The problem between the 2022 and 2023 Eagles defense. (Other than not being able to get a single stop most games). Was the change in production from the defensive line.
From having four 10+ Sack players. (Reddick, Sweat, Hargrave & Graham)
To only a single 10+ Sack player. (Reddick)
The 2022 Eagles might’ve fallen short of the Bears 72 Sack record in 2022. But they were nowhere close to repeating that total, only recording 43 sacks last year. Ranking 20th league wide.
There’s plenty of reasons as to what might have fully derailed the Eagles season. Giving up an average of 30.3 points in the final 6 games of the season, including a 32 point defeat to the Buccaneers in the Wildcard round. Somehow, the team that gave up the least passing yards in 2022, with an average of 171.6 yard against per game. Became the team that gave up the 3rd most, with 255.7 passing yards against in 2023.
Overuse Down The Stretch
The Eagles defensive line finished the season injured and not as deep as it started. After playing multiple overtime games, the Eagles were never the same following the win against Buffalo. Where the Defense played 95 Snaps, and what seemed like the point of no return for the season.
Below is the DL and its share of snap counts across the season
| Player | Total Snaps | Snap % | Snaps Played Vs Buffalo |
| Haason Reddick | 862 | 74.18% | 83 |
| Josh Sweat | 828 | 71.26% | 81 |
| Fletcher Cox | 684 | 58.86% | 22 |
| Jalen Carter | 563 | 48.45% | 76 |
| Jordan Davis | 519 | 44.66% | 62 |
| Milton Williams | 494 | 42.51% | Missed Game |
| Brandon Graham | 395 | 33.99% | 26 |
| Nolan Smith | 188 | 16.18% | 11 |
| Marlon Tuipulotu | 162 | 13.94% | 32 |
| Derek Barnett | 99 | 8.52% | Cut/Signed with HOU |
| Kentavius Street | 87 | 7.49% | Traded To ATL |
| Moro Ojomo | 68 | 5.85% | Missed Game |
Had the Eagles not over-relied on their starters and played more of their depth. Perhaps the major burnout at the end of the year would have saved them from not being able to get off the field. Add on the fact they traded away Street and Cut Barnett at the trade deadline. The Eagles defense was without 2 more players to pick up the snaps.
This Years Additions
Much like the last few seasons, the Eagles have successfully drafted players before their predecessor’s had retired. From Kelce to Jurgens. Cox to Davis/Carter.
Now that the Eagles have gone and made acquisitions throughout the offseason. They’ve been able to add Bryce Huff, Jalyx Hunt and Julian Okwara to the OLB position. With the expectation Nolan Smith will also see a larger role in his 2nd season, similar to his fellow Bulldog teammates.
But with countless DBs and only so many roster spots available. It feels like the Eagles further additions could come along the defensive line. (When haven’t they). Additions such as Genard Avery, Ndamukong Suh, Robert Quinn, Linval Joseph have all been acquired throughout the last few seasons.
You can’t always prevent injuries, and if defense wins championships. Then depth could be necessary down the stretch. Could a name like Chase Young come up in a few months if the Saints finally blow it up? Or perhaps the Eagles go big game hunting and see if the Chargers are committed to a rebuild, and are interested in shopping Khalil Mack?
There’s still a long way to go till the Week 9 Trade Deadline. But Eagles training camp begins next week, and then we’ll finally get our first taste of the Eagles season to come that is just around the corner.
Photo Credit: Cooper Neill / Getty Images
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