Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Reasons They'll Make the Playoffs in 2017

Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Reasons they’ll make the playoffs in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jeffrey Lurie owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Doug Pederson celebrate their teams 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 26: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a sack with Derek Barnett #96 and Nigel Bradham #53 in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field on November 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bears 31-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. The Defensive Line

It’s easy to argue that the Eagles have the best defensive line rotation in the NFL. It starts with Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, he’s one of the most disruptive DTs in the league. Add in fellow starters Michael Bennett, Brandon Graham and Timmy Jernigan and that’s one of the most complete defensive line’s you’ll find.

The thing that puts this defensive line over the top is the depth. When one of the starters leaves the field for rest there is no letdown. On the bench the Eagles can bring in Haloti Ngata, Chris Long and second-year player Derek Barnett.

The Eagles and their defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz do a great job keeping the players fresh by rotating them in and out of the game as much as possible. When a team has three backups who could arguably start for any other team that’s going to provide problems for their opponents.

The Eagles led the NFL last year in rushing yards allowed and came up with big sacks when it mattered the most. That was most evident when Brandon Graham forced a fumble on Tom Brady, which was recovered by Barnett, in the fourth quarter of last year’s Super Bowl. If the 2018 version of the defensive line looks anything like the 2017 version it will be a big year for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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