Eagles have defensive issues to address in 2021 as well
The Philadelphia Eagles made a big trade recently but the Birds have other problems, namely on the defensive side of the ball.
It will become official on March 17. The Philadelphia Eagles have sent the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts. Quarterback Carson Wentz’s stay in the City of Brotherly Love lasted five seasons. He is reunited with his former offensive coordinator, Frank Reich, and the Birds received a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional second-round pick in 2022 (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen).
Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia gives his insight on new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who inherits a unit that finished 19th in the league in total yards allowed per game and a disappointing 23rd in the NFL vs. the run.
In 2019, only two teams allowed fewer yards per game on the ground. Gannon spent the previous three seasons with the Colts as a defensive assistant. He’s made the rounds within the league, working for the Falcons, Rams, Titans and Vikings before joining Indianapolis in 2018. And now he will work again with Nick Sirianni, who also joined the Colts in 2018 and is now the new head coach in Philadelphia.
In recent years, the Eagles have been talented and deep along the defensive front. The unit is led by former first-round draft choices such as interior force Fletcher Cox, reliable end Brandon Graham and emerging Derek Barnett.
Last offseason, the team gave big money to free agent Javon Hargrave of the Steelers. Under now-retired coordinator Jim Schwartz, keeping this unit fresh in recent years was a key to success. A year ago, depth was provided by Hassan Ridgeway, Vinny Curry, emerging Josh Sweat (6 sacks in 2020) and Malik Jackson. Ridgeway and Curry can test free agency and Jackson’s future is uncertain.
Still, this group remains the strength of this defense. But it’s also hard to ignore the fact this club allowed 418 points and 47 offensive touchdowns. The Birds did rack up 49 sacks but the team managed only 20 takeaways. The Eagles gave up 30-plus points in six games, twice as many times as in 2019.
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This past season, the Eagles tumbled to 4-11-1 and last place in the NFC East. Jalen Hurts could be the answer behind center, the offensive line is in need of some work (and better health) and the team could still use some help when it comes to their pass-catching corps. But if this team is going to escape the divisional basement, this organization needs to address a defensive unit that was a pivotal part of their Super Bowl LII championship campaign of 2017.