The Eagles appear to be a much different team than they were a year ago. Two one-point wins to open the season in games they simply would have folded in a season ago has fans hopeful that the 2012 Eagles could be on the verge of something special. Surely, Juan Castillo has made some improvements in year two as his defense remains talented, but looks like a far more cohesive unit. So what’s behind the renaissance? According to Matt Lombardo, Eagles’ defensive end Brandon Graham says it’s all about leadership.

“I just think the leadership,” said Graham. “They got everybody out that was the cancer as they say. But I feel like everyone is more focused, determined and we had that taste last year of not going and don’t want to go through that same feeling again this year.”

So let’s use some deductive reasoning here. DeMeco Ryans? Definite leader. That helps. Mychal Kendricks has added youthful energy and a playmaking presence at linebacker, too. Can’t hurt. But in terms of cutting out cancers? That has to be a dig at Asante Samuel, and frankly, I couldn’t agree more.

I know Samuel had his share of fans here in Philadelphia. Nobody will argue his talent. He was brought to Philadelphia from New England prior to the 2008 season to make big plays and he did just that, but it was evident that Samuel felt disrespected and was a malcontent last season. When one of your highest-paid and most talented players does his own thing, it can throw the entire chemistry of a unit off. So is Graham taking a shot at Samuel? Yeah, maybe. But is he right? You’re damn straight he is.

We now have statistical proof to confirm what we already suspected–the Eagles’ cornerbacks were terrible last year. They couldn’t cover, had mental breakdowns at inopportune times, and they were especially horrific tacklers. And that’s where Pro Football Focus’ data helps us understand just how bad Asante Samuel, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel were.

The scariest revelation made by PFF? Asante Samuel was actually the best tackler of the trio.

Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie rated as two of the four worst tacklers in football last season. Samuel, a notoriously putrid hitter, finished 11th worst.

New seconday coach Todd Bowles is going to have his work cut out for him this offseason.

Bowles will try to improve his secondary’s technique while simultaneously grow their balls in an attempt to prevent plays like the one pictured above from occuring in 2012. It was plays such as Victor Cruz’ long catch and run in Week 3 that kept the Eagles out of the playoffs, and consequently, allowed the Giants to win the Super Bowl. Good stuff.

Bleeding Green Nation had the story on Monday–credit to them for finding this one.

The 45 interceptions over his nine-year career are a testament to that. And of the 23 picks he’s had in his four years in Philadelphia in 2008, quite a few have been game changers.
Problem is, of course, he’s often unfocused, running his mouth, and avoiding tackles.

But today Asante decided to lend his hand to some charity work in Southwest Philly. And that’s commendable on his part. Because anytime you can help a community you will surely not be a part of this upcoming season, well, that’s good stuff.