Which Philadelphia Eagles fans are ready to read another article with a question being asked about the defense?
Unfortunately, this is another example of it, as the most redundant question being asked all offseason is once again being said. One of NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha's biggest questions surrounding minicamp was how the Eagles would replace the defensive talent on their roster.
"The major question about Philadelphia's hopes for a second consecutive Super Bowl win revolve around a defense that lost some key pieces from last year's championship team. The front seven lost defensive end Milton Williams and edge rushers Brandon Graham (retired) and Josh Sweat. The secondary parted ways with cornerback Darius Slay and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. So, how will the Eagles retool in the wake of all those departures? They'll do what they always do, which is rely on the shrewd personnel moves of general manager Howie Roseman and smart coaches to make it all work.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has a valuable chess piece in slot corner Cooper DeJean, who could move to outside corner or safety in base defense looks depending on how the other players at those spots develop. Fangio also has tremendous faith in the maturation of edge rusher Nolan Smith (who had four sacks in the last year's postseason) and the potential of second-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt (who had a sack in that Super Bowl win over Kansas City). The Eagles are also high on adding first-round pick Jihaad Campbell to a linebacker corps that includes All-Pro Zack Baun. Like Baun, Campbell has the versatility to line up in various spots of the defense and be impactful. In other words, there may be some new faces on defense in Philly. The expectations, however, shouldn't change that much."
Here's the answer to Chadiha's Eagles minicamp question
Howie Roseman.
Okay, let's elaborate. Roseman has already laid the foundation for an excellent defense. His work in the draft over the last four years has led to potentially nine of the projected 11 starters on the Eagles having been selected by Roseman. His free agent moves, while haven't always been perfect (Bryce Huff), have been about to make contributions when no one expected it.
Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis are under 25 and are already considered two of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Moro Ojomo is a sleeper on the defensive line who can make some noise this season.
Linebacker Zack Baun, who had been a career backup for the New Orleans Saints before signing with Philly last year, became a star and earned a Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro selection to show for it. Once Nakobe Dean and first-round pick Jihaad Campbell recover from their injuries, they will round out the linebackers.
The secondary has produced the most obnoxious questions, as Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean's play wasn't enough to prove that the Eagles' real strength is at cornerback. Safety Reed Blankenship is set to take a leadership role, having shown himself to be a turnover machine with seven interceptions caught in the last two seasons. The only real question is who will start between Sydney Brown, second-round pick Andrew Mukuba, and Tristin McCollum at the other safety position.
Edge rusher is another fascinating position of interest, as Nolan Smith Jr.'s 6.5 sacks a season ago established him as a starter. Whether Jalyx Hunt or one of their free agent signings will start at edge is left up for question, but the position is deeper than some think.
The media is asking this question consistantly not understanding that the Eagles still have Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator. This was a unit that was number one in total defense as they were the only NFL team that allowed less than 300 yards per game.
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Yes, this defense is young and some might lack the starter experience that would make the media feel better. The untapped potential of this defense is scary and this athletic, fast group is not like the Eagles' defense fans have seen in the past.
Week 1 can't get here sooner so this defense can clearly answer the question everyone can't stop asking.