Latest news with #NolanSmith
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
6 bold predictions for Vic Fangio's defense during the Eagles' regular season
Setting realistic expectations for the upcoming Eagles regular season with six bold predictions for Vic Fangio's revamped yet formidable defense. Ladies and gentlemen, we have listened to fibs. We were told the Philadelphia Eagles' defense would take a step backward. It won't. We were told the losses would be too much to overcome. That isn't true either. They're going to be fine. You're going to be proud of this team, just as you were during the most recent Super Bowl this past February. Sure, there were losses, and we will miss everyone who left. We also realize attrition is part of every offseason. The temptation was to agonize over every loss in free agency and C.J. Gardner-Johnson's second exit. We suggest ignoring that temptation. It's a waste of everyone's time. No one should focus on the departed players. This team must focus on who's still on the roster, and much of the young core is still intact. Rest easy, friends. Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Zack Baun, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Reed Blakenship will be just fine. So, ignore the lies and listen to the truth. The truth is that Andrew Mukuba is good. The truth is that Jihaad Campbell is outstanding. The core is still in place. Most of it is young. Philadelphia lost a leader in Brandon Graham, but he tutored one in the making... We raise our glasses and salute Nolan Smith. His mindset is incredible. He's a representation of this team's leader, Vic Fangio, on the field. Philly's defensive coordinator has more than exceeded our expectations. Speaking of expectations, here are a handful for the coming Eagles season. Eagles won't allow a 100-yard rusher in 13 of their 17 regular-season games. If you think this theory is emotional, you should have seen the first one. We were this close to stating the Eagles won't allow a 100-yard rusher all season, but rational thought prevailed. These are the defending Super Bowl champions, even if they don't want to be called that. They'll get everyone's best shot, and at times, there will be lulls and some adversity. Here's a bold prediction. Some four-man mix of Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs, Kyren Williams, Bucky Irving, and a surprise player to be named later will cause issues. Ashton Jeanty won't have a significant impact because the Las Vegas Raiders will likely fall behind the Philadelphia Eagles early, forcing the Silver and Black to abandon the running game early in an attempt to begin airing it out. Expect a stout rushing defense, one where a top-three ranking isn't impossible. Also expect that defense to get an assist from a high-powered offense that forces teams to play from behind late in games. Eagles hold opposing QBs to a rating under 100 in 11 of their 17 games. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes are two of the best quarterbacks of the current era. Both will face the Eagles' defense this season. Justin Herbert is on that second-tier, even though that statement will hurt some of your feelings. Young stars in the making, like Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, are on the schedule. So are steady veterans like Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. Much of Philadelphia's schedule is dominated by veterans, both ascending (Jordan Love) and declining (Aaron Rodgers). Sure, that's a gauntlet of signal-caller. All of which will bring their best efforts when Philadelphia is the opponent. Trust the Eagles' preparation, but be aware of this. The Birds will do what they always do. They'll make one or two marginal players look like Joe Montana, and they'll make some of the game's best have some off days. Here's why... The defense finishes with 25 takeaways. It's been decades, and some of us still can't enunciate the mathematical formula for calculating a quarterback rating. Here's what we do know. TDs and completions raise the score. Interceptions and incompletions knock it down. The Eagles forced 13 turnovers during the most recent postseason, the most in NFL history. Many of them were forced fumbles. Before that, they racked up 13 interceptions from Week 1 to Week 18. They tied the Pittsburgh Steelers with 22 forced fumbles. 13 of those were recovered. While it's challenging to replicate that, another year in Vic Fangio's scheme will help his unit achieve more impressive showings. Twenty-five takeaways seem reasonable. Eagles allow 24 points a game or fewer. Three TDs and a field goal... 24 points.. Some teams will achieve more vs. the Eagles' defense. Some will achieve less. Call this one a hunch. Philadelphia gives up an average of 24 points this season. That seems fair based on the level of quarterbacks that they are facing this season. Vic Fangio's defense allows fewer than 275 yards per game. Only the Tennessee Titans allowed fewer yards than Philadelphia through the air. The Eagles finished tenth vs. the run. Again, expect more cohesive performances and continued elevation during the coming regular season. Jihaad Campbell finishes as a DROY candidate but loses the award to Abdul Carter. Jihaad Campbell is the real deal. He's still recovering from shoulder surgery, but it seems he'd suit up in the Birds needed him to today. Knowing that, confidence grows that he'll be ready for the regular season, if that means he must be eased into more gameday action. Once he does, expect Cooper DeJean-type impact. Campbell WILL finish as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, which is impressive, but something tells us the award will be handed to New York Giants star Abdul Carter. That's how these NFL Honors award shoes typically unfold. We're pretty used to that as Philadelphia's sports fans, right? Say this in unison. No one likes us. We don't care.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nolan Smith reveals what's fueling his potential breakout Eagles season
Nolan Smith speaks with clarity, wisdom, and fire ahead of what could be an exciting Eagles season. Nolan Smith is an absolute soundbite machine. That man has a lot of wisdom and is really good at communicating his thoughts & he shoots down a question regarding all the winning he's done in his career and also talks about picking out a new book at Barnes & Noble We live in a microwave society. You've probably heard someone you admire teach that to you a few times. As it turns out, they were right. Patience isn't something we place in high regard. That's especially true of the Philadelphia Eagles fan. Once upon a time, there were teams that wanted their young quarterbacks to sit and learn before throwing them into the fire. Nowadays, those same franchises hope those guys get up to speed and begin constructing Pro Bowl-caliber numbers before the calendar reaches Thanksgiving. If drafted higher, the clock is sped up. Here's the thing. Most acknowledge that quarterbacks need reps. Less often do we hear that sentiment when discussing young edge rushers. Nolan Smith's quiet confidence says everything Eagles fans need to hear Believe it or not, we're already entering year three of Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter's era in Philadelphia. We knew the latter would be a sure thing upon his entry into the NFL. Some had their doubts about the former. His size was mentioned as a potential weakness. He was staring up the depth chart at a Pro Bowler, Haason Reddick, so much of Smith's first season was spent on special teams. There was also a shoulder issue he was trying to labor through. Wouldn't you know it? That's all it took for some to shackle him with the 'bust' label. Bust? Are you serious? Those in the know, including this platform, knew all he needed was experience and time, and in his sophomore campaign, he turned the corner. Now, he has his sights set on achieving even more. That's what some refer to as quiet confidence, but as we've gotten to know Smith, we've found something out about his personality. Sometimes, that confidence is expressed at a higher decibel. Nolan Smith says he's looking to have more than 12 sacks next season!'That's on the low side' Did he just say he's on the hunt for double-digit sacks? Let's take an inventory. Last season, he trumped his single sack as a rookie by notching 6.5 in 16 games with ten starts. Then, he led all defenders with four sacks and four tackles for loss during the Eagles' march to another Super Bowl win. That being said. One of two things is possible. He could wear down by playing more snaps now that Bryce Huff and Josh Sweat are gone, or he could rise to the occasion with more responsibility and opportunity. We all have our opinions. This way, wagers are being placed on the latter scenario.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘He's going to be special' — Jalyx Hunt drawing rave reviews at Eagles camp
Jordan Mailata and Nolan Smith both raved about what they've seen from Jalyx Hunt early in Eagles training camp... while Vic Fangio tempered expectations. 'He's going to be special' — Jalyx Hunt drawing rave reviews at Eagles camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Duke legend, Memphis assistant in talks with HBCU per report
Former Duke University star and current Memphis assistant coach Nolan Smith is reportedly in discussions to become the next head coach at Tennessee State University. According to Jon Rothstein, the deal is not finalized, but both sides are working toward an agreement. If completed, the move would mark a major hire for the HBCU program, which lost Penny Collins to the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies earlier this summer. A Rising Coaching Resume Smith has steadily climbed the coaching ranks since retiring from professional basketball. He joined the Memphis staff in September 2024 after two seasons at Louisville under Kenny Payne. Before his time at Louisville, he spent six years at Duke University in multiple roles. These included director of basketball operations, player development, and assistant coach during the 2021–22 season. Decorated Playing Career at Duke As a player, Smith was one of the most decorated in Duke University history. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors and was named ACC Player of the Year in 2011. That season, he led the conference in scoring (20.6 points per game) and served as team captain. He also won MVP honors in the ACC Tournament. Smith played a key role in Duke's 2010 national championship run. He earned Most Outstanding Player honors in the NCAA South Regional and was named to the All-Final Four Team. Over his four-year college career, he scored 1,911 points, ranking 17th in Duke history. His teams went 121-22 overall, including an incredible 65-2 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Potential New Chapter at an HBCU If hired, the position at Tennessee State would be Smith's first head coaching job. It would also represent a significant moment for the Nashville-based HBCU, which continues to seek national recognition. Smith brings not only high-level basketball experience but also a strong record of community involvement. He's been honored by Points of Light and The News & Observer for his work in social justice and cancer potential hire could signal a turning point for Tennessee State. The HBCU had success with the high profile hire of Eddie George who led the program to the FCS playoffs. The post Duke legend, Memphis assistant in talks with HBCU per report appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Fans Tempted by T.J. Watt Trade Rumors but Reality Says Otherwise
Eagles Fans Tempted by T.J. Watt Trade Rumors but Reality Says Otherwise originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The rumor mill never stops churning in Philadelphia, and the latest whispers have Eagles fans salivating over the possibility of acquiring T.J. Watt from Pittsburgh. With the Steelers star reportedly unhappy about his contract situation, it's easy to get caught up in the fantasy of watching one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers don midnight green. Advertisement But here's the cold, hard truth: trading Nolan Smith for T.J. Watt would be organizational malpractice of the highest order. Yes, Watt is a generational talent and future Hall of Famer. But the Eagles have something far more valuable – a 24-year-old pass rusher who's just scratching the surface of his potential. Smith's playoff breakout last season wasn't a fluke. It was a coming-out party for a player who showed up in the biggest moments when the lights were brightest. The financial mathematics alone should end any serious discussion about this trade. The Eagles are already staring down brutal contract decisions with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and other young stars needing extensions. Adding Watt's market-resetting demands would force Philadelphia to choose between keeping their young defensive core together or paying one aging superstar. That's not a choice a smart organization should ever have to make. The age factor can't be ignored either. Watt will be 31 when the season starts, while Smith is entering what should be the prime years of his career. The Eagles would be trading away eight years of elite production for maybe three or four years of declining performance. That's not team building – that's roster destruction disguised as an upgrade. Advertisement What makes this potential trade even more puzzling is how unnecessary it would be. The Eagles don't need a superstar acquisition to win another Super Bowl. They've already assembled one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Adding Watt wouldn't transform them from pretenders to contenders – it would just make an already great team slightly better while mortgaging their future. The real beauty of Smith's situation is his trajectory. Everything about his development suggests he's just getting started. His athleticism is off the charts, his work ethic is unquestioned, and his football IQ continues to grow. The Eagles have invested significant time and resources into his development, and they're finally starting to see the dividends. Championship organizations understand the difference between short-term gratification and long-term success. The Patriots didn't win six Super Bowls by constantly trading away young talent for aging stars. Great teams identify young talent, develop it properly, and then build around it for sustained success. Nolan Smith may not have T.J. Watt's resume yet, but he has something equally valuable: unlimited potential and the drive to reach it. The Eagles would be wise to hold onto that combination and see where it takes them. Advertisement Related: Eagles Trade Question on T.J. Watt Addressed by Schefter Related: Saquon Turns to Tiger in Quest for NFL History This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
