PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Eagles defense has ranked in the middle of the league during the team’s 9-1 start for the second consecutive season, coming in at No. 14 overall out of 32 teams.

The defense has shown both strengths and weaknesses, with the run defense ranking as the best in the league and the passing defense as the 28th best, although the standings were shaken up during a recent 21-17 win in Kansas City.

While the run defense allowed an uncharacteristic 168 yards on the ground, the secondary held Patrick Mahomes in check. Veterans Kevin Byard and Bradley Roby helped kick off what the Eagles hope will be a successful second half of the season.

The defense, under first-year defensive coordinator Sean Desai, still has a ways to go to compare to the 2022 unit in terms of raw numbers but has generally been well-received. Desai has been instrumental in making the right adjustments late in games to secure wins.

Three times this season, an opposing offense has not scored in the second half against Philadelphia, including the game against the Chiefs. This success late in games has not gone unnoticed.

Desai has been applauded for his ability to make effective adjustments when needed, contributing to the team’s success. Defensive football demands constant evolution, and Desai and his staff have been adept at game-planning and shifting as needed.

Communication is key, and ideas can come from the players themselves, the position coaches, and even head coach Nick Sirianni. Conditioning has also been a foundational principle for the organization.

Desai emphasizes the importance of conditioning and the players’ ability to finish games strong. Although the Eagles have shown improvement in second-half defense, the goal is always to play a complete game.

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