Eagles Linebacker Nakobe Dean is a Force to be Reckoned With Against the NFL's Best Blockers
In a recent game against the Detroit Lions, Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean showcased his explosive skills once again, blowing up one of the league's top running backs in pass protection. The 230-pound David Montgomery was no match for Dean, who simultaneously knocked quarterback Jared Goff to the ground and secured a timely sack.
This wasn't Dean's first experience with taking down elite blockers. In their previous matchup against the Green Bay Packers, he rag-dolled Josh Jacobs, another stout running back, before dropping quarterback Jordan Love. The Lions' Graham Glasgow was also no exception, as Dean breezed past him to hurry Goff into an incompletion.
Dean's impressive form continues to earn him praise from his coaches and teammates. His reintegration into the defense has been equally impactful, with many crediting him as the team's most impactful pass rusher alongside trade acquisition Jaelan Phillips.
Despite a major knee surgery that delayed his season debut until Week 8, Dean has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. He now plays about 67% of snaps in each game, rotating with rookie Jihaad Campbell. His versatility is evident in the Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's blitz packages, where he often serves as an extra-man rusher or fourth defender in a four-man exchange.
Dean's pass-rushing statistics over the past two games have been impressive, with nine rushes resulting in pressure and a win rate of nearly 45%. His ability to get downhill quickly, channel speed into power, and blow up blocks has always been his strength since his college days at Georgia. And it appears that this season is no exception.
The Eagles' decision to scale back blitzes under Fangio's guidance seems to have worked, with Dean being one of the key reasons behind this shift. He has shown the ability to overpower not just running backs but also some of the NFL's better offensive linemen.
As the Eagles prepare for their next matchup against a potent Cowboys offense, it's clear that Dean will continue to be a crucial part of their defensive strategy. With his impressive form and adaptability, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the league's best blockers.
In a recent game against the Detroit Lions, Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean showcased his explosive skills once again, blowing up one of the league's top running backs in pass protection. The 230-pound David Montgomery was no match for Dean, who simultaneously knocked quarterback Jared Goff to the ground and secured a timely sack.
This wasn't Dean's first experience with taking down elite blockers. In their previous matchup against the Green Bay Packers, he rag-dolled Josh Jacobs, another stout running back, before dropping quarterback Jordan Love. The Lions' Graham Glasgow was also no exception, as Dean breezed past him to hurry Goff into an incompletion.
Dean's impressive form continues to earn him praise from his coaches and teammates. His reintegration into the defense has been equally impactful, with many crediting him as the team's most impactful pass rusher alongside trade acquisition Jaelan Phillips.
Despite a major knee surgery that delayed his season debut until Week 8, Dean has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. He now plays about 67% of snaps in each game, rotating with rookie Jihaad Campbell. His versatility is evident in the Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's blitz packages, where he often serves as an extra-man rusher or fourth defender in a four-man exchange.
Dean's pass-rushing statistics over the past two games have been impressive, with nine rushes resulting in pressure and a win rate of nearly 45%. His ability to get downhill quickly, channel speed into power, and blow up blocks has always been his strength since his college days at Georgia. And it appears that this season is no exception.
The Eagles' decision to scale back blitzes under Fangio's guidance seems to have worked, with Dean being one of the key reasons behind this shift. He has shown the ability to overpower not just running backs but also some of the NFL's better offensive linemen.
As the Eagles prepare for their next matchup against a potent Cowboys offense, it's clear that Dean will continue to be a crucial part of their defensive strategy. With his impressive form and adaptability, he remains a force to be reckoned with in the league's best blockers.