If you were hoping for a revitalized Philadelphia Eagles defense to emerge from the ashes of last season’s late-season collapse, Monday night’s gut-wrenching 22-21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons provided little solace. The performance only amplifies the call for the Eagles to reconsider their decisions regarding key players, notably Haason Reddick. The good news? It’s not too late for Howie Roseman to make a crucial call.
A Familiar Script
It’s essential to remember that we’re only two games into a long 17-game season, and much can change as teams evolve. The Eagles have introduced a new defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, and a slew of fresh faces on a youthful roster. However, early signs suggest that this defense bears a striking resemblance to the unit that faltered down the stretch last year.
The pass rush has been almost nonexistent, the run defense porous, and turnovers? Forget it. The once-promising bend-but-don’t-break philosophy crumbled against a Falcons offense that methodically marched down the field for the game-winning drive.
Defensive Failures Under Fire
Last season’s Eagles defense, under Sean Desai and Matt Patricia, was one for the ages—unfortunately, not in a good way. There were missed assignments, a disappearing pass rush, and a knack for blowing leads late in games. Flashback to Week 15 against Seattle, when Drew Lock effortlessly carved through the defense with a 92-yard touchdown drive to snatch a victory. Fast forward to Monday night, and the narrative feels eerily similar.
With the Eagles holding a six-point lead and the Falcons needing a touchdown, the defense should have stepped up. Instead, they allowed the Falcons to traverse the field with astonishing ease. For a defensive unit built around the principles of Fangio’s system, this was a staggering disappointment.
The Pressure Dilemma
Looking at the stats, the Eagles managed only one sack against Kirk Cousins—who, let’s be honest, is hardly the most mobile quarterback in the league following his Achilles surgery. The pressure was absent, allowing Cousins time to pick apart the secondary, which should be concerning given the talent on the defensive line. Jalen Carter, touted as a game-changer, has been relatively quiet, and Jordan Davis has struggled to make an impact.
Moreover, the Eagles opted for a four-man rush, which simply wasn’t getting the job done. When the front four can’t disrupt a quarterback like Cousins, it raises the question: shouldn’t Fangio have dialed up something different?
The Haason Reddick Effect
Now, let’s talk about Haason Reddick. The Eagles let him walk, opting instead to sign a less proven edge rusher, leaving fans questioning the wisdom of that decision. Reddick’s ability to pressure the quarterback and force turnovers could have been invaluable to this struggling defense. With Reddick in the fold, the Eagles might have avoided the late-game meltdowns that plagued them last season.
Instead, they find themselves relying on young players like Nolan Smith and the newly acquired players to fill a gaping hole. The contrast is stark: Reddick has proven he can elevate a defense, while the current crew is still finding its footing.
Tackling Woes and Run Defense
The run defense has also been a sore spot, allowing a staggering 315 yards in two games to capable but not elite backs. Against Josh Jacobs and Bijan Robinson, the Eagles’ front was gashed repeatedly. Fletcher Cox’s departure certainly left a void, but isn’t Jordan Davis supposed to be a run-stopping phenom?
The tackling has been abysmal, compounding the issues and making it easier for opponents to exploit the Eagles’ weaknesses. While some fans might point to the defense allowing only 22 points, it’s important to recognize the context. The Eagles dominated time of possession but still failed to force a single three-and-out. The Falcons converted first downs at will, and the defensive performance was marked by inconsistency and lapses.
Moving Forward
As the Eagles prepare to face the high-powered offense of the New Orleans Saints, they’ll need to iron out these issues in a hurry. With a young roster still searching for chemistry, Fangio and his crew must get it together quickly. The clock is ticking, and the heat is on.
In conclusion, the Eagles may have thought they could afford to let Reddick walk, but his absence is being felt deeply. The defense has the talent but needs the right leadership and execution to succeed. Here’s hoping that Howie Roseman takes note before it’s too late.
