The Eagles defense has started to find their footing, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters this week about how challenging Sunday’s game will be against the Carolina Panthers. He also talked about how injuries are affecting various areas, and why Jordan Davis hasn’t played as much the past two weeks.
Here’s what the DC had to say:
On the LB plan
Fangio confirmed that they were going to play Jeremiah Trotter Jr. more in London, before he got ejected, and that the plan was to rotate him with Jihaad
Campbell. The DC did, however, shoot down the notion that Trotter was going to be the starter.
“Well, Trot played good in the start that he had when Zach [Baun] was out and it was close. I just think he deserves playing time.”
He explained that moving forward the rotation will be by series more than situational. Fangio also said not to draw any comparisons to similar situations the past couple years. He also said that he doesn’t think playing Trotter more would affect Campbell’s development.
The DC didn’t exactly have a rave review of Campbell after Sunday’s game, saying only that he, “Played okay.”
On the edge rush group
“I think it’ll be pretty miraculous for Jalyx [Hunt] to play this week, but he’s the kind of guy, he’s going to be pushing the envelope and making the medical people clear him. He’s not going to be one of those guys that’s going to be hesitant to come back.”
Fangio also noted that hopefully Jonathan Greenard will be ready to go this week, but stopped short of confirming his availability.
On Kenny Moore at safety
“I think when you consider the lack of background, both [Kenny Moore]’s never played safety in his career, gets here after training camp, limited reps with our defense, he’s getting some in scout team. I thought he did a pretty damn good job considering the circumstances.”
On Jalen Carter
Fangio said that Carter’s case may have been smaller last week, and should be much smaller this week — later on, he explained that medically, he needed the cast on for four weeks. He also talked about what the DT can do to be more consistently dominant.
“I just think as he progresses as a player, understands what’s important from a technique standpoint and how to play, we’ll get more of that. But it’s not like he’s been not playing good since he’s been here. It’s just he obviously made a couple big plays the other night and hopefully that will continue and it’s hopefully his wrist [is] getting better.”
He also acknowledged that Carter may have been getting double teamed a lot in the second half against the Jaguars.
On Jordan Davis’ workload
Davis played a little more this week than he had the week prior, but Fangio revealed that the Eagles defense was in nickel a lot more than base, which affected that number, too.
“Well, one of the things that happens is it became a pretty big nickel game, not much base, which only two of those guys play. So it kind of becomes three for two with him, [Moro] Ojomo and Jalen [Carter]. So those three, and then when you add the other two guys, it’s going to spread it out some.”
On preparing for the Panthers
Fangio talked about how QB Bryce Young has really progressed the past few years, and gave kudos to him and the coaches to get him there. He noted that Young is a really good processor, makes quick decisions, and knows where to go with the ball.
“[Bryce Young]’s elusive, he’s a scrambler, really good anticipation. Very, very impressed by him.”
The DC also admitted that the offense is dangerous with players likeWR Tetairoa McMillan and WR Jalen Coker, pointing out that the Panthers are third in the league in yards.
“They’re dangerous. I think they’re third in the league in yards. It’s only a five game season up to this point, but fifth in points, something like that, or fourth in first downs. They’re balanced. They run it good. [Chuba] Hubbard’s really a good back, runs hard. They block good. They’re a good offense, and it’s not tilted one way or the other. It’s [not] all pass. They’re really good running and throwing and the run game and the pass game compliment each other in the early downs. They got it going right now.”
He said that during their first day of preparing for the Panthers, they talked about how their kicker has made a 70-yarder before, and how they’ll have to plan accordingly.
Other notables
- Fangio confirmed that head coach Nick Sirianni stresses situational awareness, and said he knows that the head coach spends a lot of time research it every week and is something he takes a lot of pride in.
- He admitted that having LB Zack Baun out on the field makes a big difference, and Baun has been a really good player for the Eagles since he got to Philly. He noted that Baun is one of the top linebackers in the league, and when he’s out on the field, they expect him to step up in big moments.
- The DC also acknowledged that the depth at safety is “challenged” with Marcus Epps being out with an injury and then losing his replacement Michael Carter the next game.
