Eagles' Defense Faces Early Season Challenges as Fangio Looks to Blend Experience and Potential
Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has solidified Bryce Huff’s position as a starter on the defense this season. Huff, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract in the offseason, has shown moments of promise but also areas in need of improvement. Over the first two games, he has managed just two pressures in 59 snaps, translating into a modest pressure rate of 6.7%. Despite these efforts, Huff has yet to record a sack or quarterback hit.
"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, emphasizing the persistent faith in Huff’s development and continuing role as a starter. "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."
While Huff continues his journey towards becoming a complete player, rookie Nolan Smith has shown flashes of brilliance. Smith has accumulated three pressures and boasts an impressive pressure rate of 13.6% over the same period. However, he too has not yet recorded a sack or quarterback hit. Fangio acknowledged Smith's growth: "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 statistics reflect the broader issues that the Eagles' defense faces. The team ranks 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, at an alarming 6.4. Furthermore, they are 29th in the league in allowing 10+ yard rushes, with a total of 11 such plays given up. These metrics highlight the pressing need for the defense to tighten its grip on the running game.
"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," Fangio admitted, pointing out that the lack of effective run defense has hampered the team’s ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Among the newcomers working hard to make an impact is rookie third-round pick Jalyx Hunt. Despite the early struggles, Hunt remains optimistic about the unit’s potential. "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," he remarked, expressing confidence in the team’s future once they achieve better cohesion on the field.
Hunt, eager to rise to the occasion, understands the importance of patience and preparedness. "One thing I would hate to do is to wish my time to come faster then I'm not where I need to be. But my time will come and when I have the opportunity, I feel like I'm going to rise to the occasion." His work ethic is evident as he regularly seeks guidance from veterans and coaches, stating, "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."
Blending experienced veterans with promising rookies is at the core of Fangio’s strategy. He remains focused on fundamentals and consistent performance as keys to improvement. Fangio believes in harnessing both the experience of seasoned players and the potential of young talents to build a resilient and effective defensive unit.
The Philadelphia Eagles' defense, under Fangio’s leadership, faces a critical period of adjustment. Amidst the growing pains, the team’s collective efforts and individual contributions offer a groundwork for optimism. As the season progresses, the integration of seasoned veterans with diligent rookies could prove to be the formula for overcoming the current challenges and realizing the defense’s full potential.