Perhaps this should be expected when you change coordinators every year, but the Philadelphia Eagles are struggling defensively through Vic Fanigo’s first two games.
The Eagles are allowing 6.9 yards per play, which is tied for worst in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. They’ve been awful against the run, allowing 6.4 yards per opponent rush attempt — also a league-worst mark. The passing defense hasn’t been much better, as the Eagles rank 26th in opponent yards per pass attempt (7.6).
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report proposed a possible solution in his NFL Trade Big Board for Week 3.
Knox named the Eagles as a potential suitor for do-it-all linebacker E.J. Speed, who could become available via trade this season if the Indianapolis Colts (0-2) continue to struggle. Speed, a starter at weak-side linebacker, is also in a contract year, scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Here was Knox’s take on how Speed could help the Eagles:
The Eagles should try snagging Speed because of his ability to defend all areas of the field, attack the run and defend the pass. Philadelphia put a lot of effort into reloading its defense this offseason, but it continues to await a turnaround.
Philly failed to contain the run in Monday's loss to the Atlanta Falcons, and its pass defense collapsed just in time for Atlanta to mount a late go-ahead touchdown drive.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has been doing work on his linebacking corps, overhauling the unit this offseason with the additions of Zack Baun and Devin White. But White has fallen out of favor with Fangio and the team, demoted to a backup role behind hit-or-miss middle linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Philly has a number of issues on defense right now, with questionable depth at cornerback, a struggling defensive line and a lack of pass rush. Maybe things will catch on soon with Fangio’s scheme, but as the team fights to keep this current Super Bowl window open, it’s easy to see Roseman being proactive prior to the NFL’s Nov. 5 trade deadline.
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