It’s hard to nitpick a defense that was as dominant as the Eagles’ last year. They consistently shut down opponents and were exceptional by the end of the season. Still, even the best defenses evolve, and there are a few schematic wrinkles worth tracking this season. Here are four things I’ll be watching for on offense this season that could potentially improve or alter the offense. All numbers here are from Sports Info Solutions! (Previously: Eagles offense preview)
1. Will the blitz rate increase?
The Eagles lived off their four-man rush last year, which is what Fangio wants to do. The Eagles had enough pass rushers to win with only 4. But this season, the front 4 may not be quite as overwhelming, especially if offensive lines are able to neutralize Jalen Carter inside after the loss of Milton Williams. Last year, the Eagles blitzed at a bottom-five rate, but their success when blitzing was around league average. That suggests there’s room to add a little bit more pressure without losing efficiency. I’m not advocating for them to suddenly become a high-blitz team, but nudging the rate up slightly could keep the defense unpredictable.
If the blitz rate doesn’t increase, I would love to see more simulated pressures, too, where the Eagles show extra rushers pre-snap, then drop one out while still rushing four. That’s another way to disguise looks and force quarterbacks to hesitate without compromising coverage integrity. My gut tells me that the defense this year will struggle at times with a lack of talent at certain positions, and the scheme might have to help out a little more than it did down the stretch last year, when the Eagles’ defense just felt too talented to be beaten.
2. Will Quinyon Mitchell shadow top receivers?
Vic Fangio’s system typically avoids having cornerbacks travel with an opponent’s WR1. His philosophy relies on effective communication, spacing, and defenders being in the right place, which becomes increasingly challenging when corners are constantly switching sides. However, Quinyon Mitchell may be the exception to the rule. If CB2 becomes a problem (which I think it might), and Mitchell continues playing at a high level, Fangio might need to adjust. Will Mitchell be used as a true shadow against elite receivers? That’s one of the biggest schematic questions entering 2025. I don’t think it will happen frequently, but I think we might see it at times.
We’ll likely get an early answer when the Eagles face CeeDee Lamb this Thursday night. I don’t expect Mitchell to follow Lamb when he goes into the slot because Fangio will trust Cooper DeJean and his scheme to limit him. However, if the Cowboys consistently line up Lamb opposite Mitchell and he is beating Adoree’ Jackson over and over again, I want to see Fangio react.
3. Will Jalyx Hunt be a defensive chess piece?
Hunt flashed late last season and could be poised for a breakout season. On my recent podcast with BLG, I predicted Hunt as the defensive breakout player! What makes him unique is his background as a former safety, and he has the athleticism to drop into coverage as well as rush the passer.
Surprisingly, Hunt dropped into coverage about as often as veteran edge rushers like Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat last year. That feels like a missed opportunity given his versatility. If the Eagles lean into his ability to disguise pressures by dropping him more and allowing them to rush from different positions, it could give them another layer of unpredictability in how they create pressure.
One of the Eagles’ most innovative and important wrinkles last season was using Zack Baun as an off-ball linebacker who would rotate down to the edge at the last second. That late movement created chaos for offensive lines, which often didn’t know who to block. It changed the Eagles’ defense, and opposing offensive coordinators couldn’t adjust.
The Eagles decided that one linebacker who could play off-ball and EDGE wasn’t enough, so they added Jihaad Campbell, who brings similar flexibility! He has the athleticism to play off-ball but also the physicality and experience to drop to EDGE. The question is how often Fangio will use him in that role. If the offense can’t predict which linebacker will rotate down (Baun, Campbell, or both at times) it makes protection calls much harder.
Final thought
The Eagles don’t need wholesale changes on defense, but subtle shifts such as blitzing a little more, expanding Quinyon Mitchell’s responsibilities, unlocking Jalyx Hunt’s versatility, and experimenting with Jihaad Campbell’s role could make them even harder to prepare for. Fangio’s defense is all about communication, so it might take a bit of time for this defense to gel, but I’m excited to see the final product!
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