NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Offense is the name of the game in the NFL these days. However, the Philadelphia Eagles are proving just how important Defense is. Through 3 playoff games, the No Name Eagles defense has forced 10 turnovers on their way to the Super Bowl.
As good as Patrick Mahomes is and as much as everyone wants to see a 3-peat happen, the Eagles defense may have something to say before the confetti drops.
Against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round, the Eagles forced 4 turnovers in their win. Against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, the defense played their position and forced 2 critical fumbles on their way to the NFC Championship Game. Then, against the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship, the defense did what they have done since the playoffs started and forced another 4 turnovers. This team is well-coached and disciplined thanks to Vic Fangio.
As Dan Quinn said in his presser glowing the Eagles’ victory, “All those turnovers were forced.” That’s how you win. Timely punch oust by the defense and special teams set the stage for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. The Eagles led all teams in the playoffs with 10 takeaways with the next closes team sitting pretty at 4.
With all the talk for the next 2 weeks centering around the 3-peat hunt for the Chiefs and the immortality of Mahomes, the Eagles’ defense will be licking their chops hoping to continue their turnover trend.
With this unit, you have to pick your poison. Run the ball, and the punch out is sure to come. Try to hit a receiver across the middle and Zack Baun is there with a jarring hit. Try to go deep and Darius Slay, Mitchell, Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean, and CJ Gardner-Johnson will be waiting for a game-changing interception.
This is not the same defense the Chiefs faced in 2022. As good as that unit was, this 2024 unit is much better. That 2022 unit was built on getting after the QB. This Fangio unit is active across the board. They want the ball and they want to take your manhood in the process. They want to give the ball to their offense and make you watch as Saquon Barkley races untouched for a 50-yard score. They want to break you physically and mentally.
This is a unit mixed with veterans and rookies and a few 2nd-year players sprinkled in. There is not much they can’t do. Mahomes and Andy Reid will have to figure out a way to counter with Fangios dials up. Yes, the Chiefs have had success against a Fangio-led defense in past seasons but Fangio has not had a unit as he does now. Nothing will come easy for the Chiefs in this game.
