We continue our position by position review of the 2014 Philadelphia Eagles. Today we continue with the defense.



The Players

BENNIE LOGAN

Numbers: 45 tackles, 1 forced fumble.

Review: Nose tackle is an unglamorous position. Few become household names, and they are almost always behemoths on Super Bowl teams. For the most part, it’s a low profile gig, but an important one. Last year Bennie Logan was unfairly blamed for the playoff loss to the Saints, made a scapegoat for New Orleans success running the ball that night. It was nonsense then, and it is nonsense now. Logan wasn’t perfect, but he wasn’t the reason why they lost.

In 2014 Logan was, like the DEs that flank him, a big reason why the Eagles defense both got to the QB and stopped the run. Through double teams and chewing up blockers, he opened up space for linebackers, and also had his own fun in the backfield.

Logan overpowers the center and forces the runner out to the numbers from the center of the field, and tackles him for a loss.

Sheds the center and gets in behind the fullback for a tackle for no gain.

Overpowers the center to the point where his left arm is just hanging out, then tosses him aside for no gain.

Shoots through two linemen and then nearly decapitates Ahmad Bradshaw.

"More violence."

He also took on the role of enforcer, literally pushing his weight around.

By the way, those are from different games.

BEAU ALLEN

Numbers: 0.5 sacks, 7 tackles.

Review: Beau Allen had a fine season for a 7th round rookie. He received consistent playing time throughout the season in running situations, and held his own. He has room to improve, but all rookies do.

Who could leave

Nobody is going anywhere.

Who could sign

There is no need to sign a veteran, and neither is eligible for a contract extension.

Draft options

None. Logan has the starting job locked down, and the team isn’t spending a draft pick in three consecutive years on the position. Like DE, a UDFA or someone who wasn’t on an active roster last year will be signed for camp.