Vic Fangio's Impact and the Early Struggles of the Eagles' Defense
The Philadelphia Eagles are encountering significant early-season challenges on the defensive side of the ball, with Head Coach Vic Fangio struggling to unlock the unit's full potential. Anchored by new starter Bryce Huff, who secured a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract in the offseason, the Eagles defense has shown flashes but is yet to deliver consistent results.
Huff has been placed under the microscope, having recorded just two pressures in 59 snaps over the first two games, translating to a modest 6.7% pressure rate. More glaringly, he has not managed to register a sack or quarterback hit during this period. Despite these statistics, Fangio is steadfast in his support for Huff. "He's still going to be the starter. But we're mixing those guys in, as I know you know, and we'll continue to do that," Fangio stated, underscoring a commitment to developing Huff's game.
Fangio acknowledges that Huff is still adjusting to his comprehensive role in the defense. "He's still learning how to play the total game and not just rush situations. But he's working hard at it, and we're going to stick with him," Fangio remarked, emphasizing the patience required for Huff's growth.
Joining the mix is Nolan Smith, who has shown a higher pressure rate of 13.6% with three pressures in his initial two outings. Yet, like Huff, Smith has not registered a sack or quarterback hit. Fangio noted Smith's improvement, "I think Nolan has come a ways since his rookie year. I think he's playing better on the edge than he was last year, all around."
The overarching issue for the Eagles is their vulnerability against the run. The team ranks a dismal 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, averaging 6.4 yards, and 29th in allowing 10+ yard rushes, having conceded 11 such plays. Fangio admits the defensive line's run defense needs work. "I think when you talk production, correct me if I'm wrong, but you're talking sacks and pressures and stuff, and until we do a better job of playing the run, those aren't coming. That's for sure. We all have to do a better job, starting with me, of playing the run better," he reflected.
Despite the setbacks, rookie third-round pick Jalyx Hunt remains optimistic. He is seeing the bigger picture and believes in the team's potential to improve as the season progresses. "It's everybody's second game of the season. We're learning to gel. I'm not worried about it at all. You see spurts of it in moments, so once we get to the point where that's the whole game, I think we're going to be fine," Hunt stated.
Hunt's dedication to his craft is evident through his commitment to extra training sessions with coaches and teammates. "I'm working hard every day, getting extra time in with the coaches and what not, BG [Brandon Graham], Bryce [Huff], anybody I have access to," Hunt explained. This willingness to learn from seasoned veterans like Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff illustrates the blend of experience and potential that Fangio is aiming to harness.
Fangio's approach appears to favor a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, with an underlying emphasis on fundamentals and consistency. The focus on improvement is clear, but translating that into on-field success remains an unfinished project. However, Fangio's vision and the efforts of players like Huff, Smith, and Hunt indicate a defense determined to turn early struggles into future strengths.
The Eagles' journey through the season will undoubtedly be a test of Fangio's coaching prowess and the team's resilience. As the defense continues to evolve, the balance of patience and persistence will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome their early woes and establish themselves as a formidable unit.