Eagles Personnel Turnover Proves Blame for Defensive Struggles Shouldn't Be on Jim Schwartz
By Ian Anderson
Philadelphia fans spent a considerable amount of time calling for Jim Schwartz's job, blaming him and the defense as the reason why the Eagles have been struggling at times this season.
But is Schwartz really at fault for their woes, or is he just a scapegoat?
No coordinator in the NFL has had more personnel turnover this season than Jim Schwartz...#Eagles have used THIRTY-TWO (32) different players just on DEFENSE in 9 games...yet currently top ten in total defense in the league!#JawsStats #FlyEaglesFly #NFL100
— Ron Jaworski (@JawsCEOQB) November 8, 2019
Nine games into the Eagles' 2019 campaign, Philadelphia has used 32 different players on defense. Despite that, they still rank top-10 in total yards allowed per game and top-5 in run defense in the entire NFL.
Philly does rank 19th in both points allowed and pass yards allowed per game, but Schwartz should be given credit regardless. The Eagles' secondary has been a revolving door this season, and no combination of DBs employed would change their ranks.
Our defense forced five consecutive three-and-outs to open Sunday’s game.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/KEEs53Kz8r
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 5, 2019
A stout performance from Schwartz's defense in a Philadelphia win this past Sunday over the Chicago Bears has put him in a good place temporarily in the eyes of Philly fans.
Rather than allowing one game to sway them, however, they should keep their eyes on the bigger picture and the many roadblocks Schwartz has faced this season.