Eagles' Defensive Woes: Run Defense Under Scrutiny

The Philadelphia Eagles' run defense has come under intense scrutiny following a troubling performance against the Chicago Bears. According to PhillyVoice, the Eagles allowed a staggering 281 rushing yards in their 24-15 loss on Black Friday, marking one of the worst outings in franchise history.

This game was particularly significant as it showcased the Bears' ability to average 6.0 yards per carry, the highest rate against the Eagles since 1970 on 45 or more carries. Overall, the Eagles have now surrendered 406 rushing yards over their last two games, with the Dallas Cowboys also exposing their vulnerabilities by accumulating 244 rushing yards in their two matchups this season.

The Eagles' defensive struggles have been compounded by their opponents' strategic use of double-teams and wham blocks, which have effectively driven their defensive tackles, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, off the line of scrimmage, making it challenging for linebackers to penetrate gaps and stop runs effectively.

The Eagles previously faced similar issues in their Week 7 game against the New York Giants, where they allowed 172 rushing yards on 39 carries. As they prepare for an upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers, who have recently rediscovered their run game, the need for adjustments becomes critical.

The Chargers have seen a rise in rushing attempts, with 30 or more carries in four of their last five games, and have the NFL's eighth-most rushing yards during that span, making them a formidable challenge for the Eagles' struggling run defense.

The Bears' performance indicates that the Eagles' defensive line depth may not be as robust as in previous seasons, leading to concerns about their ability to get stops against high-volume running teams.

Furthermore, the Eagles' defense has faced increased snap counts, playing 69 more snaps than last season at this point, which could be contributing to their fatigue and decline in performance. The Eagles must address these issues quickly, especially with the recent history of their run defense showing tendencies to rebound after poor outings.

Last season, they allowed over 100 rushing yards only once after a rough start, indicating that adjustments can be made. However, the current trajectory raises questions about the long-term efficacy of their defensive strategies as they move forward in the season, especially with the offense's struggles compounding the pressure on the defense.

As the Eagles head into their matchup against the Chargers, fans and analysts alike are focused on whether these adjustments will come in time to fix the glaring issues in their run defense.