Can Philadelphia Eagles Reinvent Big Red’s Magic?

It’s All About The Defense

Since the passing of the late Jim Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles have not had a top five defense. Their 2008 version was third best in the league with just 4,389 yards surrendered and 18.1 points per game.  By 2009, the team plummeted to 12th in the league, giving up 5,137 yards and 21.1 points per game.  In 2011, the team did manage eighth in the NFL with 5,198 yards and 20.5 points per game.

After Jim Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator attempted to name his own suitor in bringing on Sean McDermott.  He became interim defensive coordinator on May 2009, and with the passing of Johnson, assumed the defense full time until he was fired at the end of the 2010 season.  Following that, Andy Reid promoted long time offensive line coach Juan Castillo to defensive coordinator, a role he would hold for just over a year, being fired in October 2012.  His replacement was Todd Bowles, who was brought on to coach the team’s defensive secondary.  Bowles would last through the 2012 season.

In 2013, the team hired Chip Kelly as head coach, who in turn brought on Billy Davis for the defensive coordinator responsibilities.  While the Eagles offense performed well enough under Kelly, the defense struggled.  In 2016, the Eagles hired Doug Pederson as the head coach, who hired Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator.

Next: Schwartz Could Be the Defensive Answer