With OTAs revealing there is still much work to be done on a revamped Philadelphia Eagles offense, the defense hummed along, hinting at an upcoming campaign that could see the unit reclaim top billing league-wide.
Acccording to The Athletic's Zach Berman, the defense sprinted past an evolving offense, one still learning to run full speed as a group in OTA's.
"The defense is the biggest reason for optimism about the Eagles and raises their floor on the season. It was so far ahead of the offense this spring, which you would expect: It’s Year 3 in Fangio’s scheme and they return seven starters from last year. Woolen is a major upgrade at cornerback, giving the Eagles the best cornerback trio in the NFL.
The defensive front is loaded and in the primes of their career. We didn’t see Carter or Greenard in team drills this spring, so the Eagles will add two blue-chippers to a front that includes Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith.
It’s hard to say this will be Fangio’s best defense because the defense finished No. 1 in 2024, but the personnel might be better and they have experience in the system. Zack Baun said Fangio is ready to take the defense to a “different level” because of the familiarity with the players. That should be a scary thought for opposing offenses."
Fast-rising talent at all three levels for Eagles
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, of course, squashed rumors of retirement to return for a third season at the helm, and this could be the strongest collection of talent he's worked with in an NFL coaching career spanning five decades.
Reviewing all three levels of the defense, the biggest names remain from 2024's remarkable Super Bowl LIX display. Not only that, the progression of the core continues to unfold. Ojomo has vaulted from a role player to a budding star in the trenches, while Jordan Davis has realized his full potential and Carter continues his ascension into one of the very best in the game up front.
Hunt and Smith are still fast-developing at edge rusher, and overall, the pass-rushing element within the front seven now has strong depth, thanks to the additions of Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie, and A.J. Epenesa.
Jihaad Campbell should take a jump in production in Year 2 on the inside, while Tariq Woolen has wasted no time in making plays in midnight green.
There's size, speed, and playmaking ability abound with this group. And of course, there's familiarity with Fangio and his system, too.
Read more: NFL analyst says the quiet part out loud about Eagles' newest addition
The words from Baun can serve as a warning shot to the league: Fangio is primed to take things to a whole new level for this unit. The famed coordinator is back, and this defense appears to be on the cusp of greatness.
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