The Philadelphia Eagles might own the NFL’s best record at 10-2, but they’re not infallible. Far from it.
In this case, I’m talking about Philadelphia’s mediocre defense, which is 21st in DVOA efficiency, 24th in points allowed, and 30th in total passing defense. After the rival San Francisco 49ers dropped 42 points on Sunday (thanks largely to Deebo Samuel), it was abundantly clear that Philly needed to add defensive reinforcements somewhere.
Howie Roseman and Co. have decided it’ll be a former All-Pro linebacker.
On Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles signed former Colts standout defender Shaquille Leonard. A standout playmaker in Indianapolis for the better part of almost six seasons, the Colts released Leonard after rampant injuries, and a new defensive scheme finally diminished what he brings to the table. Leonard is assuredly no longer a star player as it stands.
But he’s still a massive upgrade for an ailing Eagles defense that isn’t capable of stopping anyone:
Added LB help in Philadelphia: Former Colts’ All-Pro LB Shaquille Leonard is signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, per sources.
The Eagles next game is Sunday night at Dallas vs. the Cowboys, the other team Leonard visited. pic.twitter.com/Kf5ggbP9TD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2023
Here’s the Eagles’ official announcement of the Leonard move:
We've agreed to terms on a one-year deal with LB Shaquille Leonard. pic.twitter.com/WjCsPDHRVQ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 4, 2023
In a funny coincidence, Leonard’s first game with Philadelphia could be in Sunday night’s de facto NFC East title game against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas was the other team the linebacker visited as a free agent. The Eagles are clearly hoping that Leonard — who hasn’t played since mid-November –can shift the tide against a Dallas squad riding the high of a potential Dak Prescott MVP campaign.
If Leonard can’t do it, it might just be a lost year for the Philadelphia defense.
Eagles fans were so relieved to see the team add Leonard as a defensive reinforcement
An upgrade https://t.co/H3kmUjsF4N
— Evan Thorpé (@EThorpe_) December 4, 2023
He's chosen, and now let's play football. https://t.co/pG052uOa1x
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) December 4, 2023
No surprise here. Their LBs got destroyed last night https://t.co/1wfQh7naVW
— AJD (@Super_Stud2100) December 4, 2023
#FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/yTdIzEQ1OW pic.twitter.com/SMupyVChaJ
— Matt Loch (@MattLochonTV) December 4, 2023
Hallelujah!!
🦅 🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅 https://t.co/WhF4k9mkFw pic.twitter.com/uPKK4QAGS5— Channel Zero (@MikeTroy81) December 4, 2023
He saw our LBs perform yesterday and knew he’d instantly play lol https://t.co/29wY9H7z5k
— Leroy (@LRJ_OSU) December 4, 2023
Desperately needed upgrade. https://t.co/dkfG65VU5n
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) December 4, 2023
Sorry Dallas https://t.co/m8Z8bOenla pic.twitter.com/IoKuDqHIty
— Mark Ramos (@RamosReports) December 4, 2023
Doing my best to convince myself that signing Leonard, and getting Cunningham back is going to fix the defense https://t.co/Y8lw0xDNCj pic.twitter.com/h4qqCDjJwy
— Brian Doyle (@Odoyle1201) December 4, 2023
