Philadelphia Eagles Defense Transformation

Oct 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback

(23) knocks ball away from St. Louis Rams tight end

(89) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Rams, 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles Defense Transformation: Cornerback

Having addressed the glaring need at safety, the Eagles were now able to “shop” for the remaining defense slots.  The first to come onboard was former Miami cornerback Nolan Carroll.    While Caroll did not wrest a starting spot, he brings a solid compliment to add to the skills of cornerback Brandon “boy-king” Boykin.   Carroll adds added depth to the roster, and becomes an integral part of the dime package that was so absent last year.

Additionally, his presence give Davis blitz options that he did not have in 2013.    One of the greatest deficiencies of the 2013 defense was the inability to execute a dime package.   Defenses in a standard 3-4 use four defensive backs.   In a passing down, defenses can opt to replace a linebacker with a fifth defensive back (lending itself to the term “nickel” package).  By adding a sixth defensive back and a fourth pass rusher on the line, the formation becomes the “dime”.

With safeties Nate Allen, Malcolm Jenkins and cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher, Cary Williams, Brandon Boykin, and now Nolan Carroll, the Eagles now have the personnel to support the dime.

The Eagles pass defense if often pointed out, as they have surrendered 13 touchdowns and 1,539 yards, both far from the best of the NFL this year.

“We were so excited after the first half, really three quarters.  Then they started throwing the ball on every down and making plays. We have to get that fixed, and we will. I’m confident we will.” – Billy Davis after defeating the St. Louis Rams.

But under the numbers, there is a different story.   Due to the Eagles rapid press offense, opposing teams get “more plays” to run.   In that framework, the Eagles have faced the second most number of passes in the NFL at 232 in six games.   Despite this passing siege upon them, they have held offenses to 7.2 yards per attempt, good for 13th in the NFL.   Placing Eagles allowing 137 completions to the 232 passes they’ve defended reveals that the Eagles pass defense is fifth best in the league.

While Jenkins has led the NFL in interceptions, he stands alone on the Eagles roster for interceptions.