Vic Fangio's Approach to the Eagles' Defensive Woes: A Mix of Patience and Potential
Vic Fangio has cemented Bryce Huff’s position as a starter on the Philadelphia Eagles defense, despite the team’s early struggles. After signing a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, Huff's performance has been mixed. In the first two games, he managed two pressures over 59 snaps, resulting in a pressure rate of 6.7%. However, he has yet to record a sack or quarterback hit, mirroring Nolan Smith's zero sacks and quarterback hits, though Smith's pressure rate is significantly higher at 13.6% with three pressures. Fangio remains steadfast in his belief in Huff's potential.
"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. The coach emphasizes Huff's ongoing development, highlighting that, "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."
Smith, the promising edge rusher, appears to have made significant strides since his rookie year. "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," Fangio observed. Nevertheless, both players, along with the rest of the defensive unit, must improve their performance against the run.
Defensive Struggles Against the Run
The Eagles have been notably vulnerable against the run, ranking 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (6.4) and 29th in 10+ yard rushes allowed (11). Fangio is acutely aware of this Achilles' heel. "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 admitted.
Despite the early season struggles, rookie third-round pick Jalyx Hunt remains optimistic about the team'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," Hunt expressed. His confidence is mirrored in his personal approach to development, as he focuses on honing his skills and learning from the team’s veterans.
Veterans and Rookies: A Blend of Experience and Potential
The Eagles' defensive unit is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, an approach that Fangio believes in strongly. With veterans like Brandon Graham leading the charge and rookies like Hunt eager to learn, the team has a foundation that could thrive given time and focus on fundamentals. Hunt's dedication is evident as he works to capitalize on these opportunities. "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," he confidently stated.
Fangio’s coaching philosophy centers on fundamentals and consistent performance. He believes that the balance of experience and raw potential within the team will eventually translate into on-field success. "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 added, underscoring the collaborative effort within the team.
Looking ahead, Fangio remains committed to improving the Eagles' defense, starting with shoring up their run defense. If the players can internalize their coach’s emphasis on fundamentals and consistency, and if veterans and rookies alike can gel as a cohesive unit, the Eagles might just overcome their early season challenges and achieve the defensive resilience they’re striving for.