Eagles schedule: Reasonable expectations for Jonathan Gannon’s defense

If this Eagles defense doesn’t soar in 2022, Jonathan Gannon is the problem.

Do you remember the first time you heard that Jonathan Gannon was a head-coaching candidate and that he had interviews set up? Do you remember how you felt? That news landed much differently in Philadelphia Eagles-centered circles than it did everywhere else.

Most Birds fans immediately thought of the way his defense struggled versus some of the elite quarterbacks and offenses that their team played. Whether fair or unfair, questions were asked about what it was about Philly’s defensive coordinator that made him so attractive to three NFL franchises.

Now, we have to give credit where it’s due. J.G. knows the game. His football I.Q. is through the roof, and while he had talent to work with on the roster in 2021, significant upgrades can be found all over the Eagles’ defense. With another year for many of the veterans in Jonathan Gannon’s system and with all the additional firepower he’s been given, the results should be optimal.

Here’s where we stand on everything. Many of you may even agree. There is no way that any excuses can be made now. If this Eagles defense doesn’t live up to the expectations during the 2022-2023 NFL season, J.G. is the problem. He has everything he needs to be successful and run any kind of defensive attack that he wants.

Last year, there was some debate over whether he was limited by the talent that he had or whether he was just limited as a defensive coordinator. In all honesty, our staff at Inside The Iggles is pretty confident. We believe in him. We’re expecting another step in the right direction. Here are some reasonable expectations for the coming NFL season and what that might produce from a statistical standpoint.