Eagles All-Pro OL: Patriots Defense 'Great'
The New England Patriots will open the season on Sunday with a tough matchup against the Super Bowl runner-up Philadelphia Eagles.
While much of the conversation around this game will likely center around whether the Eagles can avoid the post-Super Bowl loss hangover, they are not taking the Patriots lightly. Especially on the defensive side of the ball.
"Great defense," Philadelphia All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson said this week of the Patriots' defense. "They've had some guys there for a number of years, so they've been pretty consistent with what they do. Run a multitude of different fronts. They kind of build [a] wall with their fronts, try to build a bear or some way to stop the run. They're pretty efficient at it. Good pass rushers, so it's going to be a challenge."
Johnson, the veteran right tackle for the Eagles, essentially described the Patriots front seven to a tee. Not only do the Patriots have veterans like Lawrence Guy, Matthew Judon, and Deatrich Wise Jr., but they also have a host of younger players like Josh Uche and Christian Barmore, who fill many key spots on the defense.
The Eagles' high-powered offense and the respected Patriots' defense will truly provide an intriguing strength versus strength matchup of the two teams. The Eagles offense ranked near the top of the league last season in rushing yards (No. 4) and rushing touchdowns (No. 1) per game. Conversely, the Patriots defense allowed the seventh-fewest rushing yards and the fewest rushing touchdowns per game.
Yet, don't let the Eagles' success on the ground fool you into thinking they can't throw the football. In his final outing last season against the Kansas City Chiefs, the arm of quarterback Jalen Hurts had Philly on the precipice of winning the franchise's second Lombardi Trophy. Hurts completed 71 percent of his passes for 304 yards and a touchdown while adding 70 more yards and three more scores with his legs.
However, the formula for beating the Eagles will start in the front seven for the Patriots as they must take away the threat of the run, allowing them to hone in on shutting down the passing game.
