The Defense - 2013

[Sgt PSN]

The defense is improving, but that's mostly because there was no where to go for that unit besides up.  After 4 weeks, they were on pace to challenge the all time record for points allowed in a season.  Since the Denver game, they've faced NYG x 2, Tampa, Oak, Dallas, and Green Bay (without Rodgers, Finley, and Cobb), so it's not like they've been shutting down dynamic offenses.  Granted, they can only play who is on their schedule, so I'll give them their due for playing well against relatively weak/inconsistent teams, but when you look at the numbers, the Eagles defense has basically been holding their opponents too/close to their season averages for PPG.

NYG:  PPG - 18.3 (21 in 1st game & 15 in 2nd game = 18 ppg avg = even)
Dal:  PPG - 27.4 (17 in 1st game = below)
TB:  PPG - 16.2 (20 = above)
Oak: PPG - 18.4 (20 = above)
GB:  PPG - 27.2 (13 = below)

In other words, the Eagles defense has mostly been allowing teams to do what they normally do, which isn't really an impressive display imo.  The biggest difference is that they are starting to take the ball away and give the offense more possessions.  I'll give them props for holding Dallas to 17 but GB was mash unit that would have hung 40 on the Eagles had they played 2 weeks sooner.  They're more mirage than legit, imo. 

[SD]

I disagree with all of this ^

they took it on the chin when they played the Broncos. Since that game they've played with more of an edge.

You can toss out the Oakland game because they played prevent the last 1/3 of the game.

Let's also take into consideration they're on the field more than any other D in the league.

Again, they're not a great D but they're middle of the pack

[Rome]

Navy/Corps sword fight?

[smeags]

popeye battle royale ?

[General_Failure]

Hello Kitty Hunger Games?

I have no idea what's going on.

[smeags]

[QB Eagles]

In other words, the Eagles defense has mostly been allowing teams to do what they normally do, which isn't really an impressive display imo.

Average is so far above expectations for this defense. Don't know if it's the coaching or some of the players growing up, or both, but it's okay to feel good about what this unit has done the last several weeks. Anyone who knows the Eagles thought these guys were going to be straight up trash every week. I'm sure they still have some trashy games in them for the end of the season, but there's no harm in enjoying the improvement they have shown.

[Sgt PSN]

Oh, I'm enjoying it. But until I see this defense hold a legitimate offense to 21 or less, I'm not going to get very excited about them either. It's not like if they had a do-over with Denver they'd be able to hold them under 35.

[General_Failure]

Oh, I'm enjoying it. But until I see this defense hold a legitimate offense to 21 or less, I'm not going to get very excited about them either.

They held Dallas to 17 despite Barkley throwing up picks every chance he got, and they're 4th in points in the NFL.

[Sgt PSN]

Dallas is too up and down. 49 pts one week, 17 the next.

It was a good game by the defense, but they havent been facing elite offenses since Denver.

[General_Failure]

If you're looking for consistency with high scores, only Denver has that. I'm afraid everyone else on the schedule has had bad games.

[ice grillin you]

they are a terrible defense playing not as terrible as we all thought

YAY!