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USA Today
18 hours 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
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Cooper DeJean's versatility could unlock a surprise rookie contributor
A lesser-mentioned and sometimes forgotten rookie may benefit most from Cooper DeJean's versatility. As people age, they become wiser. Well, that's how it should work, but we all know that isn't always the case. Younger Philadelphia Eagles fans, at times, believe they can run a professional football team and coach because they have mastered the franchise mode on EA's Madden NFL game. Older and more seasoned Birds fans understand that Howie Roseman, Vic Fangio, and Jeff Stoutland have forgotten more about how to do their jobs than most will ever know. There are times, however, when it's easier to follow along with what those guys are doing because, regardless of one's trade, there are some rules that always seem to translate. Cooper DeJean's versatility may eventually unlock the early contribution of an under-the-radar rookie. Often, in any workspace, the key to being promoted is proving one has talents that extend beyond their job description. That usually also helps players on the football field. Studying Vic Fangio and Jeff Stoutland, it has become apparent over time that they, too, admire guys who are skilled at playing more than one position. Cooper DeJean is an obvious example. Before ever playing a snap at the professional level, he took practice reps at safety and as both an outside and slot cornerback. Last season, he settled into the slot as a starter. Now, there are whispers that there may also be a desire to increase his gameday snaps by lining him up as a safety in Philadelphia's base defensive package. No one plays in the base much anymore, as so many NFL offenses deploy three wide receivers. That coincidentally forces more defenses to play more nickel coverage (three cornerbacks and two safeties). Still, you can understand the theory. Hopefully, that gets DeJean on the field for another ten or more snaps a game, but here's the wildcard. That may also open the door slightly for rookie Mac McWilliams. Coach Fangio spoke with the media before Philadelphia's second training camp practice. He spoke highly of Philly's rookie corner. Frankly, few haven't. He seems a natural cover guy and a nice option for the slot. Now, we get it. Overreactions at this time of year are common. Still, there is certainly something here worth exploring, especially if McWilliams continues progressing, and there is a desire to get him on the field early. Philadelphia doesn't need to rush. They have capable safeties in Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, Andrew Mukuba, and Tristin McCollum. We'll see how they value Lewis Cine and Andre' Sam. Knowing DeJean can also play the position is a luxury. He figures to remain in the slot as the starter. That means McWilliams will, more than likely, be relegated to backup duty. It's safe to assume he likely won't be cracking the starting lineup by Week 1. Heck, he may not start a game all season. Still, it shouldn't shock anyone if he finds his way onto the field and contributes valuable snaps at some point. He has that level of talent, and DeJean's versatility could be the vehicle to create that opportunity. The options are seemingly endless for Vic Fangio's defense, and that's a good thing.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
This Eagles Player Is About To SURPRISE Everyone...
The Philadelphia Eagles took the field again today for Day 2 of Training Camp. We finally got to hear from Vic Fangio, who discussed rookie Jihaad Campbell, Quinyon Mitchell, the young defensive line, and much more! In other news, one Eagles player has lost a ton of weight and is about to shock the entire world this season... and it may not be who you expect. Lastly, Jalen Hurts continues to look impressively sharp in practice and is gearing up for another huge season. Today, RB discusses all of this and more!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
6 reasons for optimism as the Philadelphia Eagles enter training camp
After months of waiting, the Eagles will get their Super Bowl rings on Friday night for one final celebration, before the team gathers one week from Tuesday for the start of training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Howie Roseman has retooled both sides of the football, and a defense that saw seven starters depart could be just as dominant, depending on several roster competitions. Philadelphia rookies and veterans will report for training camp on July 22, and we're examining six reasons why the Eagles should be optimistic about the 2025 NFL season. 1. DC Vic Fangio A retooled defense would normally face some reservations about taking a step back in production, but most defensive units don't employ a coordinator like Vic Fangio. In his first season with the Eagles, Philadelphia (278.4 ypg) led the league in total defense for the seventh time in team history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1991, 1981, 1953, 1949, 1945, and 1944 (excludes the 1943 Steagles). Philadelphia ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (174.2) for the second time in the last three years (also 2022, 179.8). Furthermore, the Eagles finished with the NFL lead in defensive points allowed per game (16.9 — their best figure since 15.8 in 2008), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0%), and FFs (18, tied). 2. HC Nick Sirianni Jalen Hurts will have another offensive coordinator, and the Eagles will face every team's best shot, but a Super Bowl-winning head coach adds calm to a 2025 squad looking to repeat. Sirianni is battle-tested and has faced every scenario imaginable, having led Philadelphia to the postseason in four consecutive seasons. According to Elias Sports, Sirianni (.706, 48-20) owns the 3rd-highest regular-season winning percentage by a head coach in the Super BowlEra (min. 50 games), trailing only John Madden (.759, 1969-78) and George Allen (.712, 1966-77). Overall, it is the 6th-highest mark in NFL history, behind Guy Chamberlin (.784, 1922-27), Madden, Vince Lombardi (.738, 1959-67, '69), Ray Flaherty (.720, 1936-42), and Allen. 3. Eagles' offensive line The Eagles have studs at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end, but the overall team success starts and ends with a dominating offensive line. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are among the two highest-graded offensive tackles in the NFL, and both are All-Pros, while left guard Landon Dickerson and center Cam Jurgens are Pro Bowlers. The right guard position is the only weakness, but this dominant union provides comfort for the entire offense. 4. DT Jalen Carter We talked about Philadelphia having studs at all three levels, and Carter is among the top three players at his position. The third-year defensive tackle has improved leaps and bounds each year, and could very well reset the market for all non-quarterbacks with another huge season. After earning All-Rookie Team honors, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft had 42 tackles, 12 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 61 combined QB hits and pressures, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Carter performed at a high level despite playing 80 percent of the defensive snaps, up from 48 percent as a rookie. 5. DeJean and Mitchell DeJean was among the highest-rated players in the slot, holding opponents to 50 receptions. He had five pass breakups, and quarterbacks had an 82.2 passer rating against him. Mitchell ranked 3rd among NFL CBs with 16 forced incompletions, trailing only Zyon McCollum (17) and Denzel Ward (17). He was 3rd among CBs in yards allowed per coverage snap (0.8) behind Pat Surtain (0.6) and Derek Stingley (0.7) (min. 600 coverage snaps). Even with the loss of Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Isaiah Rodgers, and others, Philadelphia can be optimistic about having two Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists in their secondary. 6. Zack Baun An outstanding inside linebacker can erase a ton of mistakes and make a defense elite, and that's precisely what Zack Baun did for the Eagles in 2024. Signed to a one-year deal with the idea that he'd add versatility as a pass rusher and linebacker, Baun earned All-Pro honors, and was a finalist for AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Zack Baun was thehighest-graded LB (90.1) by PFF in the regular season, producing 150 tackles and five forced fumbles (2nd in the NFL, behind T.J. Watt – 6). In the playoffs, Baun became the second NFL linebacker since 1991 to generate takeaways in each of their first four career postseason starts (Devin White in 2020), which included a diving interception of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. Baun returns after agreeing to a contract extension, and his presence gives a retooled defense a stud performer at all three levels. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 6 reasons for optimism as the Eagles enter training camp
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Eagles training camp practices
Philadelphia returned to the practice field on Thursday and completed a spirited and lively 88-minute session that saw Jalen Carter rest on back-to-back days with a shoulder injury. Jihaad Campbell participated in his second straight limited practice, while Vic Fangio's defense shuffled guys in and out, and as competition gets underway at several key spots. With the second session now complete, we're looking at takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Philadelphia Eagles training camp at the NovaCare Complex. Jalen Hurts was extremely sharp Hurts was 17-19 passing on the day, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks, and it continues the trend of the Eagles' star quarterback developing into an elite and efficient thrower of the football. Competition at cornerback continues The Eagles usually hold starters out of preseason games. Still, with just one joint practice schedule, Philadelphia could utilize those contests to pick a winner at the cornerback spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell. For the second straight day, Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson are getting first-team reps with Cooper DeJean mixing in. Eagles paid tribute to the Late Ozzy Osbourne. Tributes are pouring in from music legends and celebrities after the death of Ozzy Osbourne, the rock and heavy metal icon, at the age of 76. The Eagles did their part, playing Osbourne's music during the Second Day of training camp practice. Eagles injury report Jalen Carter and Kenyon Green missed their second straight practice to open up training camp. For Carter, it's about being healthy for the season opener. Green is battling for a roster spot and can't afford to get left behind. Quinyon Mitchell prepared to travel? We previously highlighted Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell potentially beginning to travel with the opposing team's best wide receiver after stating he's been getting his feet wet at both outside cornerback positions. That transformation has already started through the first two days of practice, with Mitchell getting snaps at both outside cornerback spots. This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Takeaways from Day 2 of Eagles' training camp practice
