The Eagles defense played a great game on Monday night against the Packers, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters on Thursday as the team prepares for the Lions. He talked about Jaelan Phillips and his debut performance, why he’s not surprised Adoree’ Jackson is still CB2, and how Michael Carter might free up Cooper DeJean to play on the outside.
Here’s what the DC had to say:
On Jaelan Phillips
Fangio said that they intended to play Phillips as many snaps as they did on Monday night, with the DC citing a lot of carryover from his 2023 season with the edge rusher in Miami. Plus, he noted that Phillips was active and playing all season, so there wasn’t any kind of ramp up period needed.
On the Eagles making the trade for Phillips, Fangio said he was all for it.
“He plays hard. He’s strong at the point, good pass rusher. When you shop at Nordstrom, you get good stuff.”
Fangio was asked if Phillips body type was one they needed to add to the group, but the DC said it’s more about the way he plays — he plays big.
On the cohesion of the defense
The Eagles have had a lot turnover on defense, from injuries to retirements, and even Brandon Graham coming out of retirement, and Fangio talked about how the group played together despite so many moving pieces. He pointed to Phillips and Graham having familiarity, but highlighted the coaches for their work.
“Overall, I think the players and their position coaches did a good job getting them ready.”
On Adoree’ Jackson
“I’m not surprised [Jackson is still CB2]. He’s a survivor. I think this is his ninth or tenth year, so if you’ve survived that long, you’ve got a little something in ya. Hopefully, he can take that game, build on it, and keep playing good.”
On the CB room
The DC talked about new CB Michael Carter, and said that he’s a good nickel — noting that’s his strongest position — and is working to learn the nuances of the Eagles defense. Fangio acknowledged that there’s a big learning curve for Carter, but he likes him, and proclaimed if they need another nickel, Carter will be going in.
Fangio later admitted that having Carter on the inside could free up Cooper DeJean to play more on the outside — the DC had previously said that they didn’t really have any other options to move DeJean outside on a more regular basis, but Carter changes that equation.
As for Jaire Alexander stepping away from football, Fangio said that the veteran CB looked good in practice and he was excited to see him in a game. Ultimately, Alexander felt otherwise and the coaches all respect his decision.
Other notables
- Fangio said it’s not rare for players, especially smart players like Moro Ojomo, to call out other team’s plays. He also recalled knowing last year that Ojomo was capable of a bigger workload, but acknowledged that as a smaller defensive lineman, the extra load does affect him at a certain point.
- He had a lot of good things to say about the Lions offense and Dan Campbell, calling Detroit’s OL the best in the league, and noting they have big playmakers at every position.
- As for Jihaad Campbell’s role now that Nakobe Dean is back, Fangio said it’s the same as it’s been. Campbell will rotate around and get some work on the outside and on the inside. Fangio is happy with the rookie and is excited he’s in Philly. He also said that Campbell could maybe have a career as an edge rusher, but he likes him as an ILB.
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