In an offseason marked by strategic investments and high expectations, the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant move by securing Bryce Huff with a three-year, $51 million contract. Vic Fangio, the seasoned defensive coordinator, has placed his confidence in Huff, cementing his role as a starter on the Eagles' defense. However, the start of the season has presented challenges for both Huff and the team's defensive unit.
Huff's Early Season Performance
In the initial two games of the season, Bryce Huff has managed to register two pressures in 59 snaps, resulting in a modest pressure rate of 6.7%. Despite these efforts, he has yet to record a sack or a quarterback hit. Fangio remains steadfast in his support of Huff, emphasizing the importance of patience and development.
"He's 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 said. "He's still learning how to play the total game and not just rush situations. But he's working hard at it, and we're going to stick with him."
Nolan Smith's Contributions
Meanwhile, Nolan Smith, who has also been key in the defense, has shown promise with three pressures and a pressure rate of 13.6% in the same span. Similar to Huff, Smith has not yet recorded a sack or quarterback hit, highlighting the collective need for improvement on the defensive front.
"I think Nolan has come a ways since his rookie year. I think he's playing better on the edge than he was last year, all around," commented Fangio. Yet, he acknowledges that production in the form of sacks and pressures is closely tied to the unit's overall ability to stop the run. "I think when you talk production, correct me if I'm wrong, but you're talking sacks and pressures and stuff, and until we do a better job of playing the run, those aren't coming. That's for sure. We all have to do a better job, starting with me, of playing the run better."
Struggles Against the Run
The Eagles' difficulties against the run are starkly reflected in their league rankings. They are currently 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (6.4) and 29th in 10+ yard rushes allowed (11). Fangio's approach to rectifying these shortcomings lies in the fundamentals and a blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies.
Rookie Jalyx Hunt, selected in the third round, remains optimistic about the team’s potential. "It's everybody's second game of the season. We're learning to gel. I'm not worried about it at all. You see spurts of it in moments, so once we get to the point where that's the whole game, I think we're going to be fine," Hunt stated.
The Road to Improvement
Hunt's determination is evident as he continues to train rigorously alongside experienced teammates like Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff. "One thing I would hate to do is to wish my time to come faster then I'm not where I need to be. But my time will come and when I have the opportunity, I feel like I'm going to rise to the occasion," he expressed. "I'm working hard every day, getting extra time in with the coaches and what not, BG [Brandon Graham], Bryce [Huff], anybody I have access to."
Fangio's belief in a balanced mixture of experience and potential is key to the Eagles' defensive strategy. His focus on fundamentals and consistent performance aims to bring stability and improvement as the season progresses. With veterans steering the ship and rookies like Hunt providing fresh energy, the Eagles' defensive unit is poised for growth amidst early challenges.