At the start of the season, the Eagles defensive line was a liability. The unit had long been a strength of the team but was falling flat. The inability to get after the quarterback was exposing a revamped secondary, and led to problems throughout the defense. Even when the unit played well, it did not look sustainable. However, the line was putting Deshaun Watson under duress all day in their win over the Browns. Was this a turning point or a symptom of playing an inept offense?
Eagles Pass Rush Starting to Heat Up
Key to the Defense
General manager Howie Roseman has placed a premium on bringing in high-end defensive line talent throughout his career. He has spent high draft capital on them and has splurged in free agency to bolster the defensive line. Often, Roseman will neglect other areas of the defense to bolster the trenches. This means that when the defensive line is struggling, it has a ripple effect on the defense. The lack of pressure exposed the linebackers and defensive backs. The defense was struggling on a regular basis to start the season.
However, the defensive line began to flex their muscles against the Browns. They sacked Deshaun Watson five times and held the Browns offense to just nine points. While the Browns offensive line is banged up, and Watson has a tendency to run into sacks, this game was a step in the right direction. The bye week seemed to help the defense find their identity. With a new defensive system being implemented under Vic Fangio, some growing pains were not a surprise. There are bigger tests than the Browns on the horizon, but the Eagles defense now has something to build on.
Big Names Stepping Up
During the Browns game, the big names on the Eagles defensive line got on the scoresheet. Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, and Nolan Smith all recorded sacks, while Bryce Huff picked up half a sack. It is particularly important to get Huff going. The free agent acquisition has had a dreadful start to life in Philadelphia. However, at his best, he can be a sack machine, as he showed with the Jets. On paper, the Eagles have an elite defensive line. If they start playing that way, it would kickstart the team’s season.
The Eagles have another opportunity to face a weak offensive line this week when they play the Giants. Their star Left Tackle Andrew Thomas is out for the season, which makes a shaky unit far worse. This could be a chance for stars like Carter, Sweat, and Huff to get their numbers and wreck the game. The Eagles have a weaker schedule than they have had in previous years, and now is the time to take advantage. This Eagles team has not found its identity yet. However, they can develop an identity as a team with a fearsome pass rush. They have the talent to do that, but the defensive line needs to string together more good performances to make that a reality. If they do, the Eagles can re-emerge as legitimate NFC contenders.
Main Photo: [Eric Hartline] – USA Today Sports
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