Why the Eagles Defense will be a Top 5 Unit

Hammertime52 · Joined: 15 Jan 2012 Posts: 5106 Location: South Jersey

The Eagles have always been known for their ability to smack you in the mouth on the defensive side of the ball. Recently the defense hasnt been as stout since the loss of Jeremiah Trotter and Brian Dawkins, but i think this defense can be as good as ever.

Leadership

For the first time in a long time the Eagles have an emotional leader in the middle of the defense. The addition of Demeco Ryans will pay off huge for us. Jamar Chaney wasnt a bad player, but he didnt play with the tenacity Demeco does.

Athleticism

Weve added some stellar athletes to the defense and i think it will pay off. Brandon Boykin who will more then likely win the slot cornerback job, plays twice as big as he is. He has an insane vertical leap and will be able the shadow receivers across the middle.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will bring size, and speed to the outside cornerback spot. He has the speed to keep up with any receiver down the sideline and the length to deflect any ball.

Fletcher Cox has the ability to thrive off of the Wide 9, Jim Washburn said he was born to play in it. He can play as a NT or as UT. He has elite pass rushing skills, and can stop the run adequetly.

Mychal Kendricks has elite speed for a linebacker. He ran a 4.47 at the combine and can keep up with almost anyone on the offense. He can stop the run, but sometimes gets swallowed up by offensive lineman.

Experience

There will be only one rookie starting in the defense, Mychal Kendricks, but he will be ready for Week 1 the way we wish Casey Matthews was. Demeco will be the head man in charge of this defense and for good reason. Trent Cole, Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin will make all the younger defensive linemen better. Nnamdi and Todd Bowles will make everyone in the secondary better. [/img]
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Eagles_808 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 24806 Location: Torrance, CA

I agree with your overall sentiment HT52. And considering that our defense finished in the top 8 overall by the end of the 2011 season, I don't think it's a stretch of the imagination to envision them as a top 5 unit this season.
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jonu62882 · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 18416 Location: Philadelphia, PA

I can see this. They certainly have the talent. Now, whether they can put it all together is on them. It's been a learning curve for our former OL coach and the players, alike. Hopefully, this is the year they A-Team that sheet.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Phire · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:02 pm Post subject:

A lot of people seem to be optimistic about this defense. And I think I am too.
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AlexM23 · Joined: 03 Jan 2011 Posts: 7733 Location: Australia

I think I'm more excited about our defence than I am about our offence this season. Shocked

And yeah I think we'll have a top-5 or so unit provided our play at LB is improved on last season. Also, I think we're going to get the most sacks as a team EASILY.

oland11 · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:34 pm Post subject:

McNabbMcFadden · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:51 pm Post subject:

Now to take off the homer glasses. I'll probably do a more full analysis at some point in the next couple days. I expect them to be around 11th-13th.
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Eagles_808 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 24806 Location: Torrance, CA

nlesthought · Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 7618

Too much emphasis being put on D. Ryans & his "leadership" the Texans let him go for a 4th, I believe that's worth mentioning.

Maybe he didn't fit the 34 (doubt it he played for Saban).

Maybe it was his contract? The fact he restructured i'm sure he could and would have if asked to.

Or Maybe what he brought to the team could be filled by another player.

You don't see starting MLBs traded often, especially for peanuts. I don't want to pass judgement before seeing how he fares but Ryans never played in a wide 9, I have doubts about top tier D with this unfavorable schedule.
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jonu62882 · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 18416 Location: Philadelphia, PA

nlesthought · Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 7618

jonu62882 · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 18416 Location: Philadelphia, PA

nlesthought · Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 7618

RainbowCarebear · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 5:30 pm Post subject:

I like this thread.
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Hammertime52 · Joined: 15 Jan 2012 Posts: 5106 Location: South Jersey