2023 Philadelphia Eagles Defense
The Eagles slipped to 16th in rushing yards allowed (2,068 yards), with opponents averaging 26.2 rushes. They allowed 4.6 yards per carry with 15 touchdowns.
Philly led the NFL in passing yards allowed (3,057) while allowing 6.4 yards per pass attempt. Quarterbacks tossed 22 touchdowns with 17 interceptions while leading the league in sacks (70 – 29 in 2021).
The tandem of DE Brandon Graham and LB Haason Reddick combined for 27 sacks with plenty of other pressure on the quarterback. Graham played well vs. the run, but he’ll start the year at age 35. DE Josh Sweat also delivered a career-high in sacks (11) with a new top in tackles (48). His run defense moved to an elite area. Philadelphia played without LB Derek Barnett for 16 games, a former first-round draft pick. In his best two seasons, he added value to the pass rush in 2017 and 2019.
DT Jordan Davis upgraded the run defense in his rookie season after getting drafted 13th overall in 2022. On the downside, he only saw the field for 270 plays with minimal pressure on the quarterback. Incoming rookie DT Jalen Carter is another high-profile player added to this defense in this year's draft (ninth overall). Philly expects him to hit the ground running with help in all areas. DT Fletcher Cox provides veteran experience rushing the quarterback, but he lost momentum in run support over the past two seasons.
LB Nakobe Dean and LB Nolan Smith are the two upside linebackers with the best chance to start this year. Both players came out of the Georgia Bulldog program.
CB Darius Slay continues to be a top player in coverage while offering sliding value in the run support. CB James Bradberry held receivers to a low catch rate, and most receptions went for short yards and minimal damage in scoring. The Eagles brought in Greedy Williams for depth at cornerback. S Terrell Edmunds gives Philly veteran experience and sure tackling. He tends to be a league-average player for his position. The Eagles hope CB Sydney Brown can handle a starting job in his rookie season.
The first two levels of the Eagles’ defense have star power, depth, and upside. They need a couple of young players to emerge to help their off-season losses. Their pass rush helps close the passing window for their talented cornerbacks. Philadelphia has questions at safety and potentially one linebacking spot.
In the fantasy market, their defense ranks second behind the 49ers. If they can repeat this pass rush, the Eagles’ defense could be even better in 2023.