Defensive Deficiencies

The Philadelphia Eagles have a lot of work to do when it comes to the defensive side of the ball.

On the latest episode of “Inside The Birds,” Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher discussed the state of the defense and identified areas to improve on.

GETTY IMAGES: The Philadelphia Eagles need to add depth at nose tackle behind Jordan Davis.

Jordan Davis

Geoff Mosher: “The one thing that still jumps out to me is that they don’t really have a player who can take the spot of Jordan Davis and play it the way that he plays it. They don’t have a true backup nose [tackle].”

Adam Caplan: “It would behoove them to sign one veteran run-stopping defensive tackle. He doesn’t have to play a lot.”

Ben VanSumeren

Caplan: “There are issues with his ability to process, but he was really good. He only signed through ’24. This is something to take a look at. It would be a stretch to say he can compete for a starting job, but the tape was so good they have to be intrigued by it.”

Mosher: “The traits aren’t the issue. It was, as we were told, the instincts and knowledge of the position…at this position, you always have a chance to compete because you are not going to be battling two All Pro guys at that spot.”

Josh Jobe

Mosher: “He had a good training camp, had to play early when (Avonte) Maddox got hurt…he had some good moments and not good moments. Then (James) Bradberry went back outside and to fill the slot they went with (Bradley) Roby and (Eli) Ricks. By the end of the year, they were playing (Keele) Ringo. I would like to know if Ringo practiced so much better than Jobe.”

Avonte Maddox

Caplan: “He obviously cannot come back with the salary that he is making, but can they find a bridge deal where they lower his cap number, lower the cash, and give him some upside? That remains to be seen.”

Kevin Byard

Caplan: “It’s about cash, not cap. He is owed $13.8 million in base salary. He dealt with three different defenses last season. They are so dire at safety. If they can find something that is reasonable, why wouldn’t you bring him back?” 

Mosher: “The only reason maybe you don’t is if Vic (Fangio) is looking for familiarity. You saw Eddie Jackson got cut from the Bears. He is not the player he used to be, but neither is Byard.”

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.