The Eagles defense did a full 180 in week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. After a disappointing week 2 performance for the Eagles defense against the Atlanta Falcons, and a dominant Saints offensive performance against the Dallas Cowboys, many people expected the Saints to roll over the Eagles defense. However, credit is due to Vic Fangio and the Eagles defense.
Is the Eagles Defense Sustainable?
Selling Out to Stop the Run
The Saints were essentially smothered all Sunday afternoon. Jalen Carter completely took over the game on the defensive front and there were some impressive performances from the rest of the Eagles interior defensive line. In Vic Fangio’s press conference after the game, he told reporters that this is the standard that Carter needs to play to every week. If he can do that, it will only greatly boost the other defensive lineman’s play in the future.
However, the biggest and most noteworthy change of the week was how Fangio was running the defense. To bolster their problems against the run, Fangio had the Eagles defense in many five and even six-man fronts throughout the game. Often, linebacker Zack Baun would run up to the line of scrimmage before the snap to add to the defensive front. This worked well to bring an extra body forward, but it also created some extra confusion for Derek Carr.
This type of defense will give more for quarterbacks to think about as it can complicate who’s blitzing or dropping back into coverage from the defensive front. This is a great idea, and it should continue to work well in fixing the Eagles run defense. However, it will put more stress on the secondary and linebackers in coverage in the coming weeks.
The Stress on the Secondary
Having more people on the defensive front and the emergence of Mel Kiper’s nemesis, two high safeties, will put more stress on the back end of the Eagles defense. Particularly in the intermediate parts of the field, as well as the outside zones of the Eagles corners. Derek Carr missed a few opportunities throughout the game that would have influenced the game very differently. Particularly on the deep shot on third down to Rashid Shaheed where the ball was slightly underthrown and Quinyon Mitchel recovered to make the play. With how well Darius Slay and Mitchell have played this season, this is the right move for the defense. There won’t be many weeks where the receivers on the outside put either of those guys in a bind.
Is this Performance Sustainable?
In short, this defensive approach is sustainable for the Eagles defense, on one condition. The performance in the Saints game needs to be the standard for Jalen Carter. The Eagles will need it more often than not. The edge rushers will also need to generate more of a pass rush to make life easier for the Eagles secondary. Do not rule out the Eagles still making a move or two for another player on the edge.
Overall, a win is a win and despite some questionable coaching, a struggling offense, and a bit of an injury bug, the Eagles got an important road win. It will still be a week-to-week evaluation of this defense and if they continue to improve throughout the year. Fangio may need to bring some new wrinkles in along the way, but the Saints game was an encouraging sign. The Eagles travel to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 4.
Main Image: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
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