Will the Eagles Continue to Dial up the Pressure?
Despite a disappointing 1-2-1 record, there have been some bright spots on this team even though they have been very few and far between.
One position group that has been playing particularly well is the defensive line. Currently, the Eagles defense leads the league in sacks with 17 over the course of four games.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Eagles offensive line has allowed 14 sacks over the course of four games, to help put things into perspective. Prior to the start of the season (barring injury), many believed the Birds had one of (if not the) best offensive lines in football.
It turns out the other side of the ball has been much more consistent when it comes to play in the trenches.
The Eagles are seeing a coming of age for some of their younger stars on the defensive line, such as Josh Sweat and Genard Avery. As of now, Sweat is currently tied with ten-year veteran Brandon Graham with the sacks on the team (3).
Speaking of Graham let’s take a look at what he has done thus far…
Avery on the other hand had his first breakout game in an Eagles uniform last week against the 49ers. Although Avery’s stats might not look the best on paper (1.5 sacks) his efficiency and pressure rate have skyrocketed, leaving him with the opportunity to see the field a bit more such as Sweat.
Jim Schwartz stated in his press conference that Avery’s performance last week against the 49ers was “The breakout game we have been waiting for.”
Aside from the younger players, the veterans have been putting in work as well. Former first-round pick Derek Barnett is finally healthy and proving he can be a difference-maker coming off of the edge. Schwartz has utilized Barnett in a bit of a different role this season, making him stand up pass rusher from the Right-End spot which has resulted in 2.5 sacks.
As always, the stats may not exactly reflect the impact of Fletcher Cox. We know he is literally the center of attention for the defensive line of the Birds, which has opened an array of opportunities for Mailk Jackson and Javon Hargrave, who have each registered 0.5 sack each.
Pressure makes diamonds…well in this case, TURNOVERS!
Whenever the Birds were able to bring the pressure, the giveaways by the offense occurred. We saw in the 49er game that pressure was the key in forcing QB Nick Mullens to turn the ball over.
If Philly can properly utilize their front four moving forward, expect the unit to keep the lead in sacks, and possibly narrow the team’s turnover differential margin.
Featured Image: Tim Tai/Philadelphia Inquirer
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
