Vic Fangio admits Cooper DeJean being the Eagles punt returner is concerning

The Eagles’ defense has looked much better coming out of the bye week, and last Sunday against the Giants registered eight total sacks. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters on Tuesday and talked about the improved pass rush, addressed Jordan Davis’ playing time, and admitted Cooper DeJean returning punts worries him.

Here’s what the DC had to say:

On the improved pass rush
Fangio explained that he felt there was a good mix of coverage complementing the rush, which forced Daniel Jones to hold the ball a little longer and gave the Eagles’ front more time to get to him.

The DC also talked about simulated blitzes and cited calling them at the right time as the key to their success.

“They are only four-man rushes, and normal-type coverages behind them. So, there’s never a guarantee of anything.

But if you can hit them right, they do have a good effect.”

He gave credit to Nakobe Dean for having a good day blitzing on Sunday, noting he was really happy with the way the LB went about it.

“[Nakobe Dean] got cut the one time, popped right back up. That’s great effort. Had good timing on the other one where he got the sack early in the game. So it was a combination of everything.”

Fangio was asked about the development of guys like Nolan Smith and Bryce Huff, and Smith’s progress has been noteworthy.

“I think Nolan [Smith] in particular has continued to improve as the season has gone on. He’s not a big guy as edge players go, per se. But he did win on a rush the other day where it was more of a power-type rush, which he has to incorporate more into his game. And that was good to see.”

He later explained that there wasn’t a whole lot behind Smith being the starter on Sunday, pointing out that they were in base for the first play and the second-year defender will be on the field when they’re in base.

Fangio said that Bryce Huff saw more playing on Sunday because they were in more passing situations than previous games. He later said that he’s seen some development from Huff in pass rush situations, noting Huff had some better ones against the Giants.

The DC also was glad that rookie Jalyx Hunt got a handful of snaps in last week’s game, saying Hunt hasn’t had playing time since the last preseason game, so those reps at game speed are really valuable. He also admitted that Hunt could possibly work his way into the defensive rotation.

On Jordan Davis’ drop in playing time

“I think [Jordan Davis is] handling his role good. We roll those guys. As you know, Clint [Hurtt] does a good job of rolling those guys based upon the way the game is going and what type of game it is.

And especially once we got the two or three score lead there, at whatever point that was in the second half, we started rolling guys and played the other guys in the nickel stuff.”

On Cooper DeJean’s development
“Yeah, [DeJean has] played good. You know, we played a lot of zone the other day. So it wasn’t like he was on a guy and smothering him out or anything. It was a really big, big zone game the other day.”

As DeJean gets more experience, Fangio expects he’ll continue to improve, especially with knowing where the other guys are and how certain routes affect those around him in zone. The DC thought the rookie did better in this past game against the Giants, but he was late to his responsibility on one play early on — thankfully the WR wasn’t targeted that play.

“[DeJean is] very coachable. Got a good demeanor to play. I think that’s a strength of his and will only get better. And I think the more he plays and the more experienced he becomes – you try and expose him to as much stuff as you can in practice, but obviously with the low reps of practice, you don’t get that done always.

But I do think he’ll learn – he won’t be a repeat offender. If he makes a mistake on something new, it will be in his memory bank and not happen again.”

Regarding his concern for DeJean returning punts

“Q. Do you worry at all about DB Cooper DeJean returning punts? He has ended up being a big part of the defense. Do you worry about him being on the field for that when you need him defensively as much as you do?

FANGIO: Yes.

Q. How do you address that?

FANGIO: I don’t. NaVorro Bowman, going back to my San Francisco days, who was an All-Pro there for three straight years, he covered every punt for us for three straight years. And I didn’t like that, either. So, you’ve just got to deal with it.”

Other notables

Fangio shared that he thinks that they have the guys on defense to get more takeaways, but to this point they’ve failed to do much of that, so it’s something they need to start doing.
As for Quinyon Mitchell, the DC acknowledged that the rookie corner is eager for his first interception. He notes that Mitchell has played a lot at this point — being the No. 1 starter since early in camp, too — so he’s fully up-to-speed with his role.

“I think [Mitchell is] passed the point of hanging on, and now he’s being an NFL starting corner.”

Fangio touted the Bengals as a really good opponent. He named Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins as big players they’ll have to account for, and also pointed out that their run game has been better this year, too.
He was happy Sydney Brown got some snaps on Sunday and was able to get his feet wet after missing so much time due to injury. It’s still too early to see what his role will be, noting that anytime someone is added, that means someone also has to come off, so it’s a balance.

“He still needs to practice more, play a little bit more meaningful snaps in practice. He’s not totally honed up on what to do, but he’s done a great job of paying attention in meetings and being engaged all through his rehab.

I do think, whenever he does get a chance to play, it’ll be a quick transition as far as mentally goes.”