Eagles’ Schwartz turns bad defense into one of best.

PHILADELPHIA — Jim Schwartz inherited one of the NFL’s worst defenses and turned them into one of the best in less than two years.

When Coach Doug Pederson Schwartz hired Schwartz to be the defensive coordinator in 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles were coming off three consecutive seasons ranked in the bottom four in yards allowed.

Schwartz changed the scheme back to a 4-3 base and rebuilt the defense using many of the same players left from the old regime. He also brought a swagger that’s reflected in his players.

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, two-time Pro Bowl safety Malcolm Jenkins, defensive linemen Brandon Graham and Beau Allen, and linebacker Mychal Kendricks were part of the unit that struggled under former coach Chip Kelly and former defensive coordinator Billy Davis.

But they’ve thrived under Schwartz because his system fits their skills.

“He always puts us in great position to make plays,” Jenkins said.

Schwartz made an immediate impact last season, helping the defense go from 30th in yards allowed and 28th in points to 13th and 12th, respectively.

This season, they ranked fourth in both categories and had the league’s No. 1 run defense.

While Minnesota’s topranked defense got most of the attention, Philadelphia’s unit has been excellent in the playoffs.

The Eagles have allowed 17 points in two games — one touchdown drive was 18 yards following a fumbled punt. They dominated the Vikings in a 38-7 victory in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Now, Schwartz has to devise a plan to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

“No player stands on his own,” Schwartz said. “The NFL in general, but particularly the Patriots, you can’t scheme for one player. If you do, then they have plenty of other players that can make plays. You have to do a good job against their entire offense, and you can’t really make it about one person.”