Defense Wins Championships

Since you're currently on this site I'm assuming that you're some type of sports fan. And as a sports fan you have probably at one time or another heard the phrase "Defense Wins Championships." If the Eagles want to win the Superbowl, this is a phrase I think they should learn to live by.

Think about the Jim Johnson defenses of the past. Secondaries filled with guys like Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Michael Lewis and hard hitting Brian Dawkins. The linebackers consisted of talents such as Jeremiah Trotter, Carlos Emmons, and Shawn Barber. Jevon Kearse, Hugh Douglas, and Corey Simon made up the D-Line that struck fear into opposing quarterbacks. The overall blitzes and schemes of Johsnon wreaked havoc on offenses for years and the defense led the Eagles to 5 NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance.

But ever since Jim Johnson's death in 2009, this Eagles defense has been searching for an identity. The secondary has been a mess ever since Dawkins left. Injuries to Stewart Bradley have disrupted the linebacking corps, and aside from Trent Cole, the defensive line has been just okay.

So far in this 2011 free agency madness the Eagles have addressed defensive needs by signing Jason Babin and acquiring DRC in the Kevin Kolb trade. With DRC the Eagles now have two outstanding corners and I feel a little better about the secondary. And Babin gives the Birds two pro bowler defensive ends which will help the entire defensive line.

But I still have my doubts about the linebackers and safeties. The Eagles need to bring in some proven veterans at these positions. While some experts may feel that the Eagles have enough talent already at linebacker and safety, I still feel the Eagles desperately need help especially in a year with new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo.

Vick and the boys can put up as many points as they want but if they don't have a solid defense to back them up they aren't going anywhere. The Eagles need to get back to their defensive roots, and have other teams fear their defense as much as they fear their offense.