The Philadelphia Eagles sit atop the NFC East with an 8-2 record. However, not all is sunny in Philly. For the first time in years, Philadelphia’s defense is showing a clear and costly weakness — one the front office could have avoided months ago. As the stretch run of the season approaches, the decision to let star pass rusher Josh Sweat leave in free agency has become the team’s most glaring offseason mistake.
Sweat, who led the team in sacks last season, signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals and has been worth every penny. Through 10 games, Sweat has nine sacks and three forced fumbles, which both rank in the top 6 in the NFL. For comparison, the Eagles' leading pass rusher is Moro Ojomo, who has four sacks, tied for 42nd, with no forced fumbles.
The team’s pass-rush drop-off has been dramatic. After finishing last season with the 13th-ranked pass rush, the Eagles have dropped to 23rd this year. Philadelphia tried to replace Sweat’s production by bringing in veteran pass rushers Azeez Ojulari, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Patrick Johnson. The trio has combined for one sack, nowhere near Sweat’s elite production.
Despite the lack of pressure, Philadelphia's defense has survived by holding strong on the scoreboard, allowing just over 20 points per game, the eighth-best mark in the league. They even shut down the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions in back-to-back weeks, allowing just seven and nine points in those matchups.
As the season progressed, the team’s lack of pass rush was exposed. With a schedule that includes elite QBs and high-powered offenses, Philadelphia couldn't rely on strong coverage forever. Eventually, they needed a consistent pass rush, something that they have not been able to generate since Sweat’s departure.
This was the driving force behind the move to acquire Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline. While the move has certainly paid dividends, it has cost Philadelphia future draft capital to make the deal. Fortunately, Howie Roseman has put the franchise in a position where they are not lacking when it comes to future draft picks, but those would still be in his back pocket had the front office just done the right thing, as the season has shown.
The Eagles made a mistake by letting their top pass rusher leave in free agency. And now, with Sweat enjoying a career year in Arizona, and Philadelphia scrambling for answers, the offseason regret could not be more obvious.