PHILADELPHIA — Chip Kelly is supposed to be the premier offensive mind in football. College and pro coaches rushed to infuse parts of his up-tempo, horizontally- and vertically-stretching offense into their own.
But if the 2015 Eagles reach the playoffs, it’ll be their defense dragging them there.
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In the Eagles’ 27-7 win over the Giants on Thursday, quarterback Sam Bradford finished with three interceptions and a mediocre completion percentage of 63. And that’s not counting the underthrown, near interception that miraculously landed in Riley Cooper’s lap for a touchdown; or the missed touchdown throw to a wide-open Josh Huff; or the safety that was erased by a substitution penalty.
Bradford is playing like a rookie quarterback. His indecision creates poor placement, late throws and irrational turnovers. His lack of confidence turns into missed opportunities, rushed check-downs and unnecessary sacks.
But unlike actual rookie passers Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston, with Bradford, there’s little reason to hope for light at the end of the tunnel. The Eagles’ run game resurgence may finally push the offense towards a more balanced attack, but the high offensive hopes of the preseason won’t be met in Philadelphia.
Despite offensive gloom and doom, though, there’s reason for hope. Proof came when defensive coordinator Bill Davis’ unit shut down the Giants after allowing an opening drive touchdown.
With new pieces in place, the defense began the season avoiding complex coverages with hopes of building cohesion. It led to early miscues (most notably from corner Byron Maxwell) but has begun to pay dividends.
On Thursday, Bennie Logan continued his campaign to be the NFL’s best nose tackle. He split double teams, scrapped and attacked the backfield, and disrupted running lanes. Fletcher Cox fed off that disruption and played with patience, seizing his opportunities on broken plays.
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Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham continue to win as bull rushers. (Barwin especially destroyed right tackle Marshall Newhouse on multiple occasions to collapse Eli Manning’s pocket.) Demeco Ryans finished with seven tackles, a rip-away interception and a fumble recovery.
And to cap off the defensive domination, the secondary found success with aggressive bump-and-run technique on at least three quarters of their coverages. The Eagles baited Manning to test them over the top, which he was unable to do.
The Philly win was as complete a game as you’ll see from a defense. While Odell Beckham Jr. gave Maxwell some fits, the Eagles’ pass rush, combined with press coverage, worked exactly how it was supposed to: Force the quarterback off balance and into risky, rushed decisions.
It was a defensive performance that rivaled any in the NFL this season, and one that’s indicative of a playoff-caliber team.
The Eagles offense, or course, can’t afford to be as inept as it was against the Giants. Bradford needs to play like the veteran he is.
But in a wide-open NFC East, the Eagles boast the division’s most talented defense, and Kelly must put faith in Davis’ unit.
It won’t be a sexy playoff push, but such a defensive victory may become the type of win Eagles fans should expect this season.