While the spotlight in Philadelphia has mostly followed the ups and downs of the Eagles’ offense, it’s the defense-specifically the pass defense-that’s quietly putting together one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory. Under the guidance of veteran coordinator Vic Fangio, this secondary isn’t just good-it’s historically good. And it might just be the reason Philly makes a deep postseason run.
Let’s break this down.
Lockdown Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Through 15 games, the Eagles are holding opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate of just 55.9%. That’s nearly nine full percentage points lower than the league average of 64.3%. In today’s pass-happy NFL, where quick throws and high-efficiency passing attacks dominate, that number is almost unheard of.
It doesn’t stop there. Quarterbacks facing this defense are posting a passer rating of just 74.5, well below the league average of 91.6.
And the yardage? Philly is giving up just 192 passing yards per game, compared to the league average of 213.
That’s not just stingy-it’s suffocating.
Then there’s the touchdown tally. The Eagles have allowed only 13 passing touchdowns all season.
For context, the league average is 23. That’s a 10-touchdown gap-over two-thirds of a season’s worth of red zone stops and third-down wins.
A Season for the Record Books
To put this into historical perspective, this is the first time since 2001 that the Eagles have held opponents to under 56% completions and 13 or fewer passing touchdowns through 15 games. And it’s only the third time since 1981 they’ve done it. That’s not just a good year-it’s a generational performance.
Zoom in on the recent stretch, and it gets even more impressive. Over the last six games, opposing quarterbacks have completed just 50.8% of their passes-the best six-game stretch for Philly’s pass defense in 17 years.
And here’s the stat that really turns heads: the Eagles have held their last four opponents to a passer rating below 56. That’s the longest streak of its kind in 72 years. That’s not just dominance-it’s historical dominance.
Over a nine-game span, the Eagles allowed just six touchdown passes, their fewest in a nine-game stretch in 25 years. And they’ve held seven of those nine opponents to a passer rating under 70-a feat they haven’t accomplished in three decades.
The Players Behind the Performance
Fangio’s scheme has clearly taken hold, but this isn’t just about Xs and Os-it’s about execution. And the Eagles’ secondary is delivering.
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have emerged as true game-changers on the back end. Both rookies are playing at a level that could earn them All-Pro consideration, not just for their coverage skills but for their poise and consistency in high-leverage moments.
Reed Blankenship, who had a rocky start to the season, has turned things around in a big way. He’s flying around the field, making smart reads and reliable tackles.
And Adoree' Jackson? He’s quietly been playing some of the best football of his career over the past three games, locking down his side of the field and bringing veteran stability to the group.
The Bigger Picture
When you put it all together-the stats, the streaks, the personnel-it’s clear: this Eagles pass defense is the real deal. While the offense has had its share of headline moments and hiccups, it’s the defense that’s built a foundation strong enough to carry this team deep into January-and maybe even February.
If the Eagles are going to make a serious Super Bowl push, it’ll be because their secondary continues to smother opposing quarterbacks the way it has all season. And right now, there’s no sign of that slowing down.