The design of the Eagles defense has the linemen going full steam ahead every play. Run or pass, with the lead or from behind, their one job in the scheme installed by line coach Jim Washburn is to get into the backfield.
With an influx of talent, including defensive end Jason Babin and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, the line executed that plan in impressive fashion while Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel blanketed receivers.
"You put teams in a situation of make 'em pass," Trent Cole said, chuckling at the thought. "That's what we want as a D-line."
"We're not hoping to get to the quarterback. We're expecting it," Jenkins said.
In a passing league, and in a conference with quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, the Eagles have made pressure a priority, particularly with just the front four. They also have a deep rotation of ends and tackles to keep cycling fresh legs into the game.
Jenkins, Cole and Tapp each had one sack, Jenkins getting to backup A.J.Feeley. Babin added two. Parker was part of the harassment as well.
"We've got two freakin' first and second waves of guys that could start," Babin said.
"Coach Juan [Castillo] and Coach Washburn brought something in that allows us to play ball," Tapp said. "That's what we did."
With the line so tuned in to the quarterback, though, and leaving wide gaps between them, the Eagles look more vulnerable against the run, and the Rams exploited that hole early. On their first offensive play, running back Steven Jackson burst free for a 47-yard touchdown.
On the play, the Rams offensive linemen were free to rush through the gaps in the Eagles front four and take on the linebackers. Linebacker Moise Fokou was blocked, and Jackson was off.
