Tag: Zack Baun

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues All-Pro campaign in Eagles’ ninth straight win

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues All-Pro campaign in Eagles’ ninth straight win

Former Wisconsin Badgers and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun bolstered his All-Pro campaign in the Eagles’ 22-16 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Baun registered 11 tackles, one sack, three tackles for loss and a pair of quarterback hits in the win, captaining the Eagles’ defense alongside fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean.

He also recorded an overall grade of 89.3, the highest mark of any Eagles defender.

As he has almost every week, Baun made several show-stopping plays for Vic Fangio’s defensive unit. His first big-time sequence came with just over six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

On third-and-seven, Baun burst through the right side of Carolina’s offensive line and tracked down a scrambling Young for a solo sack to force a punt and flip in possession.

In 13 starts, Baun has now logged 129 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three pass deflections. If he adds 47 more tackles to his 2024 total, he would double his combined tackle output from his previous four seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2020-23.

While quarterback Jalen Hurts, superstar running back Saquon Barkley and dynamic wide receiver A.J. Brown garner most of the media attention on the Eagles, Baun is orchestrating arguably the best season of any linebacker in the NFL this season.

The Eagles sit at 11-2 and rival the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills as the best team in the NFL. Without Baun, the Eagles might not be a part of that conversation.

The team’s next match is slated for Dec. 15 vs. Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bengals tabbed as fit for Eagles free agent to fix defense

Should the Bengals go after this free agent next offseason?

The Cincinnati Bengals will retool their defense next offseason, perhaps with a new coaching staff leading the way, too. 

How the Bengals might go about that is much more interesting at this point.

One suggested move? Bleacher Report likes the idea of re-doing the linebacker spot with projected Philadelphia Eagles free agent Zack Baun:

Zack Baun is experiencing an incredible career turnaround with the Philadelphia Eagles, so it would be kind of surprising to see him leave Philly. Then again, the Eagles haven’t always valued the linebacker position, so it isn’t impossible. If he does wind up hitting the open market, the Bengals should be looking into him.

Baun, a third-round pick in 2020, is a strong run defender in the middle who has posted an 89.6 PFF grade this season.

While the defensive line in front of the linebackers has been a huge problem, this season hasn’t exactly been stellar for Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson, either.

Wilson is under contract through 2027, but Pratt only has one year left on his current deal and would be a pretty sizeable cap hit if released.

That said, the Bengals could use some more speed and dynamic play from the linebacker spot regardless of what happens in the trenches. Baun might be out of their price range, but he’s a good example of the type of guy they could look for next offseason.

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Three Badgers among leading vote-getters for 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games

Three Badgers among leading vote-getters for 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games

Three former Wisconsin Badgers were among the early leading vote-getters for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Monday.

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt, Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler were among 50 players listed as top vote-getters in the early voting window on Monday.

Watt leads the AFC’s outside linebacker voting, Van Ginkel leads the NFC’s outside linebacker vote count and Zeitler spearheads the NFC’s offensive guard ballot at this stage of the voting process.

When voting commenced, a total of 18 former Badgers were featured on the ballot. On offense, the most notable included quarterback Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers), running back Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts), running back Braelon Allen (New York Jets) and full back Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins).

Defensively, 11 Badger playmakers were featured alongside Watt and Van Ginkel. Surprisingly, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zach Baun did not scratch the early list.

Given the talent at his passion, Baun’s omission isn’t much a surprise. Ironically, both outside linebackers are Badgers.

Van Ginkel accounts for 59 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks and a league-leading two interceptions returned for a touchdown. Watt, a perennial All-Pro, has registered 9.5 sacks, a league-best 16 tackles for loss and NFL-high five forced fumbles in 12 appearances this season.

Zeitler, meanwhile, is one of the more valuable guards in Detroit’s offensive line responsible for blocking for running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Watt boasts six Pro Bowl appearances, Zeitler was selected for the event in 2023 and Van Ginkel has yet to make a Pro Bowl.

Former Wisconsin linebacker plays integral role in Eagles big win over Ravens

Former Wisconsin linebacker plays integral role in Eagles big win over Ravens

Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun’s breakout season picked up even more steam on Sunday.

In the Philadelphia Eagles’ 24-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Baun registered 13 tackles, 1/2 sack, one tackle for loss, one QB hit and one forced fumble.

As he has been for the bulk of the 2024 campaign, Baun was everywhere against the Ravens. He made his first game-wrecking play in the second quarter to prevent Baltimore from gaining a first down.

On third-and-two with roughly seven minutes to spare in the second frame, quarterback Lamar Jackson pitched a handoff to all-world running back Derrick Henry. Baun, as versatile a linebacker as there is in the NFL, burst through the Ravens’ offensive line and made a solo tackle in the backfield.

