3 things we'd love to see from the Eagles defense during their first preseason game of 2023
By Jake Beckman
Inquiring minds would like to know. What can we expect from the Eagles defense on Saturday?
You'd think Nick Sirianni, Howie Roseman, and company wrote the book on this, but they didn't. The Philadelphia Eagles aren't the only NFL team that plays with their cards close to their vest in preseason games. They just took things to another level, No coach wants to show much of their offensive or defensive playbook in games that don’t matter, and you can best believe that's a strategy that will be employed on Saturday evening.
Perhaps you have heard. The Eagles have hired a new defensive coordinator, Sean Desai. He’s not necessarily new to that position as he held the same title for the Chicago Bears in 2021, so we can take some solace in knowing that he has experience. Inquiring minds want to know what's in store.
Let’s look at how Sean Desai’s defense in Chicago compares to the Eagles' defense from last year.
2021 Bears Defense | 2022 Eagles Defense | |
|---|---|---|
Opp. Yards/ Rush attempt | 4.4 (19th) | 4.7 (24th) |
Opp. Yards/ Completion | 10.4 (19th) | 8.6 (1st) |
Opp. 3rd Down Efficiency | 38.39% (11th) | 38.49% (12th) |
Opp. Points/Game | 23.9 (21st) | 19.8 (7th) |
DVOA | -.9% (13th) | -9.7% (6th) |
EPA/Play Allowed | 0.032 (22nd) | -0.063 (4th) |
Opp. Average Team Passer Rating | 103.3 (32nd) | 82.4 (5th) |
*Data collected from TeamRankings.com, rbsdm.com, and FootballOutsiders.com
It’s important to remember that the talent level of the Eagles 2022 defense dwarfed that of the Bears’ 2021 defense, so however much you want to read into those numbers is up to you. The fact of the matter is that Sean Desai is in a tough spot because his defense this year is going to constantly be compared to the Eagles' historic defense from the 2022 NFL season.
We’re going to see a glimpse of his defensive scheme for the first time on Saturday. Here are a few things that we’re going to be looking for from him and the players during the preseason game against the Ravens.