'Philly Dawgs' Key to Eagles Success

The Philadelphia Eagles' investment in former Georgia Bulldogs could make or break the team's success this season.

The Philadelphia Eagles are informally known as "Georgia North" for a reason. In the previous two years, the Eagles have invested more in former Georgia Bulldogs than any team in the NFL.

If the Eagles want to have similar success to that of the Bulldogs, the Georgia grads will have to step up.

"Defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter will step in for the departed Javon Hargrave, Nakobe Dean will be in charge of running the defense after both starting linebackers departed in free agency, and running back D'Andre Swift has a chance to be the lead back with Miles Sanders now in Carolina. Their success will help dictate whether the Eagles make it back to the top of the NFC," ESPN's Tim McManus writes.

The defense comes into the season with bigger question marks because of the established talent that went elsewhere in free agency. But that's why the Eagles spent high picks on Davis and Carter in the previous two drafts.

Dean will be given a larger role this year after T.J. Edwards signed with the Chicago Bears and Kyzir White joined the Arizona Cardinals. Even Nolan Smith, the Eagles' No. 30 overall pick, is expected to play a big role in his rookie season.

Swift is tasked with filling in for Sanders, and he should be capable of doing that if last year's numbers have anything to do with this year's success.

On paper, the Eagles should be one of the best teams in the NFL ... but if the "Philly Dawgs" don't perform up to their high standards, Philadelphia could take a step back.

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