Hanson returns this week after a 4-game suspension.


When Ellis Hobbs went to IR, and Joselio Hanson was suspended a month ago, I was among the many in Philly who hit the panic button a bit too quickly. The thought of having Dimitri Patterson as the nickel corner wasn't something that bred confidence in an already depleted defense.

But with the return of Hanson to add to a defense playing as well as they've played all season long, it's a reason to look forward to the next week with some confidence.

Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown are doing a good job on the outside, and in fact are one of the top cornerback tandems in the league today. Add Hanson who, before the suspension, was earning every penny of the four-year $20 million contract he signed in the offseason.

He doesn't come down with a lot of interceptions -- next to none, in fact -- but he does a very good job of shutting down the slot receivers, and even filling in for Brown or Samuel if they need a breather.

Having Hanson back will have a ripple effect through the entire defense. Because of the extra help defending the pass, Sean McDermott will be able to send the blitz more often and in a more aggressive manner. He'll trust his defensive backs more, and it will lead to an overall better defensive showing week in and week out.

It's important to get all of your talent back for a playoff push, and on top of Hanson's return, expected back either next week or the week after is Akeem Jordan, Kevin Curtis, Brian Westbrook, and DeSean Jackson.