Inside the Iggles
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Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon may not deserve all the criticism

By Geoffrey Knox

Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Dexter Lawrence #97, New York Giants sacks Taylor Heinicke #4, Washington Commanders (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Six of the seven NFL teams that blitz most often all have losing records.

Naturally, we could find reasons to bash Gannon. Sure, he could be more aggressive. Yes, it’s been discussed ad nauseam that the Eagles have been gashed by one rushing attack after another. We’ve even said that he could send the blitz from time to time when Philly is experiencing difficulty pressuring opposing quarterbacks with their defensive front from time to time. Would sending extra players more often fix things? Would fielding a blitz-happy defense lead to more wins?

It might help with some production, but it doesn’t seem to be working for other teams. The numbers suggest that six of the seven NFL teams that blitz most often all have losing records.

Check out the data:

  • New York Giants – blitzing on 37.8% of defensive snaps (7-4-1 record)
  • Green Bay Packers blitzing on 35.5% of defensive snaps (5-8 record)
  • Arizona Cardinals blitzing on 35.3% of defensive snaps (4-8 record)
  • Denver Broncos blitzing on 32.7% of defensive snaps (3-9 record)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers blitzing on 29.2% of defensive snaps (5-7 record)
  • Carolina Panthers blitzing on 28.9% of defensive snaps (4-8 record)
  • Detroit Lions blitzing on 28.6% of defensive snaps (5-7 record)

All of these teams had an even higher blitz percentage after Week 12, so even they seem to be blitzing less often in Week 13.

We all have our theories about the validity of the Giants’ turnaround. Some may see them as formidable. Either way, they’re winning, and that’s all that matters. Still, it appears that blitzing more often doesn’t equate to wins, and get this. The Eagles have somehow managed to get to the quarterback anyway.

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