The Philadelphia Eagles had a lot of problems on the defensive side of the ball last season. In order to reach the playoffs in 2015, the defense needs to improve dramatically. The Eagles will rely on new linebacker Kiko Alonso to make that happen.

The Eagles could not stop anybody in 2014, ranking 31st in pass defense and 15th in rush defense in the NFL last season. While secondary was a big concern for the Eagles, they need more aggression within their linebackers. Alonso’s playing style fits what head coach Chip Kelly wants, and he makes plays against both the run and the pass.

The Eagles traded running back LeSean McCoy for Alonso even though he missed the entire 2014 season after tearing his ACL in the offseason. Before the injury, Alonso was coming off a spectacular rookie season in which he had 159 combined tackles while grabbing four interceptions and forced one fumble. In fact, Alonso played almost every defensive snap in 2013. He was a constant terror for the Buffalo Bills and could cover the field from sideline to sideline. The Eagles are hoping Alonso can return to that form this season.

Alonso joins a struggling Eagles linebacker group. Mychal Kendricks has struggled to be a constant threat in the middle of the Eagles’ defense and has missed at least one game every season in his three-year career. Meanwhile, veteran DeMeco Ryans missed half of the 2014 season with a torn Achilles. Ryans can still play at a high level, but his injury in 2014 prompted the trade for Alonso.

Ideally, the Eagles want Alonso’s presence to motivate Kendricks to step up his play. If the Eagles can get Kendricks, Alonso and Ryans all healthy and playing at a high level, they could see great improvement in their defense.

Kelly coached Alonso at the University of Oregon, so he understands what Alonso’s value is. If Alonso’s rehab continues to go smoothly, he can be one of the most dominant linebackers in the 2015 season.

Kyle Nishida is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kyle_Nishida, or add him to your network on Google