3 Eagles judgment errors that elevated the Ravens while stifling Philadelphia

Philly allows Dennard Wilson to walk and land in Baltimore.

The most disheartening thing we have seen involving the Eagles' late-season collapse has been body language and the obvious lack of direction. Losing DeVonta Smith to injury was painful to watch. Knowing he was lost because he played the role of lead blocker on a screen pass thrown to Kenny Gainwell in a third-and-20 scenario is infuriating.

A.J. Brown isn't talking to the media. We're seeing sideline shots of Josh Sweat with his head in his hands. We keep coming back to one thought and one word. That word is 'coaching'. Philly's staff has been a disappointment, and they lost a good one before the regular season began. Dennard Wilson was allowed out of the door. He moved on to Baltimore, and you guessed it. He has elevated the Ravens' secondary.

Make no mistake about it. Wilson had the respect and trust of his players. Darius Slay constantly discussed his brilliance. Under Wilson's watch as the Eagles' defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator during the 2022–2023 NFL season, Philly's passing defense finished 1st in the NFL while helping the unit as a whole to a #2 rating in the NFL.

James Bradberry earned an All-Pro designation. Darius Slay was named to his fifth Pro Bowl.C. J. Gardner-Johnson was converted from slot corner to safety and led the NFL in interceptions while appearing in only 12 games.

Wilson got the best out of Marcus Epps and helped an undrafted rookie, Reed Blankenship, earn a spot on the roster. We thought Wilson had earned his opportunity to help lead the Eagles as their defensive coordinator. Instead, we watched Sean Desai and Matt Patricia call plays. How's that working out?

We'll leave you with this. Watch Kyle Hamilton and the Ravens' secondary play defense when you have a moment. Dennard Wilson would have been a valuable asset to the 2023 Eagles. Instead, he's in Baltimore, and the Ravens are winning. Friends, we can promise you that's more than a coincidence.

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