Jim Washburn might be the happiest position coach in the NFL. After already having a decent group of players, the Eagles come into the 2012 season with quite possibly the best Defensive Line in the NFL.
After a disappointing 8-8 season in 2o11, Andy Reid and the Eagles coaches went back to the drawing board in an attempt to see what doomed the "Dream Team". Although Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson severely underachieved, it wasn't the Offense that was Philadelphia's downfall, but rather their Defense. In six of their eight defeats, they allowed well over 100 rushing yards (138 being the lowest total), and at least 170 yards four times. After all eight losses, the Eagles opponents had put up at least 21 points, and well over 30 points five times.
And with each passing season, all three NFC East division rivals have suped up their Offenses. The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants are filled with offensive weapons like Wide Receivers Hakeem Nicks, and Victor Cruz that QB Eli Manning loves spreading the ball around too. In Dallas, QB Tony Romo had a career high QB rating, and threw for more than 4,000 yards for the third time in his career. Although a mess of the field, Dez Bryant is still a threat on the football field, as well as Miles Austin. Rookie Quarterback and former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III will be taking over in Washington, and he possesses the skillset to make him Michael Vick version 2.0.
However, while all these Quarterbacks have their upside, they also have one massive downfall: poor decision making, especially when facing pressure. Manning and Romo are charicteristically known for trying to force throws, especially when facing the blitz. Griffin will be seeing pressure to, not only on the football field, but off the field as well. He's expected to finally put a halt to the Quarterback carousel that has been going on in Washington since long before the days of Patrick Ramsey. Feeling the heat from fans and media alike, RG3 will try and do much more than what is expected of him, and make some serious mental mistakes. The Eagles will certainly be looking to utilize the blitz quite often this season, but if their Defensive Linemen cannot penetrate opposing O-lines, it'll be raining Touchdowns on the Eagles.
So with the idea of improving the guys in the trenches, the Eagles made quick work of bringing back Defensive Tackles Derek Landri and Antonio Dixon. Dixon tore his triceps after four games last year, but played strongly in 2010, posting 2.0 sacks and clogging the line of scrimmage. Landri was easily the Eagles unsung hero in the 2011 campaign. The 28 year old imposed his will against Offensive Linemen, and frequently found himself in the backfield.
Philadelphia also worked on the D-line in the draft. Fletcher Cox of Mississippi State and Vinny Curry of Marshall were picked in the first and second round, respectively. Cox finished his college career with 114 tackles 24.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in his college career. Incredibly talented at both stopping the run and getting after the Quarterback, the rookie will see plenty of reps in the absence of Mike Patterson. Vinny Curry may have been the steal of the 2012 draft. A sensational senior year (11.0 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss), the New Jersey native will be a rotational guy in his rookie season.
If there is anyone to expect big things out of this year, it's third year Defensive End Brandon Graham. After seeing minimal action last year because of microfracture surgery, people began to write him off as a bust. He's certainly used that as motivation, because he came into training camp looking like a freak of nature. If Graham is in the gym busting out four reps of 500 pounds, imagine what he could do on the football field.
Of course Trent Cole and Jason Babin, who are the Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor of Defensive End tandems, will be bringing it from both sides of the line, and Cullen Jenkins will continue to be a run stopping beast.
All in all, the Eagles finished what they set out to do. By adding more depth, they've certainly assured they will not be run down at the end of the season, a problem they've run into the past several years. They've brought together a massive sack machine that will wreak havoc on Offenses for years to come.
Hopefully, all the way to the Super Bowl.
Jake Pavorsky is a contributor for Eagledelphia. You can follow him on Twitter @JakePavorsky
