Vic Fangio's Plans for Eagles' Defense Amid Early Struggles
Amid an unsteady start to the season, Vic Fangio has confidently cemented Bryce Huff's position as a starter on the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Huff, who signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, is seen as a crucial piece in Fangio's defensive puzzle.
Through the first two games, Huff has had modest production, managing two pressures in 59 snaps, resulting in a pressure rate of 6.7%. Despite this, he has yet to record a sack or quarterback hit. Fangio remains steadfast in his decision to keep Huff in the starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of mixing in other players as well.
"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. "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."
The Emerging Role of Nolan Smith
Nolan Smith, another pivotal player on the Eagles' defensive front, has shown promise with three pressures and a pressure rate of 13.6% after two games. Similar to Huff, Smith has not yet recorded a sack or quarterback hit, but Fangio has noted significant improvement in his overall play 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.
Defensive Concerns: Rushing Yards and Big Plays
The Eagles defense faces glaring issues in containing the run. Currently, they rank 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (6.4) and 29th in 10+ yard rushes allowed (11). Fangio is acutely aware of these shortcomings and recognizes that improving the run defense is crucial to elevating the overall defensive performance.
"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.
The Blend of Experience and Potential
The Eagles' defensive unit is balanced with seasoned veterans and promising rookies, including third-round pick Jalyx Hunt. Despite the team's early struggles, Hunt remains optimistic about the Eagles' potential and is committed to contributing whenever his opportunity arises.
"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 explained.
He added, "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."
Hunt's dedication is evident as he puts in extra work with coaches and veteran players like Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff. "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," he said.
Fangio's Focus on Fundamentals
Fangio is keen on reinforcing the fundamentals and fostering consistent performance among his players. By blending the experience of veterans with the potential of rookies, he aims to build a resilient defense capable of turning the tide for the Eagles this season.
"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 reiterated about Huff, underscoring his commitment to developing his players.
As the season progresses, Fangio's strategy and leadership will be pivotal in addressing the Eagles' defensive issues and unlocking the unit's full potential. With committed players like Huff, Smith, and Hunt, there's hope that the Eagles can overcome their early hurdles and emerge stronger.