Only eight NFL teams are allowing fewer points per game than the Eagles’ 20.3 through six games. The Birds lead the league in run defense, giving up 65.7 yards per game.
Five years ago, if you’d told an Eagles fan such figures were possible while employing a wide-9 defensive front, that fan would have said, “By your leave, sirrah, I sense that you are attempting to make merry at my expense!” Or words to that effect.
The Eagles players trying to execute the scheme at the time might have had a similar reaction. But now they know better.