» ESPN Says The Eagles Have The Best Defensive Line In The NFL Barstool Sports: Philly

ESPN Says The Eagles Have The Best Defensive Line In The NFL

ESPN – Analysis: A year ago, everyone was raving about all the fantastic free-agent moves Philadelphia had made. But to me, this is the year they’ll pay off, and the Eagles very well could end up as my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. … But it’s the Eagles’ defense that has me so excited. It took far too long in 2011, but the Eagles look to have finally figured out the best way to use their defensive personnel, particularly their cover men. With the drafting of Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry, I think that Philadelphia has the best defensive line in the NFL (edging out the Giants). Just think of the foursome the Eagles will field on throwing downs to rush the passer: Jason Babin and Trent Cole on the outside with Cox and Cullen Jenkins attacking up the middle. Plus, the line depth is just superb, so they should always be fresh. … This defense will be among the league’s best in 2012. I expect Philadelphia to make good on the hype it received one year ago. Grade: A

Yeah Matt Williamson I’ve been thinking about Cox entering that foursome of men and them working hard to get deep penetration, sacks, and batting balls when they can get their hands on them. What? Oh okay I see it now.

The point is I’ve thought about the Eagles D-line being the best in the league ever since they drafted Fletcher with their first round pick, but didn’t the Giants win two Super Bowls (a few Eli Manningface miracles aside) basically on the strength of their line? And ESPN is saying ours is better? I don’t know whether to just sit back and accept the compliments and excitement or to call this asshole out for getting me unnecessarily hyped.

Blogging the Beast did an in-depth analysis of this Eagles versus Giants line matchup, but that’s far too technical for something that’s ultimately personal opinion. I’m asking: who ya got?

Vote 1 for Giants and 10 for Eagles.
1 Star 2 Stars 3 Stars 4 Stars 5 Stars 6 Stars 7 Stars 8 Stars 9 Stars 10 Stars (313 votes, average: 4.19 out of 10)

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By maurice posted July 12th, 2012 at 9:35 AM

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by Numero Two on July 12, 2012 at 9:38 am

I don't think the D-line was ever Philly's problem, its the LBs. That being said, Philly should win the NFC East, if they don't, seriously, you guys finally have to fire Andy.
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by stro on July 12, 2012 at 9:39 am

Dumbest question in awhile. Just because Babin sets up like 500 yds away from the OT and couldn't stop a running back for his life doesn't make him good. Giants by a long shot. Tuck, JPP, and Osi all individually are better then all of the DE's on the Eagle except for Trent Cole who I respect.
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by corylidleflymehome on July 12, 2012 at 9:44 am

Congratulations On finishing first in another July Poll. Don't forget to pull up a chair in January to watch the playoffs at home. ESPN has Brett Favre Rated #1 at QB, so take ESPN's credibility for what it's worth
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by The Third Reicherter on July 12, 2012 at 9:49 am

ESPN said it so it's true! Every year the Eagles win the offseason but it just doesn't seem to pan out, its just "Dream Team: Part 2"
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by tornopen on July 12, 2012 at 9:50 am

Eagles won't win more than 9 games this season.
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by roccot5 on July 12, 2012 at 9:54 am

As a Philly resident, lifelong Eagles fan, and Giant hater I have to say this is flat out silly. To say adding two rookies suddenly makes their line the best in the league is insane. The Giants d-line does everything well, and have been proven to be the best in the NFL, period. The Eagles line will be improved I think and will be insanely disruptive, but the the upfield mentality will make them, once again, sitting ducks against screens and draws. Until they learn to stop the run and keep o-lineman off the LBs they will not be near the top in the league. And to stro's point, Babin is horrific, sacks or nada, he is a total non factor. 18 sacks is an empty number when its complimented by 34 tackles. It made me sick to my stomach he was mentioned in the same breathe as Clyde Simmons, who in his 19 sack year I believe had 100+ tackles.
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by Iron Eagle on July 12, 2012 at 9:56 am

Coming from a Pats fan, the Giants have the best defensive line in the NFL. And there's not close 2nd.
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by cantgetthestinkout on July 12, 2012 at 10:04 am

Here's my prediction: Vick gets injured at some point and misses at least 3 games. As a result the Eagles finish 8-8 and miss the playoffs. Mo, as an Eagles fan Vick's contract should haunt your dreams.
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by roccot5 on July 12, 2012 at 10:09 am

Vick's contract is set up to cut him after this season with no penalty to the cap. This is essentially a contract year for him, so the only thing haunting anyone is that he still may be the best option after this year.
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by daddyrichard on July 12, 2012 at 10:22 am

Problem with talking about passing downs is the Giants will slide Tuck in the middle and leave Osi and JPP on the outside. thats three. That's why they are so good. And O yeah... they have Mathias too. as a Jet fan I fucking hate them.
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by brilliantarrogance on July 12, 2012 at 10:51 am

Michael Vick career ending injury, week one.... http://www.brilliantarrogance.com/
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by lunchbox87 on July 12, 2012 at 11:25 am

Gotta love how underrated the Giants are every single year.
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by lmob607 on July 12, 2012 at 3:41 pm

Why would Eagles fans be haunted by Vick's contract? Only 3 million is guaranteed after this season. And yes I agree with the former commenters..Eagles defense is probably best pash rushing d-line in division right now, but that doesn't take into the run which Babin is atrocious at. Giants don't have that great of linebackers but the pressure from the d-line on pass and running downs makes up for it.
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by discofries on July 12, 2012 at 3:48 pm

I thought they were supposed to have the best secondary of all time too. So wait they have the best dline, secondary, the most explosive offense since the 00 rams, the best running quaterback in the nfl, the best running back, the best superbowlless coach in the nfl,best special teams, and not too mention the best fans too and whats that get them...a one and done wildcard, at the most. Vick aint better than homo or pvt pile. Philly=JETS SOUTH.
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by 28ontheway on July 12, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Dumbest question you have asked in a long time. Stop putting out nonsense espn polls. They dont mean shit. Gmen by a fucking mile
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by otwisted on July 12, 2012 at 6:10 pm

I cant wait to see Eatdatpussy445's epic rants after the many Eagles losses this year.
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by westcoastbias on July 12, 2012 at 7:02 pm

Niners. No fuckin contest.
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by republicoftexas on July 12, 2012 at 7:53 pm

Only competition with NY is the niners.
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by ron@ron on July 12, 2012 at 10:57 pm

Quite frankly a defensive line i like and i hate to say this is the jets. Coples, Pouha, and Wilkerson. If Coples pans out look out. Defense wise. Jets, Giants, Niners are probably the three best defenses. The past few years these defenses have straight up consistently played well and i think have all gotten better this offseason. Eagles id love to say you guys as well but its a wait and see game with you. To in consistent and inconsistent is the word that means everything
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