Eagles’ Defense Prevails Against the Saints
The Eagles managed to leave New Orleans with a close win Sunday afternoon against the Saints, thanks in large part to the defense showing their resiliency. After facing national scrutiny for their lack of pressure against the Falcons in Week Two, the front seven stepped up mightily. It is worth noting in the previous two games, New Orleans scored 91 points against opponents. For the defense to shut down the Saints to only 12 points on the road is stellar. For perspective, Saints quarterback Derek Carr was pressured on 37% of snaps, making nearly half of the plays in which the front seven was successful. The Eagles also managed to slow down Saints star running back Alvin Kamara, as he finished with less than four yards a carry on average. With that being said, there are three players in particular who stood out in Week Three and can be commended for their respective performances.
Jalen Carter
Defensive tackle Jalen Carter’s Week Three performance was one of the best of his career so far. The sophomore defensive tackle was a menace all 60 minutes, recording four tackles with two of them being for a loss of yards. Carter also managed to have two deflections at the line of scrimmage and was causing pressure throughout the game consistently. For the defense to be feared throughout the league, Carter’s production will be vital to slowing down opponents. Carter can hopefully build off of this strong outing, and wreak havoc at the line in the coming weeks.
Zack Baun
At the early mark of the season, linebacker Zack Baun looks like one of the biggest steals of the past offseason. The former Saints linebacker, who signed a one-year deal, has 37 tackles so far. In Week Three, Baun nearly eclipsed 10 tackles, finishing with nine on the day. Baun leads the league in this category, and he seems to be fitting in seamlessly within defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system. Baun has been all over making plays, ranging from the middle of the field to outside the numbers. Baun’s performance Sunday did not go unnoticed, and all signs point to him continuing to be a standout linebacker as the season progresses.
Reed Blankenship
Safety Reed Blankenship’s development has been remarkable, to say the least. As an undrafted free agent in 2022, Blankenship has worked his way through the rankings to be one of the best young defensive backs in the league. During the 2023 season, Blankenship finished with 113 total tackles and seems to be picking up where he left off. Through the first three games, Blankenship has two interceptions, 20 total tackles, and was a focal point of the win yesterday. Blankenship is not only a ballhawk, but his speed to flash to runners in the open field has been on full display. With yesterday’s game-sealing interception, Blankenship has opened the eyes of many regarding impact players in the secondary through the first three weeks. His performance was rewarded with receiving the game ball and leading the team for the victory speech post-game.
The defense essentially won the game in New Orleans, and their prowess will once again be tested against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week Four. It is no secret that the defense has immense potential, with young talent blended with veteran leadership. At this stage, it comes down to coaching and putting players in the best position. Philadelphia hopes to prove their impressive Week Three lays the foundation of what’s to come later this season.
