The Philadelphia Eagles have embraced a mix of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance in their defensive strategy this season. Vic Fangio, the mastermind behind the Eagles' defense, has made several key decisions to shape the team's performance on the field. Among these, solidifying Bryce Huff as a starter stands out as a significant move.
Huff, who inked a lucrative three-year, $51 million deal this offseason, has shown promise despite some early struggles. Through the first two games, he has recorded two pressures over 59 snaps, resulting in a modest pressure rate of 6.7%. While these numbers aren't groundbreaking, Fangio remains confident in Huff's development and potential impact.
"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 asserted. The coach understands that mastering the complete game extends beyond just creating pressure, emphasizing Huff's ongoing 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," Fangio added.
On the flip side, the Eagles are also banking on the potential of their younger talent, such as second-year linebacker Nolan Smith. Smith has been a notable presence on the edge, amassing three pressures with a pressure rate of 13.6% over the first two games. Despite not recording a sack or quarterback hit yet, Fangio is optimistic about Smith's progress.
"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 noted. However, the coach also acknowledged that for the defense to truly excel, the unit must improve its 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."
The urgency to bolster the run defense is clear, as the Eagles currently rank 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (6.4) and 29th in 10+ yard rushes allowed (11). These statistics indicate a pressing need to fortify the defensive line and prevent long gains on the ground.
Adding another layer to the narrative is Jalyx Hunt, a rookie third-round pick who offers a blend of hope and hard work. Hunt is optimistic about the team's potential despite their early struggles, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance. "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 shared.
The young player's determination is evident as he navigates his initial NFL season. "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 affirmed. Hunt's commitment to improvement is underscored by his extra efforts with coaches and veteran teammates 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," Hunt said.
Fangio's emphasis on fundamentals and consistent performance is the cornerstone of his strategy to enhance the Eagles' defense. By blending the experience of seasoned players with the fresh talent of rookies, he aims to create a cohesive unit capable of adapting and excelling as the season progresses.
The journey for the Eagles' defense is one of continuous growth and adjustment. With Huff anchoring the defensive line, Smith showing marked improvement, and Hunt's unwavering dedication, Fangio has the elements needed to transform potential into performance. The coming weeks will be crucial, as the defense works to solidify their approach and tackle the challenges ahead.