Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles fielded the best defense in the league. A big part of that success came via the stars across each unit.
How can the Eagles build off that Super Bowl-winning group? It'll be hard to do, according to one analyst.
Philadelphia lost several defensive starters during the offseason, including safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, cornerback Darius Slay, and edge rusher Josh Sweat. In total, the Eagles lost four starters and up to three key role players.
That is why ESPN's Tim McManus called the team's turnover on the defense the organization's "biggest concern."
"Vic Fangio saw a number of key contributors exit this offseason, including (Milton) Williams, cornerback Darius Slay Jr., safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and edge players Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham," McManus said. "The Eagles could also start the year without linebacker Nakobe Dean, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon."
McManus' point is fair. And he knows his stuff. But it also leaves out an important fact.
Despite this offseason's roster turnover, Philadelphia retained its entire defensive staff. Defensive backs coach Christian Parker remains, as does defensive line coach Clint Hurtt.
That cannot be overlooked. The Eagles are spending the least amount of money on the defensive side of the ball this season at a stunning $62 million. They also have the youngest unit in the league.
Because of their youth movement on defense, coaching matters even more for Philadelphia. Fangio's staff has seen tremendous development from young stars like edge rusher Nolan Smith and their cornerback duo of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
DeJean and Mitchell were each ranked at the top of their position last season in several coverage categories. It may not be long before they reach All-Pro statuses in their own right. If the coaching staff continues to teach and put their players in a position to succeed, Philadelphia may not see as much of a drop-off as many expect for their defense.
The Eagles indeed lost several key players from their Super Bowl unit last season. With a returning coaching staff and a young core of stars, those concerns of a "drop-off" may be nothing more than an overreaction in 2025.