Eagles' coach has 'a lot of things' to work on in 2022
The Philadelphia Eagles have a defensive identity, as they usually do. The defense is usually what stands out when you think of Eagles teams, especially in the past. This Eagles' defense has the potential to be great, maybe one of the best in the league and potentially the best the Eagles have had, but we […]
The Philadelphia Eagles have a defensive identity, as they usually do. The defense is usually what stands out when you think of Eagles teams, especially in the past.
This Eagles' defense has the potential to be great, maybe one of the best in the league and potentially the best the Eagles have had, but we aren't there just yet.
Before any of that discussion, there are some things that need to be fixed from last year's defense to this year.
"Probably take the ball away a little bit more, affect the quarterback a little bit more," Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon told the media on Tuesday.
"Because you guys saw there were certain games where we played lights out and some games we didn't. My responsibility is to make sure the defense is giving the team a chance to win."
Gannon was then asked what he could do better as a coach going into the season.
"A lot of things, it would take us too long to go over," Gannon told reporters on Tuesday. "But you know just trusting the players a little bit more.
"Say hey, this is how we are going to do things, and this is the job description, it's very clear, here is the standard that we want to do. From my standpoint, it is being comfortable with our guys and letting them go play fast."
Last season the Eagles ranked 10 in yards allowed per game at 328.8. While being 10th in the league is good, I'd love to see them improve in that area, and maybe try to stay around the 300 yards marker, or even below if possible.
The Eagles' defense ranked second in the league in scoring defense, with five touchdowns off takeaways. If they can replicate that, or do even better this year, we know the defense will be a problem.
One of the most surprising stats is how many explosive plays they allowed as a team. It surprised me that they allowed the fifth-fewest (117), but then I remembered that they played back a bit more last year and played their zones well in coverages.
This year, they will have to find a way to be able to balance that while still being able to put pressure on the quarterback. It will be tough but I'm sure they can do it.
This defense can only build on what they were able to accomplish last season. Think about that, and then add in the fact that on paper it's even better this year. Look out for a big season on that side of the ball from the birds.
Featured Image Via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
