The Rise of Bryce Huff and the Eagles' Early Defensive Struggles
With the arrival of Vic Fangio and a massive three-year, $51 million contract, Bryce Huff’s position as a starter on the Philadelphia Eagles defense seemed guaranteed. Fangio's decision to cement Huff's spot was based on a blend of potential and performance. "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 stated, emphasizing his confidence in Huff’s abilities for the season ahead.
Despite the high expectations, Huff’s first two games have been relatively quiet. His performance so far includes two pressures in 59 snaps, boasting a pressure rate of 6.7%. However, he has yet to record a sack or quarterback hit this season. Fangio acknowledged Huff’s ongoing development, noting, "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."
In contrast, Nolan Smith has shown more promise in the same span with three pressures and a pressure rate of 13.6%. Even though Smith, like Huff, has not registered a sack or quarterback hit, Fangio sees a marked improvement in his play. "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," Fangio said, appreciating Smith’s growth and contribution to the team’s efforts.
Despite individual efforts, the Eagles' defense as a whole has been struggling. The team ranks 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, giving up an average of 6.4 yards. Additionally, they rank 29th in allowing rushes of 10+ yards, having surrendered 11 such plays in just the first two games. Fangio understands the need for improvement and places the onus on himself and his defensive unit to tighten up against 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."
Among the mix of veterans and new talent is rookie Jalyx Hunt, a third-round pick who remains optimistic about the squad'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 remarked, reflecting a sentiment of patience and resilience.
Fangio’s vision for the Eagles' defense relies heavily on fundamentals and consistent performance. His approach is a blend of experience and emerging talent, a strategy he believes is essential for long-term success. This philosophy is embodied by players like Hunt, who is eager to seize his opportunity when it comes. "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 shared. Hunt's commitment is evident as he dedicates extra time with coaches and veterans like Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff to hone his skills. "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," he added.
The Eagles face a critical juncture early in the season. Fangio’s emphasis on pinning down fundamentals and integrating rookies like Hunt with seasoned players is part of a broader strategy to achieve defensive cohesion. While the initial performances have displayed areas that need fortifying, the potential for improvement is palpable. With players diligently refining their craft under the guidance of a veteran coach, the team is poised to meet the challenges ahead.