It's incredible to think about how the Philadelphia Eagles have changed as a defensive team over the last few weeks and in the past few years. Once seen as an older and slower overall unit whose struggles against the run and pass were consistent, the Eagles have completely shifted the overlook of their unit to not only be faster but younger. Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports The average age of Philadelphia's defense stands at just 24 years old this year, and it continues to get better over the last few weeks.
Thanks to an infusion of young rookie prospects and free agent additions, the Eagles have become a top 10 defense at both the run, pass, and overall. And there's one more thing the team is working to improve on right away: turnovers forced. Philadelphia has recorded just seven turnovers in the first eight games during the regular season.
Those numbers have increased over the last few weeks exponentially. And it's because of a message that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has pushed over the last few weeks. “You just can't get frustrated.
You've got to keep playing," Fangio said. "A lot of your guys with their dominant players, they get double-teamed a lot but they still seem to get their production. So, they keep going and they don't get frustrated.
” Related: How Has Saquon Barkley Taken To New Eagles' Rivalry In the last three weeks alone, the Eagles have recorded five turnovers including three more against the Jacksonville Jaguars in their 28-23 win last Sunday. The message from Fangio has stuck to this point and it has helped the Eagles get back on track defensively. Will it be enough to keep them among the league's best in the coming weeks? Only time well tell.
It's clear, though, that the team appears to be hitting their stride at the right moment. Related: Eagles Know Cooper Rush Posses Dangerous Threat To Win Streak.
Technology
Vic Fangio Sends Message To Young Eagles vs. Cowboys
Philadelphia is playing defense at an elite level this season, but there are things that their elder coach believes they need to focus on more.