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In a season where the Eagles will have improved statistically on defense in terms of points allowed (377 in 2010 to 318 in 2011) and sacks (39 in 2010 to 49 in 2011) — still one game vs. Redskins left to be played — there still has been much debate about whether current defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is the “right” person for the job.

Some will point to Castillo’s inexperience as a defensive playcaller as the key reason for the Eagles missing the playoffs for the first time in 3 seasons and their fourth quarter deficiencies.  Despite a season ending 3-game winning streak, head coach Andy Reid is on a very hot seat with Philadelphia fans and media with many pointing to his “out of the box move” of moving Castillo from his offensive line coach to the team’s defensive coordinator position.

With constant rumors that the St. Louis Rams will soon be parting ways with their head coach Steve Spagnuolo — served as an Eagles assistant under Reid in the past — many fans are counting on him to comeback to Philly to save the “Dream Team’s” defense.  Spags was the architect of the 2007 New York Giants defense that shutdown the formerly undefeated New England Patriots (18-1) record-setting squad in Super Bowl XLII.  And he definitely could add some bite to an Eagles’ defense that has been categorized as “Soft” by some of their 2011 opponents.

In the coming days of the 2012 New Year, decisions will need to be made by Reid, Castillo, and most importantly the Eagles front office (owner Jeffrey Lurie, top executive Joe Banner, and GM Howie Roseman) about the future of the franchise.

In this video clip, Taking It to the House Eagles Beat Writer Matt Lombardo weighs-in from the 97.5 Fanatic Studios on the team’s “Defensive Debate”