Nakobe Dean Shines Amidst Adversity
Sunday marked a significant turning point for Nakobe Dean, a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. After a challenging summer plagued by a foot injury, Dean delivered an exceptional performance that stood out decisively on the field.
Last season, Dean was handed the starting linebacker role, a position many assumed he would retain effortlessly. However, this season has seen Dean earning his spot through sheer hard work and perseverance. Gradually, he has worked his way back into first-team reps, showcasing his relentless determination and commitment to the team.
Dean's summer was anything but easy. "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 remarked. His drive to improve and overcome his injury has resonated with both teammates and coaches.
Teaming up with Devin White, Dean has formed a formidable duo at the linebacker position. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has consistently expressed his encouragement and satisfaction with Dean's progress. During Saturday's practice, Dean's impact was palpable when, on the very first play of 11-on-11s, he laid out running back Will Shipley immediately after a pass reception. Moments later, he broke up a pass intended for DeVonta Smith, underlining his ability to make pivotal plays.
The Eagles have long yearned for a more physical style of defense, and Dean is epitomizing this newfound aggressiveness. The recent addition of Bobby King as the new linebackers coach has played a crucial role in Dean's development. Dean credits King with enabling him to fully embrace his physical playing style, stating, "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 a universal topic we've been on in camp."
Indeed, tackling has been a focal point of the team's training camp. Despite the reduction in actual tackling during practices, Dean has aimed to add a physical edge to every play. "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 explained.
Dean's physical approach has been well-received by his offensive counterparts. "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 shared.
This season marks Dean's third year in the NFL, and he is closer than ever to securing that starting linebacker position for Week 1. His versatility as a linebacker is a valuable asset for the Eagles. "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 emphasized.
Despite the ups and downs, Dean maintains a positive attitude. "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 said. His performance in training camp validates his self-assessment: "I feel like I've had the kind of camp that I'm supposed to have."
As the regular season approaches, Nakobe Dean stands out as a beacon of resilience and tenacity for the Philadelphia Eagles. His journey from injury to potentially reclaiming a starting position exemplifies the hard work and dedication required to excel at the highest level of professional football.