The Eagles' defense just hit an unexpected pothole on the road to contention. You build a game plan, you manage the salary cap, and then life in the NFL throws a retirement party. Suddenly, a position of cautious optimism feels as thin as the ice in a late-season Packers game.
The reality arrived. Veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, the unit's most consistent pass rusher, stunned the team by retiring after just five games. This leaves a massive void. The remaining cast of Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Patrick Johnson has combined for a paltry eight quarterback hits and one solitary sack all season.