The 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles may be lagging in some areas, however the team currently has the best rush defense in the NFL, according to a report by Reuben Frank of csnphilly.com.
Opposing teams are averaging only 3.1 yards per attempt against the Eagles who have allowed only 222 yards and zero touchdowns to opposing running backs.
This is Philly’s best start in defending the run since 2008 which was the last time the Eagles won a playoff game under defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson. It is also the first time since 1992 that the Eagles haven’t allowed a rushing score in three games.
Here’s what safety Malcolm Jenkins had to say about the Eagles rush defense:
“That’s everything. As a secondary, when you don’t have to worry about the run game and you can stop the run in a two-safety (back) look, that’s just one more person you have in coverage. It takes the stress off you.”
Even more impressive is that the Eagles have held opposing teams to only 2.8 yards per attempt on first downs which is second-best in the NFL behind the Denver Broncos at 2.7 on first downs. Head coach Chip Kelly also discussed his defensive line, sharing this:
“Consistency,” Chip Kelly said. “It starts with the D‑line. You watch these guys hit the sled every day, every day without exception, and it shows up on Sundays. They are striking with their hands, they are reading their keys, they are doing a great job with it and it’s real tough to run on us right now because of the consistency of the technique that the inside guys are playing with.”
The Eagles have their biggest challenge waiting ahead when the team faces the Washington Redskins on Sunday at FedEx Field. The Redskins rank fourth in the NFL with 144 rushing yards accomplished at a rate of 4.6 yards per carry, which is the league’s fifth-best mark.