Dean Shines for Eagles Amidst Overcoming Foot Injury
Sunday marked a pivotal moment in Nakobe Dean’s NFL career, showcasing the Philadelphia Eagles linebacker’s resilience and ability to overcome summer-long adversity. A lingering foot injury threatened to mar Dean's prospects, but his latest performance suggests a remarkable turnaround.
Dean's display on Sunday not only stood out but decisively turned heads. Last season, Dean was endowed with the starting linebacker role. This season, however, he has been earning his position the hard way through relentless determination and improvement. Gradually working his way into first-team reps, Dean's efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Teaming up with Devin White, Dean has notably impressed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who has shown encouragement towards his progress. The evidence of Dean's advancement was evident during Saturday's practice. On the first play of 11-on-11s, Dean forcefully tackled running back Will Shipley after a pass reception, setting the tone for his heightened physicality. Moments later, he successfully disrupted a pass aimed at DeVonta Smith, further establishing his defensive prowess.
The Eagles have been longing for more physical plays from their defense, and Dean epitomizes this newfound aggressiveness. His physical approach has not only resonated with his coaches but has also been well-received by the offensive counterparts. “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,” Dean explained.
Integral to Dean’s resurgence has been Bobby King, the new linebackers coach. Dean credits King with enabling him to fully embrace his physical playing style. "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 universal topic we’ve been on in camp," Dean elaborated.
The 23-year-old linebacker underwent a grueling offseason regimen, training five days a week until training camp started. “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 revealed. This dedication has brought him closer to securing the starting linebacker position for Week 1. Yet, Dean remains humble and focused: "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."
Pushing through the challenges, Dean feels positive about his contributions during camp, aligning his performance with his expectations. "I feel like I've had the kind of camp that I'm supposed to have," he stated. His complete approach to linebacker duties, embodying versatility from coverage to blitzing, stands as a testament to his all-encompassing skill set. "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."
Emphasizing tackling despite reduced attempts in camp, Dean endeavors 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," Dean remarked, highlighting his desire to bring a toughened mentality to the Eagles' defense.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, Nakobe Dean’s breakthrough and determined reemergence offer a promising defensive edge. With continued support from Fangio and King, Dean’s journey from recovery to a potential starting role underscores the dedication and tenacity defining his three-year career in the NFL.