Reed Blankenship, the Philadelphia Eagles' safety, exemplifies the underdog spirit, having made a name for himself as an undrafted rookie free agent who fought his way onto the 53-man roster. His journey reflects a familiar narrative as the Eagles may be experiencing a similar rise with Andre' Sam, who also went undrafted and shares Blankenship's tenacity. Sam, now on the active roster, made his NFL debut in a game against the Carolina Panthers, contributing his first tackle and joining Blankenship in celebrating their Super Bowl victory last February. Both players embody the determination and grit that define the Eagles' defense.

The Miami Dolphins face crucial decisions ahead as they analyze their recent drafts and coaching changes. The Dolphins' past decisions have led them to miss out on consistent championship talent, notably with Dion Jordan's selection over Lane Johnson in 2013. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles thrived under GM Howie Roseman, who recognized opportunities and mistakes made by other teams. His strategies, including solid draft choices and smart offseason acquisitions, propelled the Eagles to Super Bowl success. The Dolphins, having let go of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, must consider how to better build their roster and recognize areas for improvement to avoid mediocrity in the future.

The Philadelphia Eagles have made another Super Bowl appearance, returning for the second time in three years. This time, the team features significant changes, including the addition of Saquon Barkley to the offense and a revamped secondary featuring rookies like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Center Jason Kelce has been replaced by Cam Jurgens, who has stepped up impressively. The Eagles' defensive line has also bolstered its strength with talents like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. However, it is the subtle changes, such as hiring new coordinators and positional shifts, that have proven pivotal for the team's success.

After struggling with new coordinators Brian Johnson and Sean Desai last season, the Eagles opted for a fresh start, enlisting Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio. Their schemes have significantly improved team performance. Additionally, Milton Williams, drafted in the third round in 2021, has emerged as a crucial defensive player this season, recording a career-high five sacks. Notably, linebacker Zack Baun transitioned from edge rusher to middle linebacker, earning a Defensive Player of the Year finalist spot. The Eagles have also successfully converted Mekhi Becton from left tackle to right guard, enhancing their offensive line depth.