The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense has never been defined by a single superstar. Instead, the team boasts a roster of consistent performers, each contributing to a balanced unit that can compete at the highest level.
Eagles’ Defensive Depth
The beauty of the Eagles’ defense is that they have a whole bunch of outstanding players and they don’t have to rely on one superstar to carry them. The squad is filled with talent that can step into any role, making it difficult to single out one player for the defensive MVP.
Candidates for Defensive MVP
Zack Baun
“The numbers aren’t quite as crazy as last year, but Baun has once again been very good and goes into Week 15 with 3 ½ sacks, an interception, 104 tackles, six pass breakups, six tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.”
Baun remains one of only five linebackers with at least three sacks, five pass breakups, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits.
Jalen Carter
Although he hasn’t been himself this year with shoulder injuries and missed three games, Carter has still played well when he’s been on the field. He has 2.0 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, and six pass breakups in 10 games.
Jordan Davis
Davis has enjoyed a super consistent and productive year in the middle of the Eagles’ defense. He is the only defensive lineman to play all 13 games and averages 42 snaps per game, up from 24 in his first three seasons. He ranks seventh among interior linemen with 4 ½ sacks, more than his combined 3 ½ in the first three seasons. Davis also has six pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits.
Nakobe Dean
After missing the first six games of the season rehabbing a knee injury, Dean has been a force since returning. He has a career‑high four sacks, six quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, five tackles for loss, and 45 tackles in just seven games. Dean is the first Eagles linebacker with four sacks in a five‑game stretch since William Thomas in 1997.
Cooper DeJean
The third‑year pro is having another tremendous year, now splitting time between outside corner in base and the slot in nickel. He never misses a tackle and is a nightmare matchup for opposing slot receivers. Among 101 corners who’ve played at least 200 snaps, his Pro Football Focus grade is 8th‑highest.
Jalyx Hunt
After a slow start, Hunt has 4 ½ sacks, two interceptions, and 13 quarterback hits in the Eagles’ last seven games. He is the first defensive lineman to record two sacks and two interceptions in a season since Jerome Brown in 1987. Hunt is one of eight players with at least four sacks and 12 quarterback hits over the last seven games.
Quinyon Mitchell
Mitchell is relentless. He has been targeted 77 times and allowed just 33 completions for 42.9 percent. Out of 64 corners who’ve been targeted at least 50 times, that’s 2nd‑best, behind only Derek Stingley Jr.’s 40.7 figure. He allows just 4.9 yards per target, the lowest among corners targeted at least 50 times, and his defensive passer rating is 62.7, the 3rd‑lowest (below only Stingley and Cobie Durant).
Moro Ojomo
Ojomo is having a true breakthrough season in his first year as a full‑time player. Among 96 interior linemen who’ve played at least 300 snaps, his Pro Football Focus rating is 9th‑highest. He plays the most snaps of any Eagles defensive lineman (584) and has 4.0 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss.
Standout Veteran Contributions
The Eagles also have veteran talent that sets the tone. Myles Garrett has 20 sacks, Jaycee Horn has five interceptions, and Laitu Latu has 5 ½ sacks, three interceptions, 14 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss. These players provide experience and leadership but are not the sole focus of the unit’s success.
Key Takeaways
- No single player dominates the Eagles’ defense; depth is the team’s strength.
- Zack Baun, Jalen Carter, and Jalyx Hunt are among the top performers contributing to the unit’s success.
- Veteran leaders like Garrett, Horn, and Latu provide guidance, but the defense thrives on collective effort.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive strategy showcases how a balanced roster can compete at the highest level without relying on a single superstar, making the team a formidable opponent in every matchup.
