The Philadelphia Eagles are still undefeated after brushing past the struggling Houston Texans, 29-17, on Thursday night.
They have attained an 8-0 record by excelling in many facets of the game, but one thing that has stood out, in particular, has been their pass defense.
In fact, Pro Football Focus pointed out that they were leading the NFL in two key categories coming into Thursday’s contest.
Eagles secondary ranks this season:
🦅 69.0 passer rating allowed (lowest)
🦅 10 INTs (most) pic.twitter.com/B39ugC0rkq— PFF (@PFF) November 3, 2022
How They’ve Gotten Here, And How They Can Become Even Better
The play of cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry has been huge, as both have combined for 19 passes defended so far this year.
The acquisition of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is massive as well, as he’s tied for the league lead in interceptions with four.
Some Eagles fans have been concerned about the team’s front seven, as its rushing defense could use some improvement, as could its ability to blitz and pressure quarterbacks.
To that end, it traded for pass rusher Robert Quinn, who registered 18.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 22 QB hits last season as a member of the Chicago Bears.
He only has one sack, two tackles for loss and three QB hits through eight games this year, but going from a mediocre team to one that is a prime Super Bowl contender could do wonders for his production.
On Thursday, Philly harassed Texans signal-caller Davis Mills into going 13 of 22 and throwing two interceptions, but they did allow running back Dameon Pierce to rush for 139 yards.
But overall, the Eagles are starting to look like an impenetrable wall, and outside of perhaps the Buffalo Bills, they’re certainly looking like the odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl LVIII in Arizona this winter.
