The Philadelphia Eagles may have started to find their identity on defense.
For the second week in a row, Vic Fangio’s unit did not allow a touchdown as the Eagles cruised to an easy 28-3 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, thanks to strong performances from Saquon Barkley and the defense, which has a record noted. a season-high eight sacks in the win.
“It seems like everything is coming together,” Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham said. “Everyone just believes in each other, and like I said, I’m glad that’s showing because we work every week.”
Since the bye week, the Eagles’ defense has allowed just nine points on three field goals: two against the Cleveland Browns and one against the Giants. Six games into the season, it appears the defense is understanding Fangio’s system better.
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More importantly, Philadelphia’s pass rush, which has been invisible at times this season, is starting to blossom. The team had thirteen sacks over the past two weeks, including eight on Sunday against the Giants. It was the Eagles’ most sacks in a game since they had seven in Week 17 of the 2022 Super Bowl season against the New Orleans Saints.
Former Georgia Bulldogs Jalen Carter and Nakobe Dean led the team with two apiece on Sunday. Nolan Smith Jr., another former Bulldog, Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat and rookie Jalyx Hunt each added sacks.
“That’s the best thing about our d-line, they’re finally rushing as a unit,” safety CJ Gardner-Johnson said. “They’ve rushed as a unit, but it’s starting to come together more and more. They’re playing together and understanding that they can be a dominant force with all the younger guys up front. And with the charge that [Graham] is a leading, older guy, a great vet, who just understands that we’re going to take care of him so we can all compete at the same time.”
Gardner-Johnson believes the defense has practiced better lately, which has led to them playing more cohesively as a unit during the two weeks following the bye week.
“By focusing on the little things and understanding that we play for each other, not on individual statistics,” Gardner-Johnson said.
The Eagles allowed just 119 total yards in the win over New York, 76 of which were on the ground. They caused chaos and put constant pressure on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
Rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell had another strong performance with three tackles and nearly recorded his first interception in the second quarter on a deep pass Jones threw to rookie wideout Malik Nabers.
“He’s a dominant force for our side of the field at the moment and is locking down one side, so we control that side and keep going,” Gardner-Johnson said.
It’s worth noting that the Eagles’ defense has played two weaker offenses in the Browns and Giants over the last two weeks. Jones and Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson are among some of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL.
The Eagles defense will be tested on the road next week against the Cincinnati Bengals with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and other weapons.
“We just came out and everyone was ready to play and everyone showed what they can do today,” Carter said. “We just have to get better every week and show it next week, then the week after that, and then the week after that.”
