The Philadelphia Eagles have officially appointed Sean Desai as their newly hired defensive coordinator. Desai has garnered a robust reputation throughout his coaching journey, notably during his stints with the Chicago Bears and the Seattle Seahawks. Having closely collaborated with the esteemed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Desai is often recognized as Fangio's protege. His vast experience and profound comprehension of the Fangio-style defense make him a valuable addition to the Eagles' coaching staff.
The Eagles defense will see some serious re-structuring after losing nine contributors in free agency while adding three Georgia defenders in the NFL draft. But despite these changes, Philadelphia had one of the NFL's top defenses in 2022, and there are several reasons to believe they will have a top 10 unit in 2023.
Darius Slay and James Bradberry: An Elite CB Duo
Darius Slay and James Bradberry were instrumental in Philadelphia's achievement of a top 5 defense in 2022. Their anticipated return in 2023, fueled by a relentless drive to surpass their rivals, will be pivotal in curtailing opposing passing offenses. Renowned as top cornerbacks in the league, both players form an immensely formidable duo when collaborating on the field.
Jordan Davis: A Rising Star at Defensive Tackle
Jordan Davis had a notable impact during his rookie season, and as he enters 2023, he brings more maturity and improved physical condition. Joining him will be Jalen Carter, a dynamic rookie who has the potential to match Javon Hargrave's pass rush skills. Additionally, Nolan Smith possesses the versatility to emulate Haason Reddick's edge presence from various positions. With Nakobe Dean's proficiency as a blitzer from the linebacker position, the Georgia-born players have the potential to make a substantial impact on Desai's defense.
A Versatile, Deep Pass Rush
In 2022, Haason Reddick emerged as the sack leader for the Eagles, while three other players achieved an impressive tally of 11 sacks each. Philadelphia led the NFL with an astounding 70 sacks, leaving no doubt that they have the potential to replicate or even surpass that remarkable feat. Bolstered by a talented secondary and boasting the league's premier cornerback duo, Philadelphia will maintain their relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles showcased one of the NFL's premier defenses in 2022, and with the appointment of Sean Desai as well as the acquisition of numerous skilled players, they are primed for yet another exceptional season in 2023. Led by the outstanding coverage skills of Darius Slay and James Bradberry on the perimeter, bolstered by a formidable pass rush in the front line, and fortified by a versatile and deep pass-rushing unit, the Eagles' defense is expected to rank among the best in total pass defense. Undoubtedly, they will emerge as a dominant force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
