Philadelphia Eagles: Is Todd Bowles the Answer for Their Defensive Woes?

The Philadelphia Eagles signed the ex-Miami Dolphins interim head coach, Todd Bowles, as their new defensive backs coach. According to Jeff McLane, Bowles will have more responsibilities than the previously fired cornerbacks coach Jonnie Lynn and will have Mike Zordich (the safeties coach) under him.

Juan Castillo will remain the team’s defensive coordinator. The official announcement does not feature his name; it confirms instead that the Eagles 2012 coaching staff has been finalized.

So, the Eagles made their choice and that was to keep their coordinators and the whole training staff, with Lynn being the one and only exception. From my point of view, the team embraced its need for continuity and invested in the people they already know their work and their demeanor.

Bowles will be the only fresh face of the training staff in 2012. The 48-year-old coach from New Jersey will shoulder the burden of improving the Eagles secondary. Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are Pro-Bowl cornerbacks, but have been under-performing all year long. The safeties have also been inconsistent, and that has to change next year if Philadelphia wants to compete for the Lombardi.

Bowles’ task is not easy, but there are few secondaries with more potential than the one the Eagles possess. Samuel might not be an Eagle in 2012, but Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie are a rare duo. Joselio Hanson is one of the best nickel cornerbacks. The Eagles might need to enhance their safety options, but even with their current players, they can be victorious.

Bowles has been coaching in the NFL since 2000, so his experience is undisputed. As a head coach, he won two games for the Dolphins and almost upset the New England Patriots in Week 16. The Dolphins were still Sparano’s team, but they looked a lot better with Bowles at the helm.

His credentials are far more impressive than Lynn’s. It looks like the Eagles have got themselves a better coach. With no lockout on the horizon, Bowles will be able to work more efficiently. Castillo will be in his second year as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Honestly, if the Eagles sign a skillful, experienced linebacker and maybe a veteran safety, they should be considered the NFC East favorites and why not, one of the favorites for the Super Bowl—but hey, no “Dream Team” this year.