Inside the Iggles
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ESPN names 6 Philadelphia Eagles who will shape 2018’s season

By Geoffrey Knox

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jay Ajayi #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jay Ajayi #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the third quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers the ball after teammate Brandon Graham #55 sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers the ball after teammate Brandon Graham #55 sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

A few of Philly’s defensive standouts are mentioned.

The Eagles’ defense, after finishing fourth in both points and yards allowed and first against the run, are set for another successful season in Jim Schwartz’s scheme. ESPN mentioned three of their more intriguing play makers, Ronald Darby, Derek Barnett and Michael Bennett.

Here’s their opinion of the two guys who will help anchor a deep group of defensive linemen:

"The champs are still as deep up front as anyone: The Super Bowl wasn’t the greatest showcase of how good last season’s Eagles were on defense, but with second-year pass-rusher Derek Barnett set for an expanded role and Michael Bennett joining an already-stacked defensive line, the depth in the front seven should help them be one of the league’s best defenses for the second year in a row."

Here’s the skinny on Darby, one of the guys Graziano thinks will cash in if he has a big year:

"He had a strong 2015 rookie season in Buffalo, and in his third year he helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl. Darby will be 25 when free agency opens in 2019, and with a strong 2018 he could be in position to cash in big."

The Eagles are set up for another huge year in 2018. In the process, we may see some of our questions answered. Will Philly make another deep playoff run and possibly appear in another Super Bowl? Will Darby and Ajayi have huge years and prove that they should be in this team’s long-term plans (they’re both in the final years of their contracts)?

Next: Eagles QB Carson Wentz hosts a charity softball game

We’ll have to wait and see how things turn out. We know one thing for sure. These six men will definitely have a lot to do with how things shake out.

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