Tag: Vic Fangio

Eagles open the practice window for Bryce Huff ahead of game vs. Commanders

Philadelphia Eagles open the practice window for Bryce Huff ahead of Week 16 game vs. Washington Commanders

The Eagles have the NFL’s No. 1 defense, and their already dominant pass rusher, Bryce Huff, will be healthy for the stretch run.

Philadelphia announced that the pass rusher would have his practice window opened after missing.

Huff was placed on IR after undergoing a procedure on his ailing wrist.

Huff was initially diagnosed with a hand injury that significantly limited his playing time in their win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Due to the issue, he only played a handful of snaps.

A major free agent acquisition who signed a three-year, $51 million contract last spring, Huff had appeared ten games, logging five tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 11 quarterback hurries, one quarterback hit, and 14 quarterback pressures in 154 pass rush snaps for the Eagles before the injury.

With Huff struggling off the edge, Philadelphia relied on Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Nolan Smith to provide pressure.

With Graham on IR, Huff could carve out a role behind Smith.

Jalen Hurts credits Eagles increased physicality this season to padded practices

Jalen Hurts credits Eagles increased physicality this season to padded practice

The Eagles are one of the most physical teams in the NFL, and their change in identity began with their late-season collapse last season. Vic Fangio entered as defensive coordinator, while Howie Roseman signed Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, and Mekhi Becton, among others, to help bring physicality and attitude to a Super Bowl contender.

Fangio’s addition spawned more padded and physical practices, which resulted in a 10-2 team and eight straight wins.

In Week 13, Baltimore was supposed to be the more physical team and the bullies of the AFC, but Philadelphia had the most rushing yards and highest yards per carry against the Ravens all season.

The Eagles have been the dominating opponents at the line of scrimmage throughout their win streak, and a significant reason was Landon Dickerson, Jordan Mailata, and Lane Johnson requesting a more focused rushing attack from head coach Nick Sirianni.

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Vic Fangio references Allen Iverson when discussing Eagles ‘Practice’ habits

Vic Fangio says “You practice, you play better, in spite of what Allen Iverson said,” when asked about Eagles’ practice habits

Some 24 years ago, Allen Iverson sat in front of a pack media contingent covering his Philadelphia 76ers playoff exit, and the future Hall of Famer mouthed the word “practice” 22 times.

“We sitting in here — I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice. I mean, listen: We talking about practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game. We talking about practice. Not a game. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game. We talking about practice, man.”

The now famous rant was less about his postseason performance and more about grief, as Iverson still suffered from the death of his best friend. Rahsaan Langeford was shot and killed seven months earlier, an event with which Iverson struggled to cope.

Fast-forward to December 3, 2024, and the Eagles defensive coordinator references the 76ers Hall of Fame guard when describing Philadelphia’s practice habits and the incredible improvement from his No. 1 ranked unit.

Since the Week 5 bye and their Week 6 win, the Eagles are first in yards allowed per game (241.3), first in yards per play allowed (4.1), first in yards per attempt allowed (5.6), first in sacks (30), first in sack rate (10.6%) second in passer rating allowed (78.1), and second in points per game allowed (15.3).

Philadelphia has also improved its tackling and defensive efficiency, something that Fangio can take credit for since he’s responsible for the Eagles’ increased practice habits after having one of the lightest workloads over the past few years.

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Eagles activate Britain Covey from Injured Reserve for game vs. Rams

Eagles activate Britain Covey from Injured Reserve for game vs. Rams

Vic Fangio is not a fan of Cooper DeJean returning punts, and he will get his wish for the star cornerback to be removed after Britain Covey returned to practice on Wednesday.

Covey had his practice window opened nine weeks after suffering a broken shoulder in the win over New Orleans.  On Saturday, Covey was activated from injured reserve and will play against the Rams.

Last season, Covey led the NFL with 417 punt return yards and was the only player with multiple punt returns of 50+ yards. Since 2022, Covey has the league’s second-most punt return yards (734).

DeJean handled punt return duties in Covey’s absence, averaging 11.8 yards per return.

Eagles open the practice window for Britain Covey ahead of game vs. Rams

Philadelphia Eagles open the practice window for Britain Covey ahead of game vs. Los Angeles Rams in Week 12

Vic Fangio is not a fan of Cooper DeJean returning punts, and he could get his wish for the star cornerback to be removed after Britain Covey returned to practice on Wednesday.

Covey had his practice window opened nine weeks after suffering a broken shoulder in the win over New Orleans.

Last season, Covey led the NFL with 417 punt return yards and was the only player with multiple punt returns of 50+ yards. Since 2022, Covey has the league’s second-most punt return yards (734).

DeJean handled punt return duties in Covey’s absence, averaging 11.8 yards per return.

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Eagles Law firm of Baun and Dean has been significant in 4 game winning streak

Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean have been standouts for Eagles defense during the four game winning streak

The Eagles are 6-2 and on a four-game winning streak, and a significant factor in the improvement of a much-maligned defensive unit starts with the law firm at linebacker. During the NFL off-season, the Devin White signing was supposed to transform Philadelphia’s defense. At the same time, Zack Baun was labeled a low-budget signing that could translate into the former Saints pass rusher having a hybrid and versatile role for Vic Fangio’s unit.

