There's plenty that can go sideways in a season and the Philadelphia Eagles will be the first to tell anyone that, especially after what happened in 2023 (we won't go down that road, though).
This offseason has brought much change to the defense as they decided to go younger with the players and lineup versus what they had. Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Milton Williams, Darius Slay, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson are all gone, leaving some big shoes to fill on defense.
That can lead to some scary scenarios for 2025 with young players playing for the first time and a overrealiance on top defenders to perform. Philadelphia is hoping to avoid that, but it might be a real thing to worry about.
Nightmare scenario Eagles might face in 2025 on defense
Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine shared a list of all 32 defenses with their best and worst-case scenarios. For the Eagles, the worst-case scenario for the defense is if Jalen Carter is unable to do it himself, and the secondary takes a significant step back.
"Mitchell and DeJean look like the foundation of the secondary for years to come after stellar rookie campaigns. But it's also much easier to look good in the defensive backfield when the front is excellent.
The Eagles defensive line was eighth in pass-rush win percentage and third in run stop win percentage. It's not hard to see those numbers take a step back without Sweat and Williams next season.
Players like Jalyx Hunt and Moro Ojomo will have to step up their game. The Eagles have typically done a good job of getting those types of players ready.
If they fail to do that this time there will be a dip in production."
Fans need to remember that this is the number one defense in the NFL last year that's being talked about. A lot of changes were made, but there is a ton of talent on the defensive line, linebackers, and secondary.
What a devastating blow it would be if Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean took a step back. It seems unlikely, though, as Mitchell was the primary starter on the outside with Slay, and Mitchell was among the top five shutdown cornerbacks in the league. DeJean is going to be moved around quite a bit between outside, slot, and safety, so there's a chance for some missteps, but he is a playmaker.
The Eagles' defense will be make-or-break on the edge rushers. Losing Graham and Sweat is tough, but Nolan Smith Jr. is a reliable starter. Whether Hunt can live up to the offseason hype of breakout star candidate is another story.
Carter won't be able to do everything himself, but his partner on the line, Jordan Davis, will make sure to take some of the pressure off of him. The Eagles need Ojomo and rookie fourth-round pick Ty Robinson to step up as those third and fourth guys Philadelphia needs.
Philadelphia's youth is alarming many people, and although it may not be smooth at first, this defense could be a concern for a long time. The Eagles need to hope everyone lives up to their potential.
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