The Eagles were back to work after a Sunday road win in Kansas City, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters about blitzing Patrick Mahomes, why Jalen Carter needs to get in shape, and what he saw from Za’Darius Smith in his debut with the team.
He was also asked about Moro Ojomo showing up in big ways, to which Fangio replied, “He’s a good football player, you need to stop being surprised by that.”
Here’s what the DC had to say:
On limiting Patrick Mahomes
Fangio admitted that Mahomes was a real problem as a runner in the first half of Sunday’s game.
“I thought we really played good in the first half, except for letting him run for 60-some yards in the first half. We had started in the first half, we pressured more to try and help that, and the pressure helped us.”
When asked what his philosophy is regarding using blitzes, noting that they didn’t blitz in the Super Bowl, but did several times in Week 2. Fangio was succinct, and pointed out that they didn’t need to blitz in the Super Bowl and they did need to on Sunday. He explained that the option to use them is always there, it’s whether they need to or not — which is dictated based on whether they need to blitz and whether he thinks it’s a good time to call it.
As for the two deep passes — one that was completed, and one that wasn’t — Fangio explained that they messed up on one of their adjustments which resulted in a catch, and on the other one, Adoree’ Jackson lost his coverage.
On Jalen Carter’s contributions
“[Jalen Carter] had some good rushes. I think he still needs to round into better shape. He and I talked about that, and he readily admits that, and we can get more. But, I thought that, for everything that has gone on in his world, I thought he played pretty good.”
Fangio went on to say that getting into shape isn’t something related to missing Week 1, it’s just something they’ve been working on. The DC later elaborated and said that Carter had a shoulder issue that limited his practice time, the shorter practices the Eagles have, and the limited reps that he’s gotten (for multiple reasons), contributed to the shape he’s in.
During the game, Carter was seen holding his right arm/wrist, and Fangio acknowledged that the DT is dealing with, “A little something there,” but nothing that will slow him down much.
Carter took a few snaps on the outside, which is something Fangio said will be done on a game-by-game sitatuation.
On Za’Darius Smith’s performance
“I thought for just coming in on such short notice, he made some good plays. Obviously, he can get a lot better, too, which I think he will with gaining more knowledge of what we’re doing.
But, it kinda put to bed — they have this rule in training camp that you have to have these acclimation periods, where you can no pads, then out there on the field. They don’t do acclimation periods for signings in-season. Or like, Chase Campbell, signed two days before the last preseason game, played in that game.”
Smith was able to learn enough in the days before the Week 2 game that they felt comfortable playing him, but he still has a lot of learning to do, and should continue to get better and grow in the defense as he does.
“[Jihaad Campbell] played well. I think he’s gonna continue to get better and better and better the more he plays. Usually there’s a correlation — the more you practice, the more you play, the better you get, and he’s going through that. And, he’s getting better and better every day. Happy to have him. Love his work ethic and his attitude, and he’s doing a good job for us. And, his length and speed is an added bonus.”
Other notables
- Fangio wouldn’t say that Sunday was Jordan Davis’ best game, because he admitted the DT has been playing really good football since the end of last season.
- He gave rookie Drew Mukuba credit for a few really good plays, and also noted that there are some things he needs to clean up, too.
- The DC didn’t want to put too much stock into how the defense has started the season, noting it’s a week-to-week league, but they need to continue to improve. They have a group of young guys who Fangio expects to continue to get better, and as the season goes on, he’ll have a better sense of what the defense can and can’t do.
- When asked what makes Nolan Smith a good run defense, Fangio quickly pointed out his mindset, and notes he attacks blocks and he’s fearless.
- The DC thought Adoree’ Jackson’s performance improved from Week 1 to Week 2, and hopes it will kick start him into being a good corner for the Eagles.
- He called preparing for the Rams offense a very difficult assignment, citing Sean McVay as a great play caller, plus their quarterback has two really good receivers.
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