Eagles’ Defense: Three Breakout Candidates
The defense has been balling out during training camp. This Eagles defense even leaves people wondering if the offense was over-hyped. Hopefully everyone turns it up this year, there are some guys you could put the house on to take things to another level.
Secondary: Marcus Epps
Marcus Epps has one of the most straightforward safety jobs in the NFL since he has James Bradberry and Darius Slay locking up receivers up front along with Avonte Maddox working the slot. While his numbers last season don’t stand out, he made plenty of timely tackles and break-ups. Epps has consistently been getting the first-team reps and seems to be the only marked starter among the safeties. Epps has completely changed physically and as a player. Expect a huge year coming from the fifth-year safety.
4) The starting secondary continues to shine. Darius Slay came up with a deflection on a Minshew pass intended for Jalen Reagor that Marcus Epps picked off. Epps is the key to the safety position performing above expectation. He’s gotten off to a strong start. — Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) August 1, 2022
Linebackers: T.J. Edwards
Enough cannot be said about T.J. Edwards in this camp. The Eagles’ defense was criticized for not prioritizing linebackers so they brought in Nakobe Dean. Edwards took that personally and found himself at the MIKE Linebacker spot on the first release of the depth chart. Along with free agent signee, Kyzir White, they are ready to wreak havoc on the league. Edwards has been great in the zone and always had a knack for making plays on the ball. With the improved front and linebacker core, Edwards is ready to go for his first Pro Bowl nod.
TJ Edwards is the best LB on the Eagles right now. He’s making plays everywhere. He and Kyzir White will be the best inside LB duo in the NFC East. #Eagles #EaglesNation — Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) August 6, 2022
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Defensive Line: Josh Sweat
After getting your first Pro-Bowl, how do you take it to another level? With elite guys around you. With the addition of Jordan Davis and the return of the great Brandon Graham, the Eagles’ defense can afford heavy rotations. This will create efficient reps for the well-rested big guys along with one-on-one opportunities on the edge. Josh Sweat is coming for that double-digit sack season. At 6’5″, 265 pounds, and a 4.53 40-yard dash, Sweat is going to make things happen off the edge for this Eagles defense.
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