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.”