The Eagles had been again on the follow area Wednesday, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters earlier than issues obtained began. He talked about Jordan Davis’ growth as a go rusher, and what he’s seen from among the depth gamers, particularly at linebacker.
Right here’s what the DC needed to say:
On Jordan Davis’ growth
Fangio was requested about how DT Jordan Davis has developed as a go rusher, and the DC pointed to Davis’ bodily adjustments.
“Well, it first started at the end of the 2024 season. He got in better shape. He’s a much better pass rusher in the 330s than he is what he was, and that to me is the biggest thing.”
He went on to clarify that Davis must be his full 6-foot-6 when it’s to his benefit, however he additionally must bend his knees and be 6-foot-3 at instances, which is less complicated to do when he weighs much less and is in higher form. With the ability to do transfer round simpler and for an extended length of time is what actually propelled Davis’ recreation.
Particular person assessments
OLB Arnold Ebiketie
“He’s made nice progress here. I think coming in on the offseason, in the six OTAs that we had, it was kind of new to him. He was hesitant, not sure. I think he’s made a lot of progress in that manner, and is having a much better camp. Him, and some of the other guys are taking advantage of the reps their gaining with [Jonathan] Greenard being out for awhile.”
DB Michael Carter
“Right now, I feel good about him playing nickel, playing safety if need be. Maybe some of the other DBs in that bag, not so yet, but doesn’t mean they won’t get there. We don’t have a lot of new, young players on defense, so most of the guys that are here, have some background with us. So, we should be able to make those decisions a little quicker.”
LB Likelihood Campbell
“Don’t sleep on Likelihood [Campbell], now. You guys if you make your lists on the market.
We like Likelihood. Likelihood — he’s a great soccer participant. Had some accidents earlier in his profession that set him again, however because the day we picked him up final yr, he’s proven that he’s a soccer participant, and we like him. Fascinating, final yr, we picked him up the final week of the preseason recreation — I don’t bear in mind the precise day, but it surely was just some days earlier than the sport, and he didn’t want that acclimation interval.“
LB Jeremiah Trotter
“Trot’s had an excellent camp. Trot, to me, alongside the identical strains as we talked about with [Andrew] Mukuba — wanting higher, shifting higher, enjoying higher. And I simply assume it’s not a lot a conditioning and bodily factor, it’s extra of a understanding what he’s doing, seeing issues faster, quicker, and enjoying quicker.
However, he’s had a wonderful camp. It’s the perfect I’ve seen him look since we’ve had him.”
Different notables
Fangio talked a bit about the way it’s troublesome to stability getting starters reps whereas additionally conserving them wholesome. And whereas they’re dedicated to the event of the younger gamers and new gamers, they aren’t prioritizing that over what’s greatest for the workforce and the place the reps have to be.
The DC says he hasn’t realized a lot concerning the Eagles new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and his play-calling type but, noting that regardless that they’ve gone towards one another in follow, there’s no scoreboard and it’s not an actual recreation.
“I wouldn’t be worried. And like I told [Sean Mannion], we obviously got the best of yesterday’s practice by a long shot, but that’s the way it’s been the last two years in training camp, the defense has gotten the best of the offense. So, not to be too concerned.”
He did say that the brand new Eagles offensive type provides them some extra alternatives to arrange for various groups they see all through the season — particularly as Jalen Hurts does extra issues below heart. Fangio admitted it provides the protection extra selection in follow than they’ve had the previous few years.
The DC talked about how the entire league is enjoying much more nickel, for a lot of causes, the most important being the fullback place disappearing from offenses and being changed by a 3rd wideout or tight finish. He famous that the Eagles performed numerous nickel in 2024 as a result of he felt that was the easiest way to get their greatest gamers on the sector. However, Fangio has a way that issues are reverting again slightly bit, so there’s an opportunity that there’s extra base protection this yr by the Eagles and others across the league.
