Eagles Defense Seeks Improvement Amid Early Season Struggles
As the Philadelphia Eagles embark on their quest for a solid defensive season, head coach Vic Fangio remains steadfast in his commitment to both established veterans and promising rookies. The Eagles, who face challenges in their defensive performance early this season, are navigating these waters with a thoughtful blend of experience and upcoming talent.
Notably, Bryce Huff has been designated as a starter by Fangio, a move solidified through Huff's lucrative three-year, $51 million contract signed this offseason. Despite this investment, Huff's performance has been under scrutiny. Over the first two games, Huff has recorded two pressures in 59 snaps, culminating in a 6.7% pressure rate. He has yet to register a sack or a quarterback hit.
Fangio remains optimistic about Huff's development, 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." He further analyses Huff’s progress, emphasizing, "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."
Comparatively, second-year player Nolan Smith has exhibited a stronger start to the season. Smith has accumulated three pressures and boasts a pressure rate of 13.6% over the same span. Despite aligning with Huff in not having recorded any sacks or quarterback hits, Fangio acknowledges Smith's advancements, noting, "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 early defensive struggles go beyond individual performances. Team statistics reveal the Eagles defense ranks 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, conceding 6.4 yards, and 29th in allowing runs of 10 or more yards, with 11 such plays. Fangio is acutely aware of the challenges, remarking, "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."
Among the fresh faces in the lineup, rookie third-round pick Jalyx Hunt stands out with his positive outlook despite the unit's early difficulties. Hunt is gearing up to contribute meaningfully, sharing his thoughts, "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’s confidence extends to his own personal development and readiness to seize 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," Hunt remarks. His dedication is apparent as he immerses himself in learning from veteran players and coaches. "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 asserts.
Fangio’s strategy for improvement is centered around the fundamentals of defense and fostering an environment where both experienced players and rookies can thrive. He emphasizes a balanced approach that leverages the veterans' knowledge and the rookies' energy. This nuanced blend of talent is indicative of Fangio's broader vision for the Eagles' defensive framework.
As the Eagles progress through the season, the focus remains on achieving consistency and improvement in defensive execution. With a mix of determination, strategic adjustments, and the intrinsic potential of their roster, the team aims to elevate their performance and tackle the challenges ahead.