be more comfortable making plays after moving from the middle to the weak side.
Of course, there is that monster offseason addition in the secondary. Philly obtained arguably the best player on the free-agent market: cornerback Asante Samuel. Samuel, with 16 interceptions over his final two seasons in New England, has emerged as one the game's most dangerous ballhawks. Not only does he reinvigorate the Eagles' takeaway potential, but he also allows them to have a fine nickel package that includes '07 starters Sheppard and Sheldon Brown.
After a down year, Johnson should be much happier with the results this season. The defense can take a huge leap with Samuel's presence as the driving force.
The offense is the source of the team's second burning question: What should be expected from McNabb? But if the defense regains its old swagger, that question won't matter as much. As the team proved as recently as 2006, it can win plenty of games when the defense is operating at a high level, supplemented by heavy doses of Brian Westbrook and the running game.
Philadelphia finished in the division basement and was the only team in the NFC East not to make the playoffs last season, but it still was 8-8 and proved it could play with the 13-3 Cowboys when everything was clicking.
The Eagles have improved their roster and gotten healthy enough on defense to turn the NFC East standings upside down. With a little help from the offense, worst to first isn't as big of a jump as you might think.
Original Story:
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/vie....
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