The Philadelphia Eagles may not be playing that well to start the 2023 NFL season, but they’re 2-0, and their ultimate potential is clear.
A few have doubted that they will return to the Super Bowl and avenge their heart-wrenching loss there to the Kansas City Chiefs last season. One reason for that doubt is the loss of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who had 11.0 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss last year and was a significant part of their pass rush attack.
Helping to replace his production on the defensive line is rookie Jalen Carter, who was the No. 9 overall pick in April’s draft. In two games, he has put up 1.0 sacks, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit.
But one stat shows how well he has started off his pro career above all. Per Pro Football Focus, Carter is leading all defensive tackles with 11 quarterback pressures this year.
The team already has a number of studs on defense, including linebacker Haason Reddick, defensive ends Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham and cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
Overall, the Eagles’ defense hasn’t been performing up to its capability, at least statistically, but last season it ranked second in total yards allowed and No. 1 in passing yards given up. Trying to get into the end zone against them was like trying to cross Interstate 95 during rush hour.
Their next few games will be against eminently beatable opponents — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets — which means their defensive numbers, not to mention those of Carter, could massively improve by their Week 7 showdown against the Miami Dolphins.
