The Philadelphia Eagles walked into their week 7 matchup with the Miami Dolphins knowing that a rebound was needed. The New York Jets upset the Birds just one week ago, humbling a previously undefeated team and taking advantage of a wounded defense. Facing Tyreek Hill and the Fins’ offense felt like an almighty task, but one that was ultimately just another milestone in Sean Desai’s incredible opening stint as Eagles’ Defensive Coordinator.
Eagles defense dominates the best the NFL has to offer
If the Eagles were ever going to beat the Dolphins, it was going to start defensively. Sean Desai had done a thunderous job up to this point in negating injury after injury, somehow pushing his defense to be one of the best in football despite what felt like a never-ending roulette of players missing.
A depleted secondary, a wounded defensive line, and a weak linebacker corps would all significantly hamper any NFL defense, but Sean Desai seemed to have the antidote no matter what sickness was presented that day.
The Miami Dolphins rolling into town with the league’s most explosive offense felt like it would be Desai’s toughest test yet as defensive coordinator. The Dolphins led the league in points per game, total offense and red zone offense.
They left Philadelphia with season-lows in points, all yardage metrics, and time of possession (23:17).
“Yeah, you see why we hired him, right?” Nick Sirianni said after the game. “We knew the type of guy we were getting. I just think he’s done a phenomenal job. What I think he’s done such a good job of is what I admire of any coach: Adapting to the personnel that you have.
Sean has done a great job of putting the guys in positions to make plays and our defensive staff, they all contribute to that.
So, hats off to all of them, and obviously hats off to Howie, because it’s all about the players, and we’re really doing a great job up front.
Sean Desai flexes his coordinating muscles
It was a night where everybody contributed. From Darius Slay’s vital interception to Nolan Smith’s first sack as an Eagle, it was a complete team effort. The Birds suffocated the Miami rushing attack, holding Raheem Mostert to a disappointing 45 yards, while holding Tyreek Hill to 88 yards on 11 receptions. Hill had a season-high in catches and his 3rd lowest receiving total, highlighting just how good the Eagles were at keeping him ahead of them.
Eagles are well-prepared for what lies ahead
With a gauntlet ahead including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills, and the San Francisco 49ers, it’s of great reassurance to know that Sean Desai is coaching out of his skin on a weekly basis and consistently pushing that defense to be the best it can be.
If he’s been able to do this with a limping group, imagine what he can do once they’re back to full strength…
Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire
