Fangio Commits to Bryce Huff Despite Falcons' Defensive Woes
The Philadelphia Eagles have had a rocky start to the season, but Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio isn't panicking. Fangio has reaffirmed his commitment to Bryce Huff as a starter, despite the team's early struggles. "He's still going to be the starter," Fangio stated. "But we're mixing those guys in, as I know you know, and we'll continue to do that."
Signed to a hefty three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, Huff has only managed two pressures in 59 snaps over the first two games, resulting in a pressure rate of 6.7%. Fangio believes in Huff's potential, even though he acknowledges that Huff is still adapting to his role. "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 explained.
Pressure Statistics and Early Performance
Huff is not alone in his learning curve. Nolan Smith has posted three pressures and holds a pressure rate of 13.6%, yet neither player has recorded a sack or quarterback hit in the first two games. Fangio recognizes the importance of improving run defense before expecting more impactful rush statistics. "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," Fangio emphasized.
Poor Defensive Rankings
The Eagles currently rank 31st in the NFL for yards per carry allowed, with opponents averaging 6.4 yards per carry. They also rank 29th in allowing rushes of 10 or more yards, conceding 11 such plays in just two games. Clearly, the team's defensive line needs to tighten up significantly to reverse these alarming trends.
Blending Experience and Potential
Despite these shortcomings, Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith have shown flashes of potential. Fangio is optimistic about Smith’s development. "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.
According to Fangio, building a robust defense is about balancing experience with emerging talent. This sentiment is echoed by Jalyx Hunt, a rookie third-round pick who remains undeterred by the current 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 said, confident in the team’s long-term prospects.
Hunt's Attitude and Effort
Hunt's positive attitude is complemented by a commitment to improvement. "One thing I would hate to do is to wish my time to come faster than 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 expressed. He is taking advantage of the resources available to him, stating, "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."
Focusing on Fundamentals
Fangio is well aware of the task at hand. His strategy revolves around reinforcing the fundamentals and maintaining a consistent performance. "It's everyone’s second game of the season," Fangio reiterated, focusing on patience and perseverance. His belief in a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies forms the backbone of his approach.
With much of the season still ahead, the Eagles' defense stands at a crossroads. The commitment to Bryce Huff and the shared belief in potential improvement will be key determinants of the unit's future success. Fangio's experienced eye and the rookies' energy are vital components of this ongoing rebuilding process.