The answer to a complex question about Nakobe Dean and the Eagles' defense came Sunday against the Vikings. But it might not have been a final answer.

Let's work backward here.

When Nakobe Dean came off Injured Reserve on Oct. 1 and was placed in the 21-day practice window , the Eagles were playing well defensively with rookie first-round pick Jihaad Campell adapting seamlessly to Dean's role as inside linebacker alongside All-Pro Zack Baun. The Eagles were also in a good place with their edge rotation of Jalyx Hunt, Za'Darius Smith and Josh Uche.

The Eagles were 4-0 when Dean returned to practice and there didn't seem to be a role for the same linebacker who last year emerged into a leader and above-average starter on a defense that ended the season with the No. 1 ranking.

I

See Full Page