Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Defenses (27-32)
November 26, 2012; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson (98) celebrates a sack with teammate defensive end Jason Babin (93) against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Last Season’s Rankings: #29 Overall Defense (394 total yards per game allowed) #32 Passing Defense (289.3 passing yards per game allowed) #10 Rushing Defense (104.3 rushing yards per game allowed)
On the rushing side of the ball, the Eagles upgraded this off-season, going out and getting DE Marcus Smith out of the University of Louisville. At Louisville, Smith was an absolute beast to say the least. During his final two seasons at UL, Smith was able to average 35.5 tackles, 12.75 tackles for loss, 9.25 sacks and seven QB hurries. I think that 2014 sees Smith have a great rookie season, perhaps leading the Eagles in sacks and tackles for loss. With DE Cedric Thornton (60 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two passes defended), DT Bennie Logan (27 tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss), DE Fletcher Cox (41 tackles, three sacks and one tackle for loss), OLB Connor Barwin (59 tackles, five sacks, four tackles for loss and 10 passes defended), ILB Mychal Kendricks (106 tackles, four sacks, six tackles for loss and four passes defended), ILB DeMeco Ryans (127 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss and seven passes defended) and OLB Trent Cole (56 tackles, eight sacks, five tackles for loss and three passes defended), the Eagles have an above average front seven. I think that this season sees an even better performance, seeing as that the Eagles have mostly all of their pieces. Hopefully Smith gets a chance to shine because he’s got NFL-quality talent.
In 2013, the Eagles pass defense was absolutely atrocious, ranking dead last in the NFL with 289.8 passing yards per game allowed, including seven games of over 329 passing yards allowed to opposing quarterbacks. In the off-season the Eagles went out and got some safety help with S Malcolm Jenkins from the Saints, filling their need for a safety. What surprised me was that despite having four players with double-digit passes defended totals, the Eagles still ranked dead last in passing yards allowed. Their 25 passing touchdowns allowed ranked middle of the league (14th) surprisingly. This 2014 Eagles’ secondary features most of the same guys from last season with CB Bradley Fletcher (70 tackles, 15 passes defended and two interceptions), SS Nate Allen (82 tackles, five passes defended and one interception), CB Cary Williams (67 tackles, 12 passes defended and three interceptions) and CB Brandon Boykin (47 tackles, 16 passes defended and six interceptions). I think that the passing game definitely does improve, however not by much though. Jenkins and Boykin are definitely good, but SS Nate Allen and CB Bradley Fletcher need to step it up in order to make this Philly secondary good.