It’s the homestretch of the NFL season already and the Eagles are one of the top two teams in the NFC alongside the Detroit Lions and one of the top-five teams in the NFL. A great spot to be in and perhaps somewhat unexpected after their 2-2 start with losses to the Falcons and Buccaneers. One of the main reasons for the strong season and the impressive six-game winning streak is because of the noticeable improvements on the defensive side of the football.
After the first month of the season, the defense was being scrutinized and many wondered if this year’s defensive unit was just an extension from last season where they ranked near the bottom in nearly every major statistical category. First-year defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and his group have flipped the script and have been one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Let’s take a look inside the numbers to see where the Eagles’ defense stack up in Week 12 this season compared to last season.
No Fly Zone
Starting with the pass defense, it’s hard to not initially highlight the dynamic rookie duo in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Howie Roseman seemingly struck gold early once again in the draft, making the two the team’s first pair of selections before the season started. Mitchell is the second odds on favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and has been one of the top cornerbacks in the entire league. Meanwhile, DeJean, who had to overcome an injury earlier in the season, has been just as much of a shutdown player at the nickelback corner position.
Mitchell has been sensational and as PSN’s Anthony DiBona points out, he is the only cornerback to play 350+ coverage snaps and not allow a touchdown this season. For DeJean, according to PFF, from weeks 6-11, he has earned the third-best coverage grade during that span.
The youth movement, along with Eagles’ veterans like Darius Slay, CJ Gardner-Johnson and company have turned this secondary into one of the toughest to pass against in the NFL. Here’s a comparison between the last two seasons after Week 11.
2024:
- Passing Yards/Game Allowed: 173.2 (2nd)
- Opposing Completion Percentage: 61.5% (5th)
- Opponent Yards per Attempt: 5.5 (1st)
- Opponent Yards per Completion: 8.9 (2nd)
- Opponent Passing Touchdowns per Game: 0.9 (T-4th)
2023:
- Passing Yards/Game Allowed: 257.0 (28th)
- Opposing Completion Percentage: 66.6% (21st)
- Opponent Yards per Attempt: 6.4 (14th)
- Opponent Yards per Completion: 9.4 (12th)
- Opponent Passing Touchdowns per Game: 2.1 (T-32nd)
The longtime defensive coordinator though has certainly shared the credit when it comes to the success that the Eagles’ defense has had this season, especially the young corners.
“I think the secondary coaches, [Safeties Coach] Joe [Kasper] and [Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach] Christian [Parker] and [Cornerbacks Coach] Roy [Anderson], are doing a good job with them. I think those guys, in and of themselves, have done a good job of focusing and learning, and they’re eager and willing. I just think we’ve played better overall across the board.”
Eagles’ Linebackers Continue to Thrive
Having a pair of rookie corners dominate the way Mitchell and DeJean have is certainly surprising. Equally as much of a remarkable revelation is the linebacking play from Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean. Here at PSN we have discussed the importance of the duo and the fantastic production they have provided this season, seemingly swarming all over the field and racking up tackles. Having a much-improved linebacking group helps the front four as the two position groups work in tandem stopping the run with shooting gaps, sealing edges, and getting in the backfield.
Here’s a look at the comparison regarding the rush defense from 2023 to this season. The numbers are slightly skewed due to the success rate opponents had passing the ball last year.
2024:
- Opponent Rushing Yards/Game: 99.9 (7th)
- Opponent Yards per Rush Attempt: 4.2 (8th)
- Opponent Rushing Touchdowns per Game: 0.7 (T-8th)
2023:
- Opponent Rushing Yards/Game: 66.3 (1st)
- Opponent Yards per Rush Attempt: 3.7 (T-4th)
- Opponent Rushing Touchdowns per Game: 0.3 (T-1st)
Fangio’s Defense Topping the League
Fangio, who was the defensive coordinator the Eagles targeted early in the offseason has turned this younger unit into a well-oiled machine. Philadelphia has currently allowed the fewest total yards per game heading into Week 12 at 273.1, they are second in total yards per play at 4.7, only behind Denver’s 4.6 mark. The defense is also tied for 3rd in third downs allowed per game at 5.2, a stat they were tied for 18th a season ago at this point in the season.
The defense will have another challenging test against a surging Los Angeles Rams team Sunday night. The Rams are winners of four of their last five after taking care of New England on the road 28-22 and have both star wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua fully back into the mix after being injured. However, if the Mitchell and DeJean shut that duo down, then the Eagles are certainly in the discussion as potential Super Bowl favorites.
Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
