6 days Ago
What began as a potential weak link in the Eagles' defense has evolved into one of their strongest assets, thanks to the impressive rise of linebackers Zach Baun and Nakobe Dean. After a period of adjustment, both players are now excelling, showing Pro Bowl potential and earning high grades from Pro Football Focus in Weeks 8 and 9, with their dominance reaching new heights in Thursday night's showdown. Their emergence mirrors the Eagles' successful linebacker tandems from past Super Bowl runs.
The 2017 championship team featured Nigel Bradham and Mychal Kendricks, while the 2022 Super Bowl roster included T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White.
Now, Baun and Dean are writing their own chapter in the Eagles' linebacker history, with Thursday's performance – combining for 25 tackles and 2 passes defensed – cementing their status as Philadelphia's next great linebacker duo USA Today With Baun on a one-year deal – a situation similar to White's season – general manager Howie Roseman may need to act quickly to secure his future in Philadelphia. After Thursday night's masterclass, discussions of a long-term extension seem inevitable, as the chemistry between Baun and Dean continues to strengthen into one of the NFL's most formidable linebacker partnerships. "The longer the season goes and the more we play together, we become more than teammates," Dean shared.
"You feel like you're playing with a brother, a good friend. The more we play, the better we learn each other's tendencies and what we both like and don't like." Both players took similar paths to the NFL, each selected in the third round of their respective drafts – Baun by the Saints in 2020 and Dean by the Eagles in 2022.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has been especially impressed with Dean's development, despite early challenges. "I think the moment we drafted Nakobe, the excitement was there," Sirianni recalled. "He had to battle – he was behind two strong players as a rookie, played on special teams, and then last year he had an injury.
" The stats tell the story of their breakout season. Dean has recorded 60 tackles and two sacks this year, surpassing his combined total of 43 tackles and a half-sack from his first two seasons. Baun, primarily a special teams player with the Saints, has exploded with 79 tackles, two sacks, and an interception – approaching his career total of 86 tackles in just half a season.
Thursday night's performance only reinforced their emergence as one of the league's premier linebacker duos. Their impact was especially evident in the recent win over the Jaguars, where both recorded interceptions – a feat not achieved by Eagles linebackers since Jeremiah Trotter and Carlos Emmons did it in September 2000 against the Cowboys. Baun's athletic interception, requiring a full extension to grab a deflected pass, showcased the playmaking ability that has impressed his coach.
Related: Eagles' DeVonta Injury Clouds Cowboys Showdown "He's just a really good athlete," Sirianni said of Baun. "He makes great tackles, and now he's taking the ball away with special plays. That catch was excellent.
" With the duo's continued excellence, highlighted by Thursday's stellar performance, the conversation has shifted from whether they can fill the shoes of their predecessors to how long this dynamic duo can anchor Philadelphia's defense for years to come..
