The Eagles defense has been inconsistent throughout the season, something defensive coordinator Vic Fangio highlighted when he spoke to reporters on Tuesday. He talked about self-scouting, what he saw from different players, and why Jonathan Greenard's lack of practice has been so impactful. The DC also provided a short recap for their Sunday night loss to the Commanders.
"Tough loss. We have to find a way to win those low-scoring games. We've done it here in the past. We've gotta be able to do it."
Here's what else the DC had to say:
"What I see, is a guy that's had very, very little practice. I mean, when I say very little, miniscule. He missed all of training camp, missed the first two weeks of the season — no practice. Started practicing, was on a pitch count, played 19 plays, was gonna increase the next week, he got hurt early in that game. Didn't finish that game. Didn't play the next game. And, he's been limited in practice.
Contrary to some people's popular belief, practice is important. He's had next to none."
The only way to overcome that is with practice, explained Fangio. He noted that there was no magic pill or portion to catch up, no amount of watching tape or walkthroughs will make up for practice reps. Even for a veteran like Greenard, the DC was clear that practice matter.
"Practice is important for everybody."
He went on to talk about Greenard is still finding his groove, and those practice reps are what will allow him to feel more comfortable in the system. It's not for a lack of want to, or lack of effort, it's just something that takes time executing what they're asking of him and then carrying that over into games.
Fangio also said that the bye week won't offer any kind of catch-up period, noting that most teams don't practice during the bye week, but that time might help Greenard get healthier.
"He's been not quite as good as he had been in the past, these last couple weeks. Think he's got a little problem with his hand there, but he can be better. But we love Jordan [Davis] and he can get there."
Fangio said that they're constantly evaluating things, and that it wouldn't make sense to wait for the bye week to self-scout. It's something they do every week.
As for how he feels about their run defense to this point in the season, the DC said it's been inconsistent. He thought it was okay, borderline good, but then at the end of the game gave up that 33-yarder. Fangio said that he needs to do a better job of coaching it and calling it, and then the players need to execute.
"They've got a really good offense They've got skill at the receiving position. They did a nice job raiding the Ravens, not just for John [Harbuagh], but with [Isaiah] Likely and [Patrick] Ricard. They got a lot of the Ravens-type offense that they had when Greg [Roman], and they've intermixed Kansas City-type passing in there with Matt [Nagy], and they've got it going right now. They got good wide outs, good tight ends, two good backs, and the quarterback is commanding in a short amount of time, and has really done a nice job,. For them to get [J.J. McCarthy] for a sixth round pick is a steal."
He said that Andrew Mukubaoverall has had a good season, and that there were some plays he'd like back, but the safety is a good young player who he expects to be a good player for a long time.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.will continue to get playing time, and Fangio noted they'll have to see about Jihaad Campbell's health moving forward.
The DC admitted that there might be some wavering in the confidence of the defense, while asking what comes first, winning or confidence.
As we get closer to the trade deadline, Fangio said that he doesn't feel the need to talk to any players about rumors circulating, but he would if he felt any were catching steam that was not true.
