Eagles

Could the Eagles Add to the Defensive Line?

Tyler L’Heureux   |  

Jul 19, 2024

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The problem with the 2022 and 2023 Eagles’ defense, other than not being able to get a single stop in most games, was the change in production from the defensive line.

From having four 10+ Sack players (Reddick, Sweat, Hargrave & Graham) to only a single 10+ Sack player (Reddick).

The 2022 Eagles might’ve fallen short of the Bears’ 72-sack record in 2022, but they were nowhere close to repeating that total, only recording 43 sacks last year—ranking 20th league-wide.

There are plenty of reasons that might have fully derailed the Eagles’ season. They have given up an average of 30.3 points in the final six games of the season, including a 32-point defeat to the Buccaneers in the Wildcard round.

Somehow, the team that gave up the fewest passing yards in 2022, with an average of 171.6 yards per game, became the team that gave up the third-most, with 255.7 passing yards in 2023.

Overuse Down The Stretch

The Eagles’ defensive line finished the season injured and not as deep as it started. After playing multiple overtime games, the Eagles were never the same following the win against Buffalo, where the Defense played 95 Snaps and what seemed like the point of no return for the season.

Below is the DL and its share of snap counts across the season

Had the Eagles not over-relied on their starters and played more of their depth. Perhaps the major burnout at the end of the year would have saved them from being unable to get off the field.

Add to this the fact that they traded away Street and Cut Barnett at the trade deadline, and the Eagles’ defense was without two more players to pick up the snaps.

This Year’s Additions

Much like the last few seasons, the Eagles had successfully drafted players before their predecessors had retired; from Kelce to Jurgens. Cox to Davis/Carter.

Now that the Eagles have made acquisitions throughout the offseason, they’ve been able to add Bryce Huff, Jalyx Hunt, and Julian Okwara to the OLB position. Similar to his fellow Bulldog teammates, Nolan Smith is expected to see a larger role in his second season.

But with countless DBs and only so many roster spots available, it feels like the Eagles could make further additions to the defensive line. (When haven’t they?) Additions such as Genard Avery, Ndamukong Suh, Robert Quinn, and Linval Joseph have all been acquired throughout the last few seasons.

You can’t always prevent injuries, and if defense wins championships, depth could be necessary down the stretch. If the Saints finally blow it up, could a name like Chase Young come up in a few months? Or perhaps the Eagles can go big game hunting and see if the Chargers are committed to a rebuild and are interested in shopping Khalil Mack?

There’s still a long way to go till the Week 9 Trade Deadline, but the Eagles training camp begins next week.

We’ll finally get our first taste of the Eagles’ upcoming season.

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Categorized:Eagles