Behind Enemy Lines: An Eagles perspective as Rams prepare for a Week 12 showdown

Behind Enemy Lines: Vic Fangio and rookie DBs

(3) Ramblin Fan: There is a lot of buzz about Eagles rookie defensive back Quinyon Mitchell. But who is another star in that Eagles secondary that Rams fans should be aware of? And what are your thoughts about rookie DB Cooper DeJean?

Philadelphia Sports Table podcast host Jeff Warren:

There's only one cornerback in the NFL who has faced 375+ coverage snaps and allowed 0 passing TDs this season.  That individual is (Eagles rookie DB) Quinyon Mitchell.  He should arguably be at the top of the list for NFL Rookie of the Year.  Let's not sleep on Darius "Big Play" Slay.  Since week 6, Slay has allowed just 7 receptions on 17 targets for 92 yards, 0 TDs, and 5 pass breakups. 

(Eagles rookie DB) Cooper DeJean also continues to raise eyebrows as a shutdown piece of the Eagles secondary.  He still has not allowed a touchdown and is tied for 4th in the NFL in coverage stops (11).  Even though he had a down game against the Commanders in week 11, he's still a shining bright spot within the Eagles secondary.

(4) Ramblin Fan: The Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) have gotten some big wins. But with two losses, to the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, what if any common elements occurred in defeat? Was it a matter of the Eagles looking ahead? Or did the Falcons and Bucs use a similar strategy? If so, have the Eagles rallied to prevent similar losses going forward?

Philadelphia Sports Table podcast host Jeff Warren:

When we look at the Eagles' two losses on the season to the Buccaneers and Falcons, we can attribute that to growing and development pains for this team.  Two new coordinators were brought on board in (the form of) Kellen Moore (offensive coordinator) and Vic Fangio (defensive coordinator) during the offseason.  The Eagles were working out the kinks during the first four games of the season before their week 5 bye, on both sides of the ball as well. 

Learning and progression are what we can take away from the two losses on the season.  Coming out of the bye week, they were able to find their footing while understanding what worked, and what didn't.  What worked best: The run game and coaching consistency on defense.  It's why the Eagles are now the No. 1 defense in the NFL since week 6.  They have given up just 273.1 yards per game this season, the lowest of any team in the NFL.  They are No. 1 in total points allowed on their 6-game win streak.  Plus, let's not forget, that the Eagles offense also has one of the top running backs in the league to wear down their opponents' defense.  

I want to thank Jeff Warren and the Philadelphia Sports Table Podcast Show for sharing their insights and inviting me to their podcast to preview the Eagles-Rams matchup in Week 12. If you want to get a solid perspective from the eyes of a knowledgeable Eagles analyst, Jeff Warren is the mother lode of great takes and insights.

As always, thanks for reading.

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