The Eagles defense which has been on the rise for several weeks, turned in another solid performance by limiting Eddie Lacy and the Packers offense Sunday. Image: JSOnline.com
It was obvious that without Aaron Rodgers under center the undermanned Green Bay Packers would rely heavily on punishing rookie running back Eddie Lacy on Sunday.
What was not so expected was the response of the Philadelphia Eagles defense after getting punched in the mouth early on.
Lacy, 22, garnered 17 yards on his first two carries which was precisely when the Eagles front-seven tightened up in the chess match that was a 27-13 road win at Lambeau Field.
The University of Alabama product finished with 73 yards on 24 carries, just 3.0 yards per carry. He came into the game at 4.5.
“We were all in to stop the run,” defensive coordinator Billy Davis said. “You knew he was going to get some, he’s such a big, strong man. But our guys, we have a tough run defense. Our guys go after it and take a lot of pride in it, so we were real happy with the way we played run defense.”
DeMeco Ryans, Vinny Curry, Brandon Boykin and Cary Williams were among the individuals who stepped up in Sunday's victory. However, as a unit this team has been on a tear, allowing just 17 points per game over the past five games.
It's a group that is quickly finding it's footing after struggling out of the gate, especially after allowing 38 points against the Denver Broncos back on September 29th.
On Sunday it was all about stopping the run, especially after Seneca Wallace was knocked from the game in the first quarter in favor of third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien.
Not only did the Eagles bottle up Lacy, but James Starks was a virtual non-factor.
Starks gained just five yards on four carries. The longest run of the game by the Packers was a 19-yarder by Tolzien.
“Our guys did a great job up front,” Davis said. “They were playing their techniques, fitting together really well and getting off blocks and tackling.”
For a defense that's steadily been on the rise, regardless of who was playing quarterback for the Packers, Davis' group can hang their hats on another impressive performance with a showdown against the Washington Redskins looming Sunday.
Matt Lombardo is the Editor-In-Chief of Eagledelphia and also an on-air personality on 97.5 FM The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Join the conversation and follow Matt on Twitter.
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