Vic Fangio’s defense is suddenly playing at an elite level potentially capable of powering a charge to the Super Bowl for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC.
Sunday afternoon against the Dallas Cowboys, Fangio’s unit held the NFC East rivals to just 146 yards of total offense while leaving town with a dominant 34-6 victory to move into solo possession of the division lead after the season’s first 10 weeks.
What is Driving Philadelphia Eagles’ Turnaround on Defense
Legendary former Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner says that it’s become obvious how Fangio’s defense has turned a corner and is rounding into championship form.
“I think Vic Fangio is learning his players and what they’re capable of,” Joyner tells me. “And, the players are finally getting a grasp of the new system and how he wants it executed.
“The additions of Mitchell, DeJean and the emergence of big plays from linebackers Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean has been huge. It’s allowed Fangio to be more aggressive in his play calling, forcing the issue rather than living in bend-but-don’t-break mode.”
Mitchell has developed a reputation as one of the premier rookie defensive backs in this year’s class, while DeJean’s playmaking skills and propensity for timely turnovers has transformed the Eagles’ secondary on the heels of last season’s dreadful closing 10-game stretch.
Fangio and the Eagles face a daunting test on Thursday night, when wunderkind rookie quarterback and the emerging Washington Commanders arrive in Lincoln Financial Field for a game with major playoff and NFC East race implications.
If Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Eagles have the pieces in place to emerge as one of the premier contenders in the NFC.
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