Vic Fangio's defense at the Philadelphia Eagles has come under scrutiny in the early stages of the season, with significant responsibility resting on the shoulders of Bryce Huff, their new starting defensive player. This offseason, Huff signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract, reflecting the team's high hopes and expectations for his performance. However, through the initial two games, his impact has yet to meet those expectations fully.
Despite being a starter, Huff has recorded only two pressures in 59 snaps, yielding a pressure rate of 6.7%. The lack of sacks or quarterback hits from Huff has raised concerns, yet head coach Vic Fangio remains steadfast in his support. "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," stated Fangio. He emphasized Huff's ongoing development, adding, "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."
Meanwhile, Nolan Smith has shown a slightly more promising start with three pressures and a higher pressure rate of 13.6%. Yet, like Huff, he has also been unable to record a sack or quarterback hit. Fangio acknowledged Smith’s progress, 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 broader issue plaguing the Eagles' defense is their vulnerability against the run. They rank 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (6.4) and 29th in 10+ yard rushes allowed (11). This defensive inefficiency underscores a systemic problem that the team needs to address holistically. Fangio candidly admitted the challenge, saying, "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."
The dynamic within the team also includes the fresh energy from rookies like Jalyx Hunt, a third-round pick who remains optimistic 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 reflected.
Hunt is channeling his efforts toward improvement, drawing inspiration and knowledge from seasoned teammates and coaches. "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 stated. This proactive approach is evident in his routine: "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."
Fangio's vision for the Eagles' defense lies in a blend of experience and potential. He is committed to honing the fundamentals and ensuring consistent performance to turn around the team's defensive fortunes. His strategy emphasizes patience and perseverance, counting on the blend of veterans and fresh talent to solidify the defense as the season progresses.
The critical takeaway from the Eagles’ early struggles is the acknowledgment of the need for improvement across the board. Fangio’s belief in the collective potential of his players suggests an evolution that might not be immediate but is certainly on the horizon. As the team works to iron out the kinks and develop cohesion, the foundations being laid now could be pivotal for future successes.