
Zack Baun hints at the Eagles defense being even better than top ranked unit from 2024
The Eagles were one of the most physical teams in the NFL last season, and their change in identity began with their late-season collapse in 2023. Vic Fangio entered as defensive coordinator, while Howie Roseman signed Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, and Mekhi Becton, among others, to help bring physicality and attitude to a Super Bowl contender.
Fangio's addition led to more padded and physical practices, which resulted in a 10-2 team and eight straight wins to start the previous season. Fangio's presence helped the Eagles become the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and the defensive coordinator was a finalist for the Assistant Coach of the Year award.
During a recent appearance on The Exciting Mics podcast, All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun told Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship that the Eagles' defense is miles ahead of where they were last year.
The defense has undergone an overhaul after defensive tackle Milton Williams (New England), Josh Sweat (Arizona), cornerback Darius Slay (Pittsburgh), cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (Minnesota), and linebacker Oren Burks (Cincinnati) all departed via free agency.
In year one under Fangio, the Eagles (278.4 ypg) led the league in total defense for the seventh time in team history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1991, 1981, 1953, 1949, 1945, and 1944 (excludes the 1943 Steagles).
Philadelphia was the second team since the 1970 merger to feature the NFL's rushing champion on offense while showcasing the league's No. 1 defense, joining the 1992 Cowboys (won Super Bowl XXVII). Philadelphia ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (174.2) for the second time in the last three years (also 2022, 179.8). Furthermore, the Eagles finished with the NFL lead in defensive points allowed per game (16.9 — their best figure since 15.8 in 2008), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0%), and FFs (18, tied). Including playoffs, the Eagles were +27 in turnovers since Week 8. In that span, Philadelphia has 138 points off turnovers (6.6 per game).
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