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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 25: Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 25: Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field on November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

13. Philadelphia Eagles

2018 Review: Simply put, this group wasn’t quite as effective as the one that played a big part in the team’s Super Bowl LII championship campaign. A slew of injuries, most notably at cornerback, was certainly one reason that the Birds gave up the third-most passing yards in the league. But Jim Schwartz’s group also wasn’t the league’s best unit against the run as was the case in 2017, when the Eagles allowed a mere 79.2 yards per game on the ground.  And after forcing 31 turnovers the previous season, Doug Pederson’s club managed a disappointing 17 takeaways.

2019 Key Additions: The team re-established depth along the defensive front. The Eagles signed Jaguars’ castoff Malik Jackson, who will team with Cox to plug up the middle. Defensive end Vinny Curry is back in Philadelphia after a year with the Buccaneers and the club traded for defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (Colts). The Birds added experienced inside linebackers in Zach Brown and L.J. Fort while swinging a deal for pass-rusher El Harold.

Analysis: General manager Howie Roseman spent a lot of time this offseason rebuilding the defensive front in terms of depth. That aspect was huge when it came to the team’s Super Bowl run in 2017. There are still a lot of questions when it comes to cornerback. And it may take some time for the linebacking situation – a position that has seen some change – to sort itself out. The Birds’ defense could stumble a bit out of the gate but peak later.

Next: No. 12

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