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Washington Redskins 2017 Opponents: Sizing up the Philadelphia Eagles

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles nose tackle Bennie Logan (96) wipes his visor during a beak in the action against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles nose tackle Bennie Logan (96) wipes his visor during a beak in the action against the Buffalo Bills at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Eagles Offseason: Defense

While the Eagles made noticeable improvements to their offense, they were only able to partially upgrade their defense. The team lost defensive line talents in Bennie Logan and Connor Barwin, but replaced them with Timmy Jernigan, Chris Long, and first rounder Derek Barnett. The players they acquired are better suited to run the 4-3 scheme that Jim Schwartz employs, so these additions are lateral moves that could have upside.

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In the back seven, the linebacker corps has remained the same while the secondary is still looking like a major weakness. Many expected the Eagles to target a cornerback in the first round, but they opted to select Barnett instead. As a result, they now have former seventh rounder Jalen Mills and free agent acquisition Patrick Robinson penciled in as the starters. That is not exactly an inspiring duo.

However, the Eagles did add two cornerbacks on day two of the draft. Sidney Jones is the bigger name. Jones was widely expected to be a first round pick before suffering a torn Achilles at his Pro Day. The Eagles nabbed him in the second round, but he may not be ready to play until 2018. Their third round pick, Rasul Douglas, has a good skill set, but he may not be quite ready to be a starter.

Overall, the Eagles defense looks about the same. Until the holes at cornerback are patched, this unit will have to rely on their front seven to help contain opposing defenses.

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