Focus on the D

Posted: October 13th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 8 Comments »

Let’s talk about the Eagles defense.

First up, Jim Schwartz had his weekly press conference. Here’s the PE.com video. If you expected him to be all fired up and nasty after the loss, prepare to be disappointed. Schwartz was matter of fact as he explained what went wrong in the 1st half last Sunday. I thought the most interesting thing was when he got asked about missing tackles. Schwartz said something I’ve never heard. He teaches his players to play fast. He will live with missed tackles, as long as the players are flying to the ball. He explained that if the guys really slowed down and squared up before hitting targets, that would take away from their overall aggressive style of play (big hits and things like that). He wants the aggression. Obviously if one player misses too many tackles, that’s an issue. If the players all rally to the ball, there should be someone there to clean up if one player does miss.

Entertaining as always.

*****

The Eagles D-line has been terrific this year. They are punishing QBs and clogging run lanes. If you project their numbers over a full season…

48 sacks
28 TFLs
16 FFs

Last year:

31 sacks
31 TFLs
7 FFs

And remember that this defense has played substantially fewer snaps.

A lot of people think the D-linemen just fire off the ball. There is more technique than you think. PE.com did a segment recently with coach Chris Wilson where he showed how little things can mean a lot.

*****

Smart move.

Leodis McKelvin has had some hammy issues so the Eagles were wise to add another CB. They like Smith so putting him on the roster makes sense.

As for Denham, he is a 6-4, 235 TE who is a good receiver. He is a taller version of Trey Burton. Denham isn’t fast or athletic enough to be a WR, but he’s effective as a TE. Doug Pederson has talked about liking big targets. Denham isn’t big for a traditional TE, but is for a flex/move TE. He isn’t the smoothest athlete, but catches the ball well and is comfortable playing in space. He was in the slot a lot at Utah.

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8 Comments on “Focus on the D”

  1. 1 ICDogg said at 9:15 PM on October 13th, 2016:

    Schwartz’s defense is considerably more advanced than I ever expected.

  2. 2 Anders said at 2:02 AM on October 14th, 2016:

    Lets just say, there is a reason why this version of the “wide 9” works and why the Castillo version didnt

  3. 3 PacificPurl said at 3:28 AM on October 14th, 2016:

    You mean besides Washburn refusing to cooperate and demeaning the DC in front of the players?

  4. 4 Rob Jarratt said at 9:17 PM on October 13th, 2016:

    Just to start this off, I want you to know how much I appreciate your nuts and bolts approach to analyzing the Eagles. Without citing sites, I am tired of the tabloid drivel that is spewed elsewhere. You make us all “insiders” with your unique insight. Many, many thanks. I don’t know how you do it being so distant from Philly and having your real job to perform. Kudos.

  5. 5 P_P_K said at 9:45 PM on October 13th, 2016:

    The line for the T-Law mancrush starts with me.

  6. 6 A_T_G said at 6:18 AM on October 14th, 2016:

    The line for Tommy’s optometric services is winding and blurry.

  7. 7 PacificPurl said at 3:31 AM on October 14th, 2016:

    This site is checked late every evening. Tommy often posts late in the day.

  8. 8 Focus on the D - said at 9:18 PM on October 13th, 2016:

    […] Tommy Lawlor Let’s talk about the Eagles defense. First up, Jim Schwartz had his weekly press conference. […]