Eagles’ defense continues to shut down running games and force turnovers in 3-0 start

Jalen Hurts, the “ tush push” and suddenly one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL get the bulk of the love for the Eagles’ second straight 3-0 start.

Don’t forget about the defense.

The Eagles’ D — full of new starters and new defensive coordinator Sean Desai — has been downright dominant over the first three games. They produced their best effort of the season in a 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game that put the spotlight on Jalen Carter, Darius Slay Jr., Jordan Davis and the rest of the defense.

And one sure to put the rest of the NFL on notice.

The Eagles have allowed just 145 yards rushing — total! — in three games on 48 carries. That’s a bit over 48 yards per game and 3.02 yards per carry. The longest run allowed over that span is just 12 yards.

Tampa Bay had yet to turn the ball over in its first two games, both wins, until it ran into the Eagles. Baker Mayfield threw an interception and there was a lost fumble and a safety. That’s about as stout as limiting Minnesota to 28 yards rushing in Week 2. Or Slay’s pick-6 in the opener against New England.

Turns out, Philadelphia’s most explosive plays are happening on defense.

“This defense is awesome. I love the defense,” said Carter, this year’s first-round draft pick. “Everybody trusts one another. Everybody plays their role and do what they got to do. And if somebody is going down, it’s that next man up and we are not worried about who the next man is.”

Carter actually forced two fumbles; the first one was recovered by Tampa Bay. The second came on the next play when he punched the ball out of running back Rachaad White’s arms. James Bradberry recovered that one.

“That’s why you got to punch as hard as you can to try to get the ball out,” Carter said. “Running backs work on holding the ball and keeping it protected. I feel like if you push hard enough, you can get it out.”