After being gashed for big play after big play last season, Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia went out and added a few lockdown defenders and a game wrecker along the defensive front.
The results could end up being a defensive transformation that allows the Birds to return to the Super Bowl on the back of a stingy and athletic defense. The one glaring improvement will come along the defensive line where Jim Schwartz will have his pick of disruptors to chase the quarterback.
The best of the group could be free-agent signee, Javon Hargrave, who came over from the Pittsburgh Steelers and presents an absolute matchup nightmare in the middle for the Eagles.
Hargrave is a pass rush dynamo and according to Thomas Peterson via Pro Football Focus, Hargrave was the number four most productive pass-rushing defensive tackle last season.
Last season in the Steelers 3-4 defense, Hargrave managed 373 pass-rush snaps to go along with 43 hurries and 49 total pressures.
Hargrave’s ability to dominate in the middle will surely free up more one one one opportunities for Derek Barnett and Fletcher Cox, who could have his most dominant season as a pro.
With Hargrave in the middle, Malik Jackson should also benefit from more time spent at defensive end, although he also has been one of the top-pass rushers at the defensive tackle position.
