Philadelphia Eagles Defense Faces Early Season Struggles
Under the direction of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Philadelphia Eagles entered this season with high hopes. However, the early returns have shown a defense grappling with fundamental issues. Fangio, a respected figure in the NFL, has placed considerable faith in players like Bryce Huff, who was cemented as a starter. This offseason, Huff's commitment was validated with a three-year, $51 million contract. Yet, the performance so far has been underwhelming.
In the first two games, Huff has managed only two pressures in 59 snaps, amounting to a pressure rate of 6.7%. Despite significant playing time, he has yet to record a sack or quarterback hit. Fangio remains optimistic about Huff’s potential, saying, "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 coordinator reiterated his confidence, adding, "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."
On the brighter side, Nolan Smith has shown promise, notching three pressures with a pressure rate of 13.6%. However, like Huff, he has yet to record any sacks or quarterback hits. Fangio acknowledged Smith's improvement from his rookie year, noting, "I think Nolan has come a way since his rookie year. I think he's playing better on the edge than he was last year, all around." However, the lack of production is a concern. "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.
Indeed, the Eagles' run defense has been problematic. They rank 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, conceding an average of 6.4 yards, and have allowed 11 runs of 10+ yards, putting them 29th in that category. These numbers paint a picture of a defense struggling to find its footing early in the season. Fangio's strategy hinges on a blend of veteran experience and fresh rookie energy, highlighting his focus on fundamentals and consistency.
One of these rookies, third-round pick Jalyx Hunt, remains hopeful despite the early struggles. "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 sentiment reflects a broader team belief that the defense will improve as the season progresses.
Hunt's commitment to growth is evident as he seeks guidance from veterans 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. Hunt's attitude underscores the importance of mentorship and the potential for youthful talent to rise to the occasion. "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 added.
As the season unfolds, the Eagles' defensive unit, led by Fangio, will need to address their issues against the run and convert potential into production. The blend of seasoned veterans and talented rookies offers a foundation for growth. Fangio’s faith in his players and his strategic approach suggest that while immediate results have been lacking, there is a road map to improvement. The coming games will be pivotal as the team seeks to solidify their defense and realize their potential.