Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) and Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) during the first quarter at FedExField. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Warning to NFC East: Eagles' defensive line has powered up, too

By Sean Barnard | Last updated 9/26/22

The Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 for the first time in six years. QB Jalen Hurts, the NFL's third-leading passer with 916 yards, and the offense are clicking. Now the defensive line, which had three sacks in the first two games, seems to have powered up, too.

In a Week 3 win over the Commanders, Philadelphia sacked Carson Wentz nine times, a career high for the former Eagle. Wentz felt the pressure from the start. Four of the Eagles' sacks came in the first quarter — the first time they have accomplished that feat since 1991.

All 9 Eagles sacks on Carson Wentz pic.twitter.com/TYHS7wRSah
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) September 26, 2022

Former Temple standout Haason Reddick, held without a sack through two games, registered 1.5 sacks. The Eagles signed the outside linebacker to a three-year deal worth $45 million this offseason largely because of his pass-rushing ability. In the past two seasons with the Cardinals and Panthers, he tallied 23.5 total sacks.

NFL sack leaders over the last two seasons:

1. T.J. Watt 37.5
2. Myles Garrett 28
3. Tret Hendrickson 27.5
4. Aaron Donald 26
5. Haason Reddick 23.5

Reddick is only 27 years old. pic.twitter.com/tTxPtbLDnz
— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) July 21, 2022

In addition to Reddick, Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, T.J. Edwards and Josh Sweat pressured Wentz.

Pass-rush improvement is a point of emphasis for Eagles, who ranked 29th in the NFL in sacks per game in 2021. Buoyed by the nine-sack showing, the Eagles lead the league in sacks with 12.

The Eagles' defense could feast again in Week 4, when Philadelphia plays at home against Jacksonville, which had the 26th-ranked offensive line heading into the season, per Pro Football Focus.

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