The defense of the Philadelphia Eagles has not been messing around this season. Through Week 14 Philadelphia ranked third in defensive DVOA, per Football Outsiders, and fourth in both yards and points allowed per drive. They’ve gotten there by putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Eagles only rank 18th among defenses with a 6.2 percent sack rate, but they are fifth in pressure rate among defenses.
Typically Jim Schwartz defenses excel and rely on getting pressure with the front four, but Schwartz has called upon an extra rusher or two a little more often this season. They’re blitzing on 25 percent opposing pass plays, which ranks 18th in the league, after rushing four on a league-leading 79.