Turning the Corner: Nakobe Dean's Defiant Return to Form
Sunday marked a significant turning point for Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean. After enduring a challenging summer hampered by a foot injury, Dean's recent performance has unquestionably stood out, showcasing his renewed vigor and determination.
Last year, Dean was provided with a starting linebacker role by the Eagles. However, this season, he is striving to earn his position through sheer perseverance and hard work. Over time, he has gradually integrated himself into first-team reps, proving his mettle at every opportunity.
Teaming up with Devin White, Dean has found a sense of camaraderie and support that has fueled his journey. This synergy, coupled with the encouragement from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, has catalyzed Dean’s progress. Fangio's defensive philosophy, emphasizing block destruction, blitzing, and immaculate tackling, has been pivotal in Dean’s development.
Dean's indomitable spirit was on full display during Saturday's practice. On the first play of 11-on-11s, he delivered a crushing hit to running back Will Shipley post-reception. Shortly after, he broke up a pass intended for wide receiver DeVonta Smith. These high-impact plays perfectly encapsulate the physical edge the Eagles' defense has been yearning for, with Dean epitomizing this newfound aggressiveness.
One significant influence in Dean’s resurgence has been Bobby King, the new linebackers coach. Dean credits King with enabling him to fully embrace his physical playing style. With a demanding offseason regimen that entailed five days a week of intense training until training camp began, Dean's focus on recovery and improvement has been relentless. "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 reflected on his grueling preparation.
Such dedication is bringing Dean closer to securing the starting linebacker position for Week 1. In his third year in the NFL, Dean is firmly focused on maintaining peak performance. "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," he stated with a determined resolve.
Dean’s efforts and rigorous training appear to be paying off. "I feel like I've had the kind of camp that I'm supposed to have," he said, a testament to his belief in his progress and capabilities. Fangio's coaching has driven a universal emphasis on eliminating missed tackles, particularly in the linebacker position. "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.
While tackling opportunities may be reduced in camp, Dean has ensured he makes the most of every chance to "thud" during practice. "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," he expressed, underscoring his commitment to physicality.
This physical approach has been positively received by his offensive teammates, who value the grit during practice sessions. "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 mentioned, highlighting the mutual respect between the offense and defense in preparation for the season.
Heading into the new season, Dean has showcased a breadth of versatility as a linebacker, capable of covering, filling the A-gap, and blitzing the quarterback. "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," Dean articulated, speaking to his comprehensive skill set.
As the regular season looms, Nakobe Dean's impressive return to form and dedication to his craft suggest that he is poised to make significant contributions to the Eagles' defense, embodying the physicality and versatility that the team holds in high regard.