The former Badger also pinned the Ravens near the Eagles’ 30-yard line on a third-and-five sack sequence in the third quarter. After sacking Jackson, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker missed a long field goal attempt.

While he’s unable to line up at wide receiver or running back, Baun’s impact for the Eagles is monumental. He has recorded 118 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception in his first year with Philadelphia.

At this pace, Baun will secure his first Pro Bowl appearance and earn his first All-Pro selection. For someone who recorded 88 total tackles in his four previous seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Baun’s progression is honestly startling.

The 10-2 Eagles will be back on the gridiron against the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 8.

Russell Wilson, Zack Baun headline former Badgers on 2025 NFL Pro Bowl ballot

Russell Wilson, Zack Baun headline former Badgers on 2025 NFL Pro Bowl ballot

A total of 18 former Wisconsin Badgers were included on the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games ballot on Tuesday.

On the offensive side of the ball, 11 UW alumni were featured on the NFL’s voting list. The most notable include quarterback Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers), running back Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts), running back Braelon Allen (New York Jets), full back Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins) and tight end Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys).

Offensive linemen Rob Havenstein (Los Angeles Rams), David Edwards (Buffalo Bills), Kevin Zeitler (Detroit Lions), Tyler Biadasz (Washington Commanders), Tanor Bortolini (Colts) and Joe Tippmann (Jets) were also featured.

Defensively, tackle Keeanu Benton (Steelers), inside linebacker T.J. Edwards (Chicago Bears) and outside linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel (Minnesota Vikings), T.J. Watt (Steelers), Nick Herbig (Steelers), Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles) and Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs) were selected as eligible for the ballot.

On the surface, the most surprising inclusions on the lists are Benton and Allen. While the list is nowhere near final, these former Badgers rarely receive national attention, and they will surely fail to make the final Pro Bowl roster.

Nonetheless, they’re eligible. A total of 69 defensive tackles and 42 running backs were featured on the ballot. Since both Benton and Allen have each logged 11 games and made a statistical impact for their respective teams, they ultimately appear on the ballot.

Baun, Watt and Van Ginkel are likely shoe-ins for the Pro Bowl Games this winter. With 105 total tackles, Baun is trending towards an All-Pro appearance, Van Ginkel is among the NFL’s sack leaders with nine sacks, while Watt is a perennial Pro Bowler.

This winter’s Pro Bowl features a flag football game and several skill competitions. It is slated for Sunday, Feb. 2 at 2:00 p.m. CT in Orlando, Florida.

Former Wisconsin linebacker discusses breakout season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker discusses breakout season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Zack Baun shared some insight on his breakout season with NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday.

After registering a game-best 15 tackles in the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Washington Commanders on Nov. 14, Baun was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for Week 10.

While it was just one performance, the game served as a microcosm for his dominant 2024 season with the Eagles.

After playing four seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2020-2023, Baun has assumed off-the-ball linebacker duties in Philadelphia. That change has led to Baun finding dominant form.

Through 10 games, Baun has recorded 102 total tackles, three forced fumbles and three sacks for Vic Fangio’s defensive unit. The West Bend, Wisconsin native spoke on how he’s found success in the new role.

“I was a receiver at West Bend East, then I was a quarterback at Brown Deer and an outside linebacker at Wisconsin,” Baun said. “It’s been the transitions all throughout that have helped me make this transition off the ball. The transition is nothing new for me. I’m just a football player. I love football, and I love the game. If I’m out there, I’m trying to be the best and do the best.”

At this trajectory, Baun will be an All-Pro at the linebacker position. He ranks fifth in the NFL in total tackles and is unquestionably the most impactful player on the Eagles’ defense.

At 8-2, the Eagles lead the NFC East and don’t appear to be slowing down. They will face a hungry Los Angeles Rams team on Nov. 24 on Sunday Night Football.

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues dominant 2024 season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker continues dominant 2024 season with Eagles

Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun delivered another signature performance for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday Night Football.

After being named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, Baun captained the Eagles defense to its sixth straight win in a 26-18 victory over the division rival Washington Commanders.

Baun recorded 15 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass deflection in the triumph. He also denied Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels from moving the chains on a key fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter.

Down 12-10 at the Eagles’ 26-yard line, Washington elected to go for it on the short fourth-down sequence with hopes of reaching the end zone and shaving time off the clock. Daniels fielded the snap and scrambled to the right before Baun fended off an offensive lineman and executed the tackle.

Here’s the full play:

On the season, Baun has now recorded 102 total tackles, an NFL-best 64 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception.

