Sunday marked a significant turning point for Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean. After a challenging summer plagued by a foot injury, Dean returned to the gridiron with an impressive display, earning widespread attention and praise for his efforts. His standout performance last Sunday has cast a hopeful light on his journey this season.
Last year, Dean was entrusted with a starting linebacker role, but this season, he’s had to earn it through sheer effort and determination. Gradually working his way into first-team reps, Dean's hard work is paying off. His physicality and tenacity were showcased early in Saturday's practice, where he tackled running back Will Shipley on the first play of the 11-on-11s and then broke up a pass intended for DeVonta Smith shortly after. These plays epitomize the new physical edge Dean is bringing to the team’s defense.
Overcoming Adversity
Dean’s offseason was nothing short of grueling. “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 shared. This relentless commitment to recovery and improvement speaks volumes about his dedication to the sport and the team.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has been particularly encouraging, noting Dean’s progress and increasingly physical play. The Eagles have been in search of such attributes from their defense, craving the kind of aggressive and physical plays Dean is starting to deliver consistently. Dean, teaming up with Devin White, now appears closer than ever to securing the starting linebacker spot for Week 1.
Coaching Influence
Bobby King, the new linebackers coach, has also played a pivotal role in Dean’s development. Dean credits King with enabling him to fully embrace his physical playing style, which is central to Fangio's defensive philosophy. “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 a universal topic we've been on in camp,” Dean explained.
Despite reduced tackling in camp, Dean aims 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. This commitment to physicality even in less intensive practice drills has been well-received by his offensive counterparts. Dean noted, “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.”
A Versatile Defender
Nakobe Dean’s versatility as a linebacker makes him an invaluable asset to the Eagles' defense. His ability to cover, fill the A-gap, and blitz the quarterback is a trifecta of skills that he excels in. “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 affirmed.
With the regular season fast approaching, Dean’s camp performance aligns perfectly with his high expectations. “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,” he said. This mindset, coupled with his proven work ethic and physical prowess, positions Nakobe Dean as a formidable force in the Eagles' defense for the upcoming season.