Nakobe Dean can't tackle or cover. Jalen Carter could be a game-wrecker if he had a motor. Nolan Smith and Jordan Davis were wasted draft picks. At best, Kelee Ringo is backup. Philadelphia Eagles have heard these takes repeatedly, but they ignore important discussions. Where's the patience? Why doesn't anyone want to give these guys time to grow?
More often than not, we'll agree that quarterbacks need reps to understand how to play their position. Why don't we think of such with defenders? It simply doesn't make sense that we wouldn't.
Ringo, Carter, and Smith have been coached by three different people playing the defensive coordinator role during their first two seasons in the NFL. Davis and Dean arrived a year earlier and have had to listen to four.
Look at some of these names: Jonathan Gannon Sean Desai, Matt Patricia, and Vic Fangio. That stymies their development to some degree in the same manner that Jalen Hurts' carousel of offensive coordinators would most certainly hamper his.
But, there's good news. An old guy seems to have thrown a wedge in Philly's revolving door at defensive coordinator.
The guys from Georgia are being trusted more, and that's working out well for the Eagles.
We'll take one on the chin for something we may have said too hastily. We've been very critical of Vic Fangio. Whether it was the implosion in Tampa or the misuse of Bryce Huff, we were beginning to build a case for why the game may have passed Fangio by.
Then, came the bye week. Vic had a month to see what his players were good at and what they weren't. He made adjustments. Things started shifting.
Since being embarrassed by the Buccaneers, Philly's defense has been on a tear.
Admittedly, we needed to see more after wins over the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, but another masterclass versus a good Cincinnati Bengals offense has people sitting up and paying attention.
We'd also be remiss if we didn't shine a light on all of these Dawgs.
Losing makes you question everything. Were our guys ready? Are they focused and coached well? Do we even have the right guys?
The UGA stars were dealing with something they often haven't, criticism. But they're playing more and learning. That seems to be what the doctor ordered.
The Eagles Dawgs' see another boost in approval rating following Philly's win vs. Cincinnati Bengals.
As was the case following a good win over the Giants, Philly's Dawgs are among Pro Football Focus's highest-rated Week 8 Eagles defenders. Check out this top ten:
- Zack Baun (91.3)
- Nakobe Dean (90.7)
- Jalen Carter (89.8)
- Isaiah Rodgers (89.5)
- Nolan Smith (83.5)
- Milton Williams (80.7)
- Jordan Davis (79.1)
- Cooper DeJean (74.2)
- Jalyx Hunt (70.6)
- Oren Burks (66.8)
Baun and Dean combined for a forced fumble and recovery that all but sealed the Bengals' fate. Carter and Dean played 45 and 22 defensive line snaps respectively. They ate which provided opportunities for their teammates and themselves.
PFF credits Dean with seven solo tackles and three assists, one QB hit, and one pressure. Carter and Davis combined for one QB hit, three hurries, and two tackles. Smith notched his third sack in as many weeks.
It took Vic a few weeks to get to know his former UGA stars, and it's paying off. See? Patience isn't always a bad thing, and even though it's early, if this keeps up
