Eagles' training camp: Looking at Philadelphia's biggest perceived weakness

USA Today

31-07-2025

A recent review of the Eagles' defense misses key details in the latest critique from NFL.com
We're getting closer to the launch of the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 campaign. The regular season begins at Lincoln Financial Field with a Super Bowl banner reveal and a game vs. the hated Dallas Cowboys. There's still work to do.
The goal? It's pretty obvious. Win the National Football Conference. Then, win Super Bowl 60 two weeks later.
NFL columnist takes his shot at revealing the Eagles' biggest weakness
Santa Clara provides the backdrop for football's biggest game this time around. Every team entered training camp with dreams of booking a flight there. Some teams have better chances than others. Some teams, all of which shall remain nameless, have no shot at all.
We've reached the point of the calendar year when we begin discussing strengths and weaknesses, and who might raise the Lombardi Trophy and why. NFL.com recently released the biggest challenges facing each team as they enter the regular season. Jeffri Chadiha, the writer of this one, says the most significant obstacle facing the Eagles is acclimating the new faces on defense.
"The Eagles lost some valuable veterans (on defense) after stomping the (Kansas City) Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX... As is usually the case, Philadelphia has been grooming players to move into all these positions, but change isn't always easy. The edge-rusher situation is particularly interesting to watch, as third-year pro Nolan Smith is the only player in that group without major questions attached to him. That said, these are the Eagles. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will make it all work."
That last line is key. Vic Fangio will make this work. The 'losses' angle has been bludgeoned to death. Key contributors are gone, but Philadelphia isn't rebuilding. They're reloading.
Everywhere they've lost someone, they have someone else who is potentially just as good, if not better. There aren't many reasons to be fearful about this defense.
If you're looking for real potential obstacles, here are a few. Don't worry about the defense's acclimation. Worry about its depth, especially at edge rusher, and cross your fingers that a committee system is used in the backfield. This team can't overwork Saquon Barkley as they did last season.
Philadelphia must find actual depth behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Lastly, let's hope Howie Roseman pays some of this young talent before the asking price gets too high. Coach Fangio has his unit under control. There aren't many reasons to question that theory, if any.