Underrated (??) defense comes through for Eagles

[Phanatic]

While I wasn't aware that the Eagles D is unerrated it is a good read.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-eagles-defense&prov=ap&type=lgns

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Overshadowed by a high-profile, high-scoring offense, the Philadelphia Eagles' defense has been stingy as usual.

While Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens and Brian Westbrook get most of the attention for their prolific scoring, contract squabbles and feuds, the defense has quietly gone about its business in the same consistent, reliable manner that has been typical since Jim Johnson became the defensive coordinator in 1999.

Led by All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins, Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and defensive end Jevon Kearse, Philly's defense has allowed just 37 points and an average of 275.3 yards while forcing six turnovers in the first three games. Opponents have converted just 24.3 percent (10-for-41) of third downs.

The defense overcame poor field position due to losing kicker David Akers for kickoffs and held the Raiders' explosive offense to 20 points in a 3-point win Sunday.

``We knew the offense was struggling a little bit, so we wanted to come out and play the best we could to keep us in the game,'' All-Pro cornerback Lito Sheppard said.

Sheppard, cornerbacks Sheldon Brown and Rod Hood and the rest of the secondary limited Randy Moss to five catches for 86 yards, keeping him out of the end zone for the first time this season. Moss had two receptions for 26 yards through the first three quarters.

``We take pride in what we do in the secondary,'' Sheppard said. ``That's one of the things. This defense revolves around the secondary's play. And if we don't give up any big plays, we're going to be a tough defense. We just want to hold up our end of the bargain and not lose a game for our team.''

The key to the defense's success against Oakland was the defensive line's ability to stop the run, which allowed Dawkins to help with the coverage on Moss. LaMont Jordan had only 19 yards on 16 carries, and the Raiders had 21 yards on the ground, the fewest against the Eagles since the taterskins had 14 in 1947.

Let's all laugh at the taterskins HA!!  

``If they are able to run the ball, we can't continue to do what we did with me kind of going to Randy and being over the top some of the time,'' Dawkins said. ``You can't continue to do that. You have to be able to put a safety in the box to help. But because they were able to do what they did up front, we can just sit back there.''

The Eagles faced Atlanta in Week 1, holding Michael Vick and crew to 14 points -- all in the first quarter. The defense completely shut down San Francisco in a 42-3 rout the following game.

Last season, Philadelphia had the stingiest defense in the league when the games mattered. The Eagles allowed 222 points in the first 15 games, and finished tied with the Patriots for second-fewest points allowed after the reserves gave up 38 in the meaningless regular-season finale against Cincinnati.

So in summary it looks like the press has finally discovered what every other football fan outside of Raider nation already knew about Phillies defense.

[SD_Eagle5]

I'm biased but I wouldn't trade our D for any in the league. Aside from our first game - when JT was out - it's scary to think that our Run D is better than our pass D. One thing that concerns me is the lack of a consistent pass rush.

[Father Demon]

Overshadowed by a high-profile, high-scoring offense, the Philadelphia Eagles' defense has been stingy as usual.

10 points in W1
42 in W2 against crappy San Fran
23 in W3

Yes, we look like a high-scoring offense on paper, but the Eagles haven'tyet reached their potential. 

A good read, yes, but I don't think this guy has even watched the Eagles this year.

[General_Failure]

Maybe it's an article he forgot to turn in last year.

[Phanatic]

Well now that the press has figured out that the Defense is good, look for them to try and find some controversy to stir up there.

Must ... bring down ... Eagles...

[PhillyPhreak54]

They should be 8/41 on 3rd down conversions. Goddamn prevent defense on that last TD drive by the Raiders killed me. I hate the prevent.

But I love this defense. Absolutely love it. They're the reason why the Eagles could survive 2 weeks without McNabb.

The pass rush will come. They've struggled to get the pass rush going in years past too.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

So in summary it looks like the press has finally discovered what every other football fan outside of Raider nation already knew about Phillies defense.

E5