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Gregg Rosenthal gives Philadelphia Eagles front seven some love

By Geoffrey Knox

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Questions have surrounded the Eagles on defense recently, but fans should be happy when they see what’s been written about their front seven.

Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles saw both moments of greatness and witnessed some truly embarrassing times. Home games ended undefeated streaks. Look no further than the Minnesota Vikings game. Unfortunately, performances like this one were immediately forgotten about when the defense couldn’t make the necessary plays in the fourth quarter or overtime. For an example, just think about what happened in Arlington against the Dallas Cowboys.

Throw in, still, other games where the defense was accused by some of quitting (a December 4th loss against the Cincinnati Bengals), and the immediate reaction became panic in some cases. That was followed by the hope that this unit would upgrade at some of the key positions in the off-season. The Eagles brass took notes. What came shortly thereafter was a very successful off-season.

Key additions:

Losing defensive tackle Bennie Logan felt like a step backwards. Then, Timmy Jernigan was added from the Baltimore Ravens shortly thereafter. Defensive end Chris Long was added via free agency, and Derek Barnett was selected 14th in the 2017 NFL Draft. Excitement’s beginning to build as corrections have been made in the secondary, most notably the addition of Patrick Robinson and two young corners that were added in the draft.

Related Story: 5 Possible targets at linebacker in 2018

Looking ahead:

The hope is that all three levels of the defensive unit can play better. If the Eagles are able to cover better and make plays in the passing game, the front seven should be helped out tremendously. Still, all the pressure can’t be placed on the secondary. The defensive line will need to do a better job of creating pressure and more plays need to be made at the second level.

NFL.com seems to believe the Eagles are on the right track. In a recent article written by Around The NFL editor Gregg Rosenthal, the Eagles were seen as having one of the top front seven units in the league.

Here’s an excerpt from that article:

"“Philadelphia’s cornerbacks made this group look worse that it really was last season. The Eagles’ front consistently applied pressure under Jim Schwartz. And the unit boasts enviable depth, with players like Chris Long and Beau Allen not listed above. (Fletcher) Cox and (Brandon) Graham would be bigger stars if the Eagles weren’t knee-deep in that 7-9 bull—- the last two seasons. (Timmy) Jernigan and (Derek) Barnett should add more juice than departed Eagles Connor Barwin and Bennie Logan supplied.”"

That’s some great news for fans of this team and one more reason to get excited about the 2017 season.

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