When new Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz met with the media for his first press conference of 2016 training camp, he spoke approvingly of the progress he has seen from defensive rookies and selected veterans.
"This group has made good progress grasping the scheme," Schwartz said. "The one thing we’ve kept in mind, the home opener is a long way away and our eye is for improving every day and correcting little things."
The defensive play-caller made clear that although teaching young players an NFL defense can have its complexities, what they’re doing isn’t rocket science.
"We’re not trying to reinvent anything. We want guys in good position, to communicate well, and to play what fits them," Schwartz said.
After the disastrous experience the Eagles had with the "wide-nine" defensive line scheme in 2012, Schwartz was asked about how he thinks his system will suit Eagles defenders.
"I think it fits the guys really well here," the Eagles defensive coordinator said. "I think if you ask them, they’d rather attack than read. It puts us in a little better position to rush the passer. It’s been our philosophy, and I think if you ask offensive coordinators, they’d tell you the same thing, if you can get there with four then you have a big advantage on defense. If you have to blitz to get pressure, the offense can take advantage of you. If you can rush with four, it allows you to blitz on your own terms."
Schwartz also went into detail about what he looks for in nickel and dime cornerbacks as opposed to corners who play on the outside.
"It’s a little different skill set in there," Schwartz said. "You’ve got to have some miniature linebacker in you, you’ve got to enjoy the brier patch a little bit, you’ve got to have the courage to throw your body in there against 240 pound running backs, and you may have to take on a pulling guard from time to time. A lot of times you’re covering in a shorter area, you’re not getting the same routes from the slot as you are outside. Some guys can play both, some guys can’t, so it’s our job to determine over the next six weeks where the guys fit in."
Schwartz’s final question came in regard to the Eagles highest-paid player, Fletcher Cox, and whether he sees room for Cox to improve to the level of a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
"I think his eyes should be on improving every day," Schwartz said. "Those things are for the end of the year. He fits our scheme, we’ll have some things that will fit him well. He’s a tough matchup versus guards, and versus some tackles. I like some of the stuff they did last year, moving him around a little bit. He was drafted for a scheme similar to this, so it will be good to get him back to that. We expect great things from him."
The Eagles defense might need another level of improvement from Fletcher Cox if they’re going to compete for a playoff spot. In 2015, they ranked 30th in the NFL with 401.6 opposition yards per game.
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
