There was little doubt Sunday marked a turning point for Nakobe Dean. The Philadelphia Eagles linebacker put on a display suggesting he had finally turned the corner, following a summer marred by a foot injury that derailed his previous season and the OTAs. With a string of impressive practices, Dean's performance this past Sunday decisively stood out.
Last year, Dean was essentially handed a starting linebacker role. This season, however, he is earning it the hard way. With his health back to its optimum, Dean has gradually worked his way into first-team reps. Teaming up with Devin White, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has shown encouragement in his progress.
Impressive Performances
The change in Dean's performance has not gone unnoticed. On the first play of 11-on-11s during Saturday's practice, Dean made a significant impact by laying out running back Will Shipley right after a pass reception. Moments later, he broke up a pass aimed at DeVonta Smith in the flat, delivering a robust hit as the play concluded. These are the kinds of physical plays the Eagles have been yearning for from their defense, and Dean is epitomizing this newfound aggressiveness.
The influence of new linebackers coach Bobby King cannot be understated. Dean credits King with enabling him to fully embrace his physical playing style, allowing him to thrive. "I didn't have a day off, I didn't have an offseason. It was five days a week until training camp started as far as getting that foot right, getting better. It's like I'm not back, I'm better," Dean reflected on his grueling offseason regimen.
Resurgence and Determination
Fangio's defensive philosophy has undeniably benefitted Dean, steering him closer to securing that starting linebacker position for Week 1. Dean is demonstrating to the Eagles why they took a chance on him initially. For the first time in his three-year career, the momentum seems to be shifting positively in his favor. "I want to play. And I want to be the first one that plays. But I can't control that. The only thing I can control is what I come out here and do every day, work hard and continue to get better," Dean remarked, showcasing his humble yet determined mindset.
The expectations Dean places on himself are evident. "I feel like I've had the kind of camp that I'm supposed to have," he admitted, illustrating both his confidence and drive. This sentiment is echoed by his focus on the nuances of his role. "He made it a main emphasis of block destruction, of blitzing because Vic's been calling our number, and tackling is a universal thing. We don't want no missed tackles, definitely not at the linebacker position, so it's been kind of universal topic we've been on in camp," Dean explained, highlighting the comprehensive approach adopted in training.
Physical Play Embraced by Teammates
Even with the reduced tackling in training camp, Dean strives to add a physical edge to every play. "We don't tackle as much in camp, so you try to thud as much as you can. In past years, I feel like I two-handed touch always. I want to thud," he said, emphasizing his commitment to a more robust playing style. Interestingly, this approach has been well-received by offensive counterparts. "Offensive guys have embraced it. They embraced the toughness. They want a feel. The offensive starters, they haven't played in the preseason (games). So the first time they get hit, they don't want it to be Week 1," Dean pointed out, shedding light on the collective team ethos.
Dean's versatility as a linebacker is another element that cannot be overlooked. "The type of linebacker I am, I feel like you need to be able to do everything. You need to be able to cover, you need to be able to fill that A-gap, you need to be able to blitz the quarterback. And I feel like those are things I do good," Dean stated confidently, a testament to his multi-faceted skill set.
As training camp progresses, Dean's resurgence is a storyline worth watching. His physical prowess, coupled with a renewed mindset and a firmer grasp of the Eagles' defensive schemes, propels him to show why he was a valued pick in the first place. The defense is setting Dean up to shine, and he is seizing the opportunity with both hands.