Everyone is concerned about the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, but oh man, everyone is also nervous about the defense for a much different reason.
This Eagles offense is in a transitional period, with Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator and nearly all-new weapons on offense. The same can't really be said about the defense, though, outside of a few new faces.
Philly's defense already looks like one of the best units in the NFL. That's why no one doubts that they are about to go off in 2026.
Eagles' defense is looking really good entering the 2026 season
ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano made his bold predictions for each team entering the 2026 campaign. For the Eagles, he thinks they will have the best defense in the league.
"The questions on offense in Philadelphia are myriad and totally legitimate. The new coordinator, Sean Mannion, is a first-time playcaller and in just his third year as a coach at any level. Longtime offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland's departure leaves a void, too. The Eagles also traded their best receiver to the Patriots in A.J. Brown. And on and on. Regardless, the Vic Fangio defense should be an absolute monster.
Sure, the Jonathan Greenard pec strain is a blow to the pass rush, but he shouldn't be out too long, and the Eagles expect guys such as Moro Ojomo to contribute there in the meantime. Jihaad Campbell should make an impact in his second season at linebacker, too. The secondary, fortified by the free agent addition of Riq Woolen, is ascending and already Super Bowl-tested. The interior defensive line duo of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis is a strength. And the continuity under Fangio is a big reason to believe this unit will only be better. The Eagles look like the kind of defense that can carry a transitioning offense through early-season growing pains."
Last year, this defensive unit was in the top 15 in yards allowed and points allowed. They struggled early without a consistent pass rush, but after trading for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, that changed completely, and they were arguably the best defense in the NFL in the back half of the year.
Phillips is no longer there, but the Eagles do have Greenard, still despite his pectoral injury. There is a lot more hope for Jalyx Hunt after leading the team in sacks (six) and interceptions (three) last year for the Eagles.
While the edge rushers might get more attention, this defensive line is insane with Carter, Davis, and Ojomo. That doesn't even include second-year defensive tackle Ty Robinson, who is coming off a three-sack preseason.
This defense had questions about the safety position after Reed Blankenship's departure, but Marcus Epps and Michael Carter II have played well enough to build their confidence. Andrew Mukuba is healthy again and showed great progress in training camp. Despite those questions in the secondary, it helps to have All-Pros Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean back there helping.
Even at linebacker, despite Nakobe Dean being gone, Jihaad Campbell looks ready for a full-time starting job. Don't sleep on Jeremiah Trotter Jr., though, because his spectacular training camp only shows that he's ready for his breakout season in Year 3.
Read more: Ranking exact order of Jalen Hurts' Eagles passing targets in 2026
Philly's offense might be warranted a little bit of doubt, but this defense is everything fans think they will be. They are ready for another monsterous season that will match more closelymonstrous what the 2024 unit looked like.
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