Fast forward to Week 10, and White spent the first month of the season as a healthy scratch before getting released and signing with the Texans. Baun hit the ground running and has been a high-value signing that could become a long-term extension. Nakobe Dean started the season off slow after rehabbing from a foot injury. After a few weeks of terrible tackling, he’s looked like the player Philadelphia and other teams coveted coming out of the University of Georgia.

This season, Baun is ranked first among NFL linebackers in Defensive stops (37), and he’s second in passer rating allowed (73.3).

Since Week 6, Baun has posted 36 tackles (23 solo) with one tackle for loss, one interception, and one forced fumble. During that same stretch, Nakobe Dean has combined for 34 tackles (20 solo), three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovered. In Week 9 vs. Jacksonville, Baun and Dean became the first Eagles linebacker duo to each record an interception in the same game since Carlos Emmons and Jeremiah Trotter in the “Pickle Juice Game” during the 2000 season at Dallas.

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WATCH: Brian Dawkins calls this the season of growing pains for Eagles

Hall of Fame defensive back Brian Dawkins talked about the Philadelphia Eagles slow start this season and called it growing pains

The Eagles are 5-2 and playing like one of the best teams in the NFL, but four weeks ago, there were discussions about the quarterback not being good enough to win without weapons and calls for the head coach to be fired.

Since then, Philadelphia has won three straight games, Vic Fangio’s defensive unit is growing up and making plays, and Sirianni has coached himself off the hot seat.

During a recent interview with The Eagles Wire, Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins discussed the Birds’ early-season adversity, labeling it the “season of growing pains.”

“There’s going to be more growing pains than not.” “I love the fact that they struggled early on this season, because when you begin to struggle, you really begin to learn who we truly are.” “There’s a whole lot of publicity.” “When you get into that film room though, the film shows you exactly who you are.”

A team with several flaws one month ago is now one of the most completely efficient and explosive teams in the NFL.

Entering Week 9, Philadelphia is one of only two NFL franchises that rank among the top 10 in the league in both total offense (8th, 367.1 ypg) and total defense (7th, 300.9 ypg), joining Houston.

The Eagles lead the NFL with 11 plays of 40+ yards this season, recording plays of 40+ yards in six of seven games.

Defensively, Philadelphia has allowed the third-fewest 40+ yard plays (3). Below, you can see Dawkins’ comments about growing pains, mental health, and more.

Vic Fangio provides some clarity to narrative Nick Sirianni is calling defensive plays

Vic Fangio says Philadelphia head coach Nick Sirianni did not call Eagles defensive plays in Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns

Nick Sirianni is taking a lot of heat despite the Eagles being 3-2. One of the most significant talking points was his admission that he called a defensive play late in the win over the Browns when asked by ESPN’s Tim McManus.

 “I think it’s very common in the NFL when the head coach gets on and says, ‘Attack; concede; come on, let’s get after these guys.’ I think that is where that comes from. Then there are personal philosophies that I have of how to play certain situations that you talk through.”

“So it wouldn’t be fair for me to have the philosophies that I have, and push that on my coaches, and then not take accountability for it when the play doesn’t work.”

“So, yeah, that’s kind of how it goes. I think that’s pretty common throughout the NFL.”

On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brought clarity to that statement, explaining that Sirianni didn’t call the defensive play, but brought attention to Fangio about what he wanted the defense to focus on.

In 56 regular season games with the Eagles, Sirianni is 37-19 (.661), and 2-3 in the playoffs (.400) including the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs.

Best photos from Eagles15-13 win over the Saints in Week 3

We’re looking at the best photos from the Philadelphia Eagles 15-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3

Saquon Barkley logged 17 carries for 147 yards (8.6 avg) and one touchdown, and the Eagles defense held the Saints to 219 total yards on 55 offensive plays, as Philadelphia moved to 2-1 on the season without several key starters.

Philadelphia will head to Tampa Bay in Week Four for an intriguing matchup against the 2-1 Buccaneers before the Week 5 bye. With the game now final, here are the top photos from the win.

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Saquon Barkley, Eagles defense carry Philadelphia to 15-12 win over undefeated Saints

Saquon Barkley and the Eagles defense leads Philadelphia to 15-12 win over undefeated New Orleans Saints

Saquon Barkley logged 17 carries for 147 yards (8.6 avg) and one touchdown, and the Eagles defense held the Saints to 219 total yards on 55 offensive plays, as Philadelphia moved to 2-1 on the season without several key starters.

A.J. Brown was already ruled out, but Philadelphia lost Lane Johnson (concussion), DeVonta Smith (concussion), Mekhi Becton, and Britain Covey, but still managed to hold on for a much-needed win amid four quarters of adversity.

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert made a list of players who needed to step up, and he responded with ten catches for 170 yards and one touchdown.

Philadelphia will head to Tampa Bay in Week Four for an intriguing matchup against the 2-1 Buccaneers before the Week 5 bye.