Vic Fangio addresses Eagles defensive struggles, says Bryce Huff is still the starter

Eagles DC Vic Fangio spoke to reporters on Thursday for the first time since Monday’s loss to the Falcons, and he talked about their lack of production, why they have to be focused on stopping the run, and also talked about some individual performances. He emphasized numerous times how they, starting with himself as the lead, need to do a better job.

“We’ve obviously played a lot of nickel these past two games because the teams are playing a lot of three-wide against us. So, a lot of teams normal reaction is to play a good bit of nickel. We just have to do — I just have to do a better job of coaching the guys on the technique and do the job better. I just haven’t done a good enough job of getting that done.”

After two games, Fangio said they don’t need to make any wholesale changes to help the run defense, and reiterated that he and the coaches just need to do a better job of preparing the guys with better technique and discipline.

But, without a moment’s hesitation, when asked if he thinks they have the talent up front to get it done, Fangio said, “Yes.”

He was also asked about the production of Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith, but Fangio said that things like sacks and pressures won’t come until the run defense improves.

“Until we do a better job of playing the run, those aren’t coming. That’s for sure, and we all need to do a better job, starting with me, of playing the run better.”

The DC later explained that if you’re not stopping the run, the offense isn’t getting into an obvious pass situation. He pointed out that their next opponent, the Saints, either run it or max protect play action, run boots, and are doing a great job offensively.

Fangio noted that the Saints have a lot of the same run scheme in their repertoire as they saw against the Falcons., and surmised that they probably plan to use it after seeing them fail to stop it on Monday night.

On the Falcons game-winning drive
“It started off as what you think is a two-minute drive, but within two plays it really wasn’t two minute any more. We gave up the big on one the sideline there on the second play and after that, it became, they’re in the redzone and they got their time and set of downs to do it. Again, we just need to coach it better, starting with me, to get them to do it better.”

On individual performances
Bryce Huff

“Yeah, he’s [Bryce Huff] still going to be the starter, but we’re mixing those guys in, as I know you know, and we’ll continue to do that.”

Fangio later acknowledged that Huff is still learning to play the total game, and not just rush situations, but he’s working hard at it and they’re gonna stick with him.

Zack Baun

Fangio acknowledged that Monday night’s game was the first time Baun had been exposed to cut blocks, and said the LB learned a valuable lesson. The DC expects Baun to be better prepared for it now.

“It was the first time he’s [Zack Baun] seen it. He has to react better to it, but we need to get him ready for it, too.”

Devin White

“He’s [Devin White] practicing and staying attentive, and ready to roll. Special teams plays a part of it, but yeah, he’s ready and available.”

Nolan Smith

“I think Nolan’s come aways since his rookie year. I think he’s playing better on the edge than he was last year.”

Other notables

Fangio said Cooper DeJean is the back-up nickel right now, and they want to focus him on just one position. The first week he was the dime DB and the back-up nickel, but with all the time they lost in training camp due to his injury, they want him to focus on one thing and see if he can make progress there.
The DC doesn’t think that the inexperience with a lot of the defensive players keep them from operating at a high level. He said it’s not that cut and dry, because young players can play really good and be where they need to be mentally. But, did admit that they’re probably still in the process of learning everything and putting it all together.
He later said that he’s very happy with how rookie Quinyon Mitchell has been playing this year, and there is a play here and there they both might want back, but overall Mitchell has been doing a good job.