Defense hopes to give Eagles fighting chance

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two fights in two days in a camp where they barely put the pads on, one might say the Eagles defense is trying to set the tone, or make some kind of statement.

"You fight for jobs, you fight for opportunities, when those situations arise, especially defenders, we want to let them know we ain't having that. We're going to be the most physical defense we possibly can," cornerback Cary Williams said.

And that wasn't the case last year when the Birds' D ranked 29th overall. The pass defense was especially bad, coming in dead last in total yards.

"We've had an awesome offseason. Not only our attendance, but our participation and the effort that went into the meeting time and everything else. I think our guys have a much better understanding of not only their assignment, I think they feel the whole package now," defensive coordinator Bill Davis said.

They didn't make many major changes aside from bringing in free agent safety Malcolm Jenkins, who won a Super Bowl during his 5 years with the Saints.

Chip Kelly respects the knowledge that comes with that and is trying to learn from Jenkins, as much as the other way around.

"He's got a really, really good football knowledge. I think he's done a great job with our staff, asked a lot of interesting questions in terms of maybe we can fit it this way as opposed to the way we are fitting it," Kelly said.

So they basically have a fighting chance at being a much better defense this year.

Which brings us back to last year's instigator, Mr. Williams.

Crazy to think none of these fights have involved him yet?

"Oh, mine's coming," Williams said.