Some people feel the Philadelphia Eagles are poised to bounce back strong this season after coming apart at the seams in December and January of last season.
If the Eagles are to become Super Bowl contenders once again, they will have to undergo a resurgence on defense, which was the area they struggled most in last year.
Their biggest positional weakness is arguably the linebacker spot, but head coach Nick Sirianni said three of his young linebackers — Patrick Johnson, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith — have been tough and relentless so far in training camp.
#Eagles Nick Sirianni singled out a few players, that have been “relentless” to start camp:
→ Patrick Johnson
→ Jalyx Hunt
→ Nolan Smith pic.twitter.com/3jETne6Onv— The Swoop Scoops (@TheSwoopScoops) July 29, 2024
Johnson was a seventh-round pick by Philly in 2021, and in three pro seasons, he has totaled three quarterback hits and 35 total tackles (23 solo) while mostly playing on special teams.
Philly took Hunt in the third round of this year’s draft, and while with Houston Christian University, he became a big star in the Southland Conference while being named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year last season and also being named to the 2024 Senior Bowl.
As a rookie in 2023, Smith recorded 1.0 sacks, three QB hits and 18 total tackles (10 solo) after he was the No. 30 pick in that year’s draft.
After the Eagles traded veteran linebacker Haason Reddick this offseason, they could use a new stud or two on their front seven after ranking 31st in passing yards and touchdowns allowed last year.
They did sign free agent Bryce Huff, who is slated to start at linebacker, but they need some additional help back there in order to have a real shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
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