The season for Baun is nothing short of incredible. In four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Baun notched just 88 total tackles. In just one season, he has suddenly turned into one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL.

Baun will be back in action on Nov. 24 when the Eagles face off against the Los Angeles Rams.

Two former Wisconsin linebackers named NFL Players of the Week

Two former Wisconsin linebackers named NFL Players of the Week

Former Wisconsin linebackers Zack Baun and Leo Chenal were named NFL Players of the Week on Thursday.

Baun earned the ‘NFC Defensive Player of the Week’ designation for his contributions in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 34-6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 10.

In that contest, the UW alumnus recorded eight tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one tackle for loss. In nine games, Baun ranks No. 11 in the NFL in total tackles with 87. He has also notched two sacks and one interception as the Eagles’ most dominant linebacker this season.

ProFootballFocus has also awarded Baun with the highest grade of any linebacker across the NFL from Weeks 8-10.

Baun joined Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray and Detroit Lions’ kicker Jake Bates on the NFC ‘Players of the Week’ batch of studs from Week 10.

Chenal, meanwhile, was almost a no-brainer for ‘AFC Special Teams Player of the Week’ after what he did against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

He joined Baltimore Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills’ cornerback Taron Johnson in the AFC ‘Players of the Week’ cohort for this week.

Chenal, who played at UW from 2019-2021, clinched the Kansas City Chiefs’ 15th straight win with a blocked field goal as time expired at Arrowhead Stadium.

The sequence occurred when, with one second remaining, Broncos’ kicker Will Lutz squared up for a 35-yard field goal attempt and Chenal leaped through Denver’s offensive line to deny the attempt and secure the 16-14 win.

Through eight games this season, he has posted 33 total tackles, 22 solo tackles and three pass deflections.

Former Saints draft pick spreading his wings with the Eagles

Zack Baun is spreading his wings with the Eagles. It’s hard to call the NFC Defensive Player of the Week a draft bust when the Saints didn’t know how to use him:

Credit where it’s due: Zack Baun is flying high with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former New Orleans Saints draft pick switched teams in free agency, and that decision has paid off. Baun just won recognition as the NFC Defensiive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.

Baun was integral to the Eagles’ dismantling of the NFC East-rival Dallas Cowboys; he totaled 8 tackles (3 solo, with a tackle for loss) plus two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in their 34-6 win. So why wasn’t he putting up those kind of numbers in New Orleans?

For one thing, the Saints didn’t have much of a plan in mind when they traded up to draft Baun back in 2020. To move up from No. 88 to No. 74 (and getting back a seventh rounder in the process), the Saints traded their third rounder in 2021, which wound up falling at No. 91. And once they acquired Baun they didn’t know what to do with him. He weighed in at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, which was too light for Dennis Allen to stomach at defensive end, where Baun lined up in college. The coaching staff and scouting department were not in lockstep.

They spent the next few years trying to teach him to drop back in coverage and work in space, but Allen and his coaching staff never developed much confidence in him. After trading up to draft him the Saints picked another  linebacker in both 2021 (Pete Werner, at No. 60) and 2022 (D’Marco  Jackson, at No. 161). He never got a chance in New Orleans, playing almost twice as many snaps on special teams (1,293) as on defense (660) through his 62-game Saints career.

Now the Saints are scrambling for answers at linebacker. Demario Davis isn’t getting younger and the injury bug bit him earlier this year. Pete Werner signed a contract extension this summer but hasn’t proven he can stay on the field either. The Saints already decided Baun couldn’t be part of their solution, but the Eagles have figured out how to get the most out of him. Now we have to wait and see how New Orleans moves next.

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PFF: Former Wisconsin Badger is the NFL’s best linebacker over last three weeks

PFF: Former Wisconsin linebacker is the highest-graded LB from Week 8-10

Former Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Zack Baun is ProFootballFocus’ highest-graded linebacker from Weeks 8-10 of the 2024 NFL season

Through nine appearances with the Philadelphia Eagles this season, Baun has been nothing short of incredible. The UW alumnus is responsible for 87 total tackles, 55 solo tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one interception as the Eagles’ mainstay in the linebacker room.

Baun has posted 30 total tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception and two pass deflections just in the last three contests.

His highest grade arrived in the Eagles’ Week 9 game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. His 10 tackles and two pass deflections were enough to earn him an overall grade of 92.6, the most among any qualified linebacker across the league.

Baun’s status as one of the NFL’s most elite in the middle of the defense is somewhat of a shocker. Prior to this season, the Brown Deer, Wisconsin native’s career high in tackles for a season was 30 with the New Orleans Saints. As of Nov. 11, he’s No. 11 in total tackles across the league.

Baun and the Eagles will be back in action against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 14 in Philadelphia.