With the players off for the Bye Week, the coordinators discussed how their respective units have performed through the first eight games, along with a peek at what lies ahead ...
Vic Fangio eyes continued development with reinforcements coming
When asked on Tuesday for an overall assessment of the Eagles' defense through the first eight games of the season, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio started with the team's record.
"Outside the first Giants game, where we didn't play well at all, I think we've given ourselves a chance to win in every game, and six of those eight we did. So, 75 percent, we were good," Fangio said. "I think people, we all do, get hung up on league stats and stuff. But, you really just need to be the best defense on the field you're on and not worry about what 30 other teams are doing."
As the Eagles embark on the Bye Week, Fangio has welcomed back linebacker Nakobe Dean to the lineup, will add Brandon Graham and Nolan Smith in due time to the pass rush, along with Jakorian Bennett and Adoree' Jackson in the secondary.
The silver lining to the injuries early in the season is that rookie first-round pick Jihaad Campbell has had a much expanded role, second-year outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt has evolved as a pass rusher (career-high nine pressures and a sack in Sunday's win over the Giants), and the interior of the defensive line is leading the way in sacks with Moro Ojomo (4) pacing the team.
The best part is that Fangio knows the defensive line group can still get better. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter missed the Week 6 Giants game with a heel injury, and since his return, he created a pick-six for Hunt in Minnesota and recorded his first sack of the year against Jaxson Dart and the Giants in the rematch.
"I think they're overall doing a good job, and I think we can be even better," Fangio said of the defensive line group. "Maybe get some of those pressures, and ultimately sacks, which everybody likes. To me, it's just, are you affecting the quarterback or not quicker in the down? Kind of like Jalen did on the Jalyx interception in Minnesota."
Upon the return from the Bye Week, the Eagles travel to Green Bay for a Monday night showdown to tackle an offense that's currently tied for fifth in points per game (27.6), seventh in yards per game (359.1), and second in third-down conversion rate (48.3 percent).
"They're really good on offense," Fangio said. "They're really balanced. They run it well. They've got one of the best backs in the league (in Josh Jacobs). They have a good scheme that they're committed to, and they do well. (Packers Head Coach Matt) LaFleur, he has good command of his offense. The quarterback (Jordan Love) has good command of it now. It's the only system he has ever been in, and you could see it. They do a lot of motion, a lot of movement, good tight ends, good receivers, good back. Obviously, they're a tough matchup."
Kevin Patullo praises Jalen Hurts' deep ball
Jalen Hurts is one of the top deep ball throwers in the NFL, and he put that on display over the past two weeks.
Hurts completed all five of his pass attempts with 25+ air yards over the last two games, four of those coming on third or fourth down. He had 229 yards and three touchdowns on those plays, posting a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
"He's unbelievable at it," Offensive Coordinator Kevin Patullo said of Hurts' long ball. "He does a tremendous job of understanding where to place the ball, seeing the coverage, knowing how to put it in a spot to where it's our guy or nobody, and he really works at it."
Hurts' downfield ability has helped open up Philadelphia's offense, specifically in the run game. The Eagles posted the best rushing performance in the NFL against the Giants, and it's not a coincidence that it came right after Hurts torched the Vikings with deep shots all day.
Patullo lauded Hurts' work ethic when it comes to his ball placement. He said Hurts works on it every day throughout practice, and there is constant communication with Hurts and his pass-catchers. It shows, especially on his deep ball, and the Eagles' ability to hit those explosive pass plays is a big reason why they have won two in a row heading into the Bye Week.
"When he gets the opportunity to hit it, he does," Patullo said. "I mean, he does a tremendous job. The ball's always catchable. It's fantastic to watch and it opens up a lot of areas in the offense."
Eagles' return game gets going
The Eagles got strong production from their return game against the Giants on Sunday. Running back Will Shipley had two long kickoff returns that brought the Eagles past their own 40-yard line, setting up shorter fields for the offense.
Shipley, who added two special teams tackles as well, missed time early in the season with an oblique injury and has brought a spark to kickoffs in his return.
"He's done a really good job, especially over the last few returns that he has had," Special Teams Coordinator Michael Clay said. "I think it was really starting the Tampa Bay Week. He has that vision of a running back. He's very patient. … Will brings that explosiveness, that vision, ball security."
Wide receiver Xavier Gipson also brought some juice on a punt return, bringing his only try 17 yards to keep the Eagles from getting pinned back. In two games with the Eagles, Gipson has clearly shown his value on special teams.
"He has some explosiveness, obviously dating back when he was with the Jets," Clay said, referencing Gipson's 8.9 yards per punt return in New York. "He's had a couple of big returns, some touchdowns in that case. It's been a pleasure to work with Xavier since we've gotten him, working with him after practice. During practice he's all in, so he brings some energy. He's just an energy-giver really. It was nice to see him actually getting an opportunity."
