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Revamped Eagles Defense Ready To Step Up In 2015

By Ed Benkin

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Eagles' late-season collapse in 2014 was due largely to the team's defensive struggles. The 2015 defensive unit is confident there will be a different ending in 2015.

The Eagles reshaped their secondary during the off-season and brought in several new faces. The big prize came in free agency, where the team signed cornerback Byron Maxwell. The former Seahawk is excited to be part of the solution to the Eagles' problems in the defensive backfield.

"I thought they were pretty good last year as far as the front seven," said Maxwell. "They had problems in the secondary. That's what I'm here to clean up. We know we have to improve. They were good before. We just have to make them better."

The Eagles defense will have to be better if the team is to improve on its 10-6 record from a year ago. On paper, the combination of talented rookies and newly-acquired veterans appear to have the Eagles in a better position defensively. However, Defensive Coordinator Bill Davis says the answer won't come until the season gets underway.

"It's too early for me to make that statement," Davis said. "We still have the season. Everybody in the world right now is happy with what they have. The reality of the NFL is that until you start hitting Sundays for real, and guys showing how they do in the heat of battle against the main quarterbacks and receivers, you don't know if you are better or worse."

Another area in which the Eagles expect to improve is at the linebacker position. Things are particularly crowded on the inside, where Kiko Alonso joins DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks. Ryans is back after suffering a torn Achillies tendon, and the linebacker believes he is on course to be ready for the season.

"I'm right where I need to be," said Ryans. "I'm feeling pretty good. My recovery has gone really well. I'm happy to be out here being able to do everything, and participating in all phases of practice."

The sights of the likes of Dez Bryant and DeSean Jackson burning the Eagles late in the season are likely still fresh in the minds of fans. It will be up to the 2015 Eagles to erase those bitter memories. Malcolm Jenkins believes the defense can write a different ending this upcoming season.

"I think we're better than we were the last few games of last year," Jenkins said. "Whether that be with upgrades or just the understanding of the defense, I just think we are one step ahead of where we were last year."

The Eagles will hold an open practice at Lincoln Financial Field on Tuesday.

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