Nate Allen is off to a strong start in his rookie interception with 2 interceptions and a sack through three games.

Replacing the heart and soul of the defense was not going to be an option when Brian Dawkins, a fan favorite since his rookie days in 1996, left the Eagles after the 2008 season. That day a large part of the culture and the fabric of the defense left with him.

Fans sorely miss his snarling game-face and his routine of running into the Linc at top speed while aerobically turning upside down as he whipped the home crowd into a frenzied state, completing his transformation from a mild-mannered individual into “Weapon X.”

This year, at age 36, Dawkins plays leader on a rejuvenated Denver team, while the average age of Eagles is 26. In Birds Nation, the debate rages on about whether this is indeed a rebuilding year or a ‘win now’ team with younger, less expensive players.

Last season it was frustrating to watch the defensive line’s inability to generate much pressure on opposing quarterbacks without resorting to the blitz, including the Week 17 and Wild Card debacles against the Cowboys. The blitz, once so highly effective for the Eagles, has played a lesser role as the established safeties and corners grew older and subsequently lost a few steps.

Now for the first time since Macho Harris last year and Corey Simon in 2000, the Eagles have defensive rookies who made opening day starts in Nate Allen and Brandon Graham. All eyes are on how these two starters impact a revamped defensive scheme. … [visit site to read more]