Fangio's Eagles Seek Defensive Stability Amidst Early Season Struggles
In a bid to solidify the Philadelphia Eagles' defense, head coach Vic Fangio has opted to keep Bryce Huff as a starter. Huff, who secured a substantial three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, has shown moments of promise but faces scrutiny after the first two games of the season.
Huff has managed to generate two pressures in 59 snaps, translating to a pressure rate of 6.7%. However, he has yet to record a sack or a quarterback hit. Fangio remains steadfast in his support for Huff, stating, "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's commitment highlights a belief in Huff's potential, despite his modest statistical output so far.
The early performances have raised questions, but Fangio remains optimistic about Huff's growth: "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." This continuous effort is vital as the Eagles aim to bolster a defense currently ranked 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, giving up a troubling 6.4 yards per carry.
Alongside Huff, rookie Nolan Smith has shown flashes of pressure, recording three pressures with a 13.6% pressure rate in the first two games. Yet, like Huff, Smith has not yet hit the quarterback or registered a sack. Fangio has noticed the second-year player's progression, affirming, "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."
However, Fangio acknowledges that the root of the Eagles' defensive issues lies in run defense. "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 stated. The Eagles rank 29th in the NFL for allowing 11 rushes of 10+ yards, showcasing the urgent need for improvement in this area.
The presence of rookie Jalyx Hunt, a third-round pick, adds another layer to the Eagles' defensive strategy. Despite the team's struggles, Hunt remains hopeful about their 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 and patience.
Hunt's commitment to growth is evident. "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." The rookie's determination to rise to the challenge echoes Fangio's broader strategy of blending experience with burgeoning potential within the defensive unit.
Despite a rocky start to the season, the Eagles' defensive roster, led by veterans and bolstered by rookies like Huff, Smith, and Hunt, faces the future with cautious optimism. Fangio’s focus on fundamentals and consistent performance underpins the team’s approach to steady improvement. As the season progresses, the Eagles aim to translate these efforts into tangible success on the field.