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Philadelphia Eagles: 2018 Season preview, prediction and more

By Jeremy Klump

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)
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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2018 NFL Power Rankings
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 09: Chris Long #56, Fletcher Cox #91, and Michael Bennett #77 of the Philadelphia Eagles react in the first quarter of the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field on August 9, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Eagles 31-14. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Philly’s dominant defensive line became even more dominant when they trade for Seattle Seahawks star Michael Bennett. The addition of Bennett to Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Chris Long, Timmy Jernigan and Derek Barnett makes them one of the scariest units in the NFL. They will get after the passer, and they will make an impact all season long.

Linebackers

The Eagles weakest position in 2018 looks to be at linebacker. However, stud middle linebacker Jordan Hicks is back from injury and will give the defense the boost they need from the man in the middle. Nigel Bradham is also back, but he is suspended for Week 1. It will be interesting to see who the other linebacker is all season, but Nathan Gerry looks to be the guy, as he has had a great offseason.

Secondary

Once an issue in Philadelphia, now a solid group, Philly’s secondary is solid and will likely impress a ton of people in 2017. Starting with the safeties, Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod are both returning and will both be looking to show they are one of the best tandems in the NFL.

Cornerback was a little questionable for a long time in Philadelphia, but it seems it has been worked out. Ronald Darby is a stud and will be the Eagles shutdown cornerback. Along with Darby, they have Jalen Mills, who has shown a glimpse of being a shutdown cornerback but also has shown some significant holes in his game.

These two guys will start on the outside with 2017 second-round pick Sidney Jones working in as the slot cornerback. 2018 fourth-round pick Avonte Maddox will also work in a little at slot cornerback

Summary

Just like the offense, this defense will be one of the best defenses in the NFL this season. They are loaded with talent, and it all starts up front with the defensive line. The linebackers need to stay healthy, but with a great pass rush and a solid secondary, Philly’s defense will be just fine in 2018.

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