The Eagles defense has played well enough to win each game they’ve played the team has played so far this season. I think they’re capable of playing better but they’ve shut down the run and pressured the quarterbacks.
They've even forced turnovers when they were needed and kept offenses out of the end zone when it was a must.
Defensive Line – The defensive line has been led by tackles Brodrick Bunkley, Mike Patterson and defensive end Trent Cole. It looks like they have solved their problems against run because Bunkley and Patterson have done a tremendous job of getting penetration into opponent’s backfields. They’ve both taken turns dominating. Patterson had an outstanding game against the Packers. He made 10 tackles and got a quarterback sack. Bunkley’s power and quickness has been priceless for the Birds. He’s dismantled double team blocks and gotten penetration into opponents’ backfields. Brodrick has also provided pass rushing pressure for the Birds.
The defensive ends haven’t been as dominant but they’ve also played well. Cole who has five sacks, has made some big plays, like the forced fumble with the game on the line in Green Bay. Juqua Thomas has contributed three sacks in his backup role. Jevon Kearse even recorded a sack and had a good game against the Giants. I would give the defensive line a B for the performance so far.
Linebackers – The linebackers were the biggest question mark on this football team going into the season. They’ve been a pleasant surprise thus far. Omar Gaither has been inconsistent at times but he’s been playing better every game. He made a huge interception against the Giants at the end of the half. The play could have been a game changer. The same is true of Chris Gocong who seems to be getting more and more accustomed to playing in space. Gocong has been very effective in run defense because he plays a physical brand of football. Takeo Spikes hasn’t come up with the big plays we were expecting but he’s starting to step up his game now that he’s becoming more familiar with Jim Johnson’s defense. He’s done a good job in the run defense by tackling well and attacking the blocking schemes he has faced. I would give the linebackers a B- for their play.
Secondary – The secondary has been hurt by injuries to Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard despite that they’ve played well. Quintin Mikell has been outstanding playing in place of Dawkins. He’s shown he can play in the box and battle bigger players versus the running game. Quintin has also made plays in the passing game. Mikell has the instincts to be a starter and he’s one of the best tacklers on the ball club. Right cornerback Sheldon Brown has played well despite being called on to handle the toughest coverage assignments. He’s not among the top cornerbacks in the league because he doesn’t have the catch up speed or the optimum size, but he has solid technique and he’s smart.
Sean Considine has done a better job of tackling and has played better than expected. He’s got a great feel for the being position to make plays and has been able to prevent the big play. Will James has been somewhat disappointing in his play. He was the target of the the Washington Redskins passing attack. He picked off a pass but he hasn’t been consistent in his coverage. Although he believes he’s starter, he hasn’t played like one. James needs to step his game up and let that do the talking.
The grade of the secondary is hurt by a poor performance against the Lions. I would give them secondary a B- in the season’s first quarter.
