Philadelphia Eagles Preview: The Defense
The Team's Draft and Develop Skills to Be Put to the Test on Defense
Jun 15, 2009
Defensive end is the star position of the Eagles' front seven. The veteran trio of Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, and Darren Howard head up that rotation admirably. Victor Abiamiri and Chris Clemons provide solid depth to a group that should be an asset to Philadelphia's Super Bowl aspirations.
Broderick Bunkley, Dan Klecko, and Mike Patterson are, at the present time, an average group at defensive tackle. The undersized but quick trio need to create more plays behind the line of scrimmage before the defensive line can truly take off. Patterson, a former first round pick, is the main developmental member to look at. He is coming into his prime, resulting in huge production expectations.
Linebacker Help Wanted
It will be the production of defensive linemen like Patterson that will help out Philadelphia's young group of linebackers. Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither, Chris Cocong, and Akeem Jordan are the main young men in question.
The front office seems comfortable with their home grown personnel, but it is questionable whether that group can make enough plays to support a Super Bowl run. The team is banking on their development to get the defense over the hump, which could result in make or break circumstances from a set of linebackers that sorely need a veteran playmaker. Consider the core below average and the defense's biggest question mark.
A Premium Pair at Cornerback
Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown form one of the league's elite cornerback duos. Brown's contract squabble has quieted, and it appears as if he is prepared to move on without a holdout. That's great news for Eagles' fans.
Ellis Hobbs and Joselio Hanson provide great depth and strong options at nickelback and dimeback respectively. Jack Ikegwuonu and rookie Macho Harris round out the defense's deepest unit.
Longtime safety Brian Dawkins will not be back this year. The team feels good about their safety depth and options, so, ultimately, Dawkins' production may not be missed; it will be the veteran leadership that he provided that the team finds difficult to replace.
Quintin Mikell posted a breakthrough season in 2008, and he goes into the new year as the team's top safety. Sean Jones, Quintin Demps, and Rashad Baker will battle it out in training camp for the other starting spot. No matter the outcome, talent-wise, the Eagles' safety situation appears to be in good hands, despite the fan backlash that resulted from Brian Dawkins' departure.
Breaking Down the Philadelphia Eagles Defense
Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is not shy about using his elaborate blitz schemes. The 4-3 is not generally designed for aggressive interpretation, but Johnson has been teaching his own, successful brand of football for years.
The pass rush should be strong, as usual. The cornerback group is among the league's elite. But the team looks light and weak up the middle. The rush defense could be a sore spot unless some of the young guns take serious steps in their development. If the one weak spot on your team is your rush defense, the NFC East is the wrong division to be playing in.
The defense may end up as nothing more than above average. But a great offense could mean the Eagles are still playing by the time February hits.
Read more about the Philadelphia Eagles Offense.
