It had long been speculated since the moment Chip Kelly was let go, but new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz made it official last week on WIP, the Eagles will be running a 4-3 defensive scheme. The last time the Eagles ran this style of defense was back in 2012, when Big Red was still a bird.
A scheme change may not be the worst idea for a unit that nearly gave up 40+ points six times over the last seven games of the season.
Jim Schwartz doesn’t run your traditional 4-3 style defense, instead he runs everyone’s favorite: THE WIDE 9! and honestly, Im not sure what to expect. I think this change in defense could either go really good or really bad, but then again, really bad would basically just be more of the same.
The defensive line is obviously the group that benefits the most from the scheme change. I hope they’ve got their bibs ready because THESE GUYS ARE GONNA BE EATIN. Fletcher Cox had 9.5 sacks last season opening lanes for linebackers, the thought of him exclusively harassing QBs is pretty mouth watering. Then there’s Vinny Curry who’s playing in the proper scheme for the first real time in his career (his rookie season doesn’t count), big things may be in his future. I question if Brandon Graham will have a seamless transition back to his old position, he spent two seasons losing weight getting in outside linebacker shape. Right now, Graham is listed at 265 which isn’t bad, but given his short sizes, he might wanna add a few lbs.
Bennie Logan finds himself in kind of an interesting situation. He is a free agent next season and has never played in a 4-3 before. It’s not hard to imagine the Eagles fall in love with one of the many studdly defensive line prospects leading up to the draft and make Logan available. Bennie Logan has developed into one of the league’s better nose tackles, so you might be able to get some decent value in a trade.
I think the linebackers are either going to make or break this defense. If the season were to start tomorrow, Jordan Hicks would be lining up in the middle with Kiko Alonso and Mychal Kendricks on either side of him. In a 4-3, there’s an emphasis put on the linebacker to play the run. Last season, Jordan Hicks left a bit to be desired playing the run, he earned a 38.7 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Considering how a poor run defense got the Eagles killed last time they ran a wide 9, Im a little nervous. I do think Hicks can grow into a good middle linebacker, but it’ll take some time. Im just glad that DeMeco Ryans is still a part of this team, Simba is gonna need his Mufasa.
Mychal Kendricks and Connor Barwin are two guys I would actively be shopping this offseason. Barwin isn’t really fit for a 4-3, I don’t think he has the defensive moves to play defensive end and he is nowhere near good enough in run or pass coverage to play outside linebacker. Barwin lead the NFC in sacks last season with 14.5, Im sure some 3-4 team would be willing to buy in on the linebacker. I would trade Kendricks because he has become a total liability in coverage, he received a 28.7 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. When you look at the Carolina Panthers’ linebackers, the strength of their team, they all have one thing in common: they’re awesome in pass coverage. Kendricks is great against the run and can get into the backfield pretty well, but I can’t stomach seeing another long third down conversion because Kendricks got beat in coverage. If Jaylon Smith or Myles Jack are available when the Eagles are on the clock in May, I’d take them and trade Kendricks in a heartbeat.
A lot can change between now and the start of the season, Chip Kelly taught us that one, so this defense could look very different come September. There’s one thing we know for sure though, the wide 9 is back and better than ever! Once you get over the Jason Babin flashbacks, it’s a little exciting.
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