Eagles Defense Shows Improvement After Rough Start
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The Eagles' defense has shown significant improvement after a rough start to the 2025 season. According to PhillyVoice, following their Super Bowl victory in January 2024, the team faced major roster changes, losing pivotal players like Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Darius Slay in free agency.
They also dealt with the trade of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and the temporary retirement of Brandon Graham. The Eagles began the season with two rookies in the starting lineup and suffered injuries to key players, including edge rusher Nolan Smith and linebacker Nakobe Dean.
The defense struggled early, allowing over 25 points in multiple games against the Rams and Buccaneers, and giving up 18 points in the fourth quarter against the Broncos. Despite these challenges, the Eagles' defense has rebounded since Week 5.
They welcomed back linebacker Nakobe Dean and made a significant trade for edge defender Jaelan Phillips. The report indicates that the return of Dean, who had been recovering from patellar tendon surgery, has been particularly impactful.
As of late October, the Eagles have held playoff contenders like the Packers and Lions to a combined 16 points. This resurgence has seen them rank among the NFL's best in several defensive categories since Week 5, allowing just 18.8 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the league.
They lead the NFL with a completion percentage allowed of 56.4% and rank second in opponent passer rating at 77.5. The Eagles have also improved their sack rate, averaging 2.7 sacks per game and limiting opponents to just 4.0 rushing yards per attempt.
In their last three games, the defense has excelled even further, leading the league with only 12 points allowed per game and 275 yards per game. The report suggests that if this trend continues, the Eagles' defense could outpace last year’s top-ranked unit by season's end.
The Eagles' schedule includes matchups against struggling offenses, providing opportunities for further defensive improvements. Overall, this evolving defense is becoming a cornerstone for the Eagles as they look to solidify their status as one of the league’s elite units.