Vic Fangio's Confidence in Bryce Huff and Nolan Smith Amid Early Season Struggles
Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has solidified Bryce Huff's role as a starter on the team’s defense after an offseason that saw Huff signing a lucrative three-year, $51 million contract. Despite the high expectations, the start of the season has been less than stellar for Huff, who has only managed two pressures in 59 snaps over the first two games, giving him a pressure rate of 6.7%. Huff has yet to record a sack or a quarterback hit thus far.
Contrastingly, Nolan Smith has shown more promise in similar conditions. Smith has achieved three pressures and boasts a pressure rate of 13.6% after the same two games, although like Huff, he too is yet to notch a sack or quarterback hit. Fangio has acknowledged the learning curve for both players, emphasizing Huff’s potential and continued 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 stated. "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."
Additionally, Fangio expressed satisfaction with Nolan Smith’s progression from his rookie year, highlighting noticeable improvements in his gameplay. "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 mentioned.
However, the defensive unit’s performance has not been up to par when it comes to stopping the run. The Eagles rank an alarming 31st in the NFL in yards per carry allowed, conceding an average of 6.4 yards, and have permitted 11 rushes longer than 10 yards, placing them 29th in that category. Fangio recognizes that the entire defensive unit needs to elevate its game when facing 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," he admits.
Amid these struggles, the potential in the Eagles' defense is not lost on rookie third-round pick Jalyx Hunt. He remains optimistic about the team’s future despite the rocky start. "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 expressed. The rookie is not in a rush to secure more playing time but is focusing on development and preparation. "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," Hunt added.
Hunt’s proactive approach to learning from veterans and coaches is admirable. "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 stated. This blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership is a cornerstone of Fangio's strategy for the Eagles’ defense.
With Fangio at the helm, focusing on fundamentals and consistent performance, the Eagles are expected to integrate both experienced veterans and enthusiastic rookies into a cohesive unit. Fangio’s belief in a balanced blend of experience and potential is pivotal to the team's defensive strategy moving forward. The challenges are evident, but the optimism within the camp suggests that improvements are not far off.