3) The Eagles defense underwent a bye week makeover
Teams don’t typically change to the extent that Philadelphia did at the trade deadline. The Eagles, who had the NFL’s second-ranked scoring defense during last year’s Super Bowl run, were clearly none too pleased with a 19th-ranked team.i.e in points allowed halfway through the season. That’s why Howie Roseman worked his magic. He signed cornerback Michael Carter II, who has played 65 games in five seasons for the Jets, on Oct. 29 and three days later the Ravens traded for two-time Pro Bowl corner Jaire Alexander. Then, on Nov. 3, he threw a touchdown pass to Dolphins running back Jaelan Phillips. Carter brings versatility, with the ability to play nickel and safety, to a group already highlighted by Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship, while Alexander will be one of the more experienced, more decorated backups a team may need to slot into the lineup. They will likely both need time to fully acclimate, but Phillips could presumably hit the ground running in the pass rush alongside teammates Josh Uche and Jalyx Hunt. There is a sudden glut of big players available to defensive coach Vic Fangio after Philly’s facelift during the Eagles’ bye week.