The Philadelphia Eagles will be aiming to win their third straight division title this season. That’s something the Eagles haven’t accomplished in more than two decades.
To do that, Philadelphia is trying to be a lot better on offense this fall. But inside the NFC East, the Eagles will still have a clear advantage on defense.
This month, Philadelphia’s defense was the only one from the NFC East included on Bleacher Report’s list of the league’s top 10 defenses after the Myles Garrett trade.
On that list from Gary Davenport, the Eagles defense came in at No. 5 overall across the entire NFL.
“General manager Howie Roseman stockpiles defensive linemen—the team was in on the Myles Garrett sweepstakes but balked at including star tackle Jalen Carter in the deal. But the team did add veteran edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard in a draft day trade to a room that already included the likes of Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr,” wrote Davenport.
“At linebacker, the team has an in-house replacement for the departed Nakobe Dean in youngster Jihaad Campbell, who will start opposite Zack Baun.
“The Philadelphia secondary is a strength as well—Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have rapidly become two of the NFL’s top young cornerbacks, and the Eagles signed Riq Woolen away from the Seahawks in free agency.
“The Eagles did lose a starter at safety in veteran Reed Blankenship, but deep safety Andrew Mukuba is an ascending talent.
“Philly’s defense is easily the class of the NFC East.”
In the NFC, only the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks were ahead of the Eagles on Davenport’s NFL defensive rankings. Davenport also ranked the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos defenses before Philadelphia’s.
Eagles Feature Best Defense in NFC East
GettyBleacher Report’s Gary Davenport ranked the Philadelphia Eagles defense at No. 5 in the NFL after the Myles Garrett trade.
Holding the title of the best defense in the NFC East isn’t as impressive when considering the competition. The Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants had some of the worst defenses in the league during 2025.
No NFL team gave up more points than the Cowboys while there wasn’t a team who allowed more yards than the Commanders. Each defense was also in the bottom five in the other category.
Meanwhile, the Giants finished 26th in points allowed and 28th in total defense.
The Eagles are the best defense in the NFC East by default. Yet, the team advantage on defense is clear and important when considering Philadelphia going for another division title.
The Eagles were 13th in total yards allowed while finishing fifth in scoring defense last season. They were a top 10 unit against the pass.
Where the Eagles defense could improve the most is against the run. Philadelphia was 16th in yards per carry yielded and 22nd in rushing yards allowed in 2025.
Interestingly, the biggest additions Roseman made on defense could help more against the pass. Philadelphia added edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Arnold Ebiketie. The team also signed Riq Woolen in free agency.
Rookie safety Cole Wisniewski could help Andrew Mukuba replace Reed Blankenship. The new edge rushers should assist in replacing departed trade deadline acquisition Jaelan Phillips.
The team’s defense will likely keep the Eagles the favorite to win the NFC East again. But furthermore, the unit could have Philadelphia competing for a top seed in the conference this fall.
Eagles Stand Alone in 1 Area Within NFC East