Latest news with #Fangio
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Overlooked' Rookie Poised As Next Late-Round Gem in Eagles Roster Pipeline
'Overlooked' Rookie Poised As Next Late-Round Gem in Eagles Roster Pipeline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Eagles have quietly mastered finding defensive talent in the draft's later stages, and fourth-round selection Ty Robinson appears destined to extend that impressive lineage. Advertisement From Josh Sweat's transformation from raw fourth-round gamble into a consistent pass rusher to Avonte Maddox evolving from cornerback to versatile defensive chess piece, the Eagles repeatedly succeed with late-round picks who possess both athletic tools and football intelligence. Robinson embodies this proven template within Vic Fangio's defensive philosophy. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 290 pounds, the former Cornhusker demonstrates the size-speed combination that thrives in Fangio's adaptable system. Rather than fitting the typical fourth-round profile of a limited specialist, Robinson's Nebraska film showcases a defender who generates interior pressure while maintaining disciplined run fits. His final collegiate campaign yielded seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss, illustrating the kind of backfield disruption that Fangio has consistently enhanced throughout his coaching tenure. The established presence of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis actually amplifies Robinson's opportunity for emergence. Much like Sweat capitalized on attention drawn by veteran pass rushers, Robinson should encounter favorable matchups as offensive lines prioritize blocking proven threats. Carter's recent endorsement carries substantial weight, praising Robinson's movement skills and predicting substantial contributions this season. This early recognition hasn't gone unnoticed. ESPN's Tim McManus highlighted Robinson's selection as Philadelphia's most overlooked offseason acquisition, noting that despite limited evaluation opportunities during spring practices, the rookie has already earned praise from multiple teammates. Davis echoed Carter's sentiments, suggesting Robinson has adapted to the professional environment with remarkable ease. Advertisement Robinson's route to substantial playing time appears direct. Milton Williams' departure created an obvious vacancy that Robinson seems naturally suited to address. His capability to align across multiple interior positions grants Fangio tactical flexibility to deploy him in various packages, from third-down rush situations to early-down run defense. This adaptability proved crucial for players like Maddox in establishing significant roles despite late-round selection. The timing couldn't be better for Robinson's emergence. Philadelphia's defense maintains its foundational pieces while incorporating calculated additions, fostering the organizational continuity that has historically supported late-round development. The defensive line room provides an optimal learning environment where Robinson can absorb knowledge from accomplished veterans while competing for meaningful snaps. If his early momentum carries into training camp, Robinson could quickly ascend from Day 3 pick to Day 1 contributor, continuing the Eagles' long-standing tradition of turning overlooked talent into difference-makers on Sundays. Related: Eagles' Hated Rival Gives Shocking Love To 'Aggressive' Fanbase Related: Eagles Fans All Wondering Why Saquon Barkley Fantasy is 'Doomed' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
23-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kendall Lamm praises Eagles for their culture while shading his former team
Kendall Lamm praises Eagles for their culture while simultaneously throwing shade at the Dolphins. It's completely understandable if everyone hasn't thought about this. Still, it's hard to avoid asking the question, seeing as we've heard so many stories about the Miami Dolphins running Vic Fangio out of town. What might they be thinking? Did they see the Philadelphia Eagles dismantle the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59? One could argue the Dolphins could have used that type of punch last season, but who cares, right? Their loss is Philadelphia's gain. What's the point, you ask? It's great you asked that question. Had this been about Fangio only, Kendall Lamm's recent comments may not have caught our attention. Kendall Lamm praises the Eagles' culture while taking a dig at his former team. Things have been relatively quiet since the Eagles closed the door on spring workouts, but no one believes Philadelphia is sitting idle. There's always the constant spectre of news breaking from the NovaCare Complex at any time. We didn't know that news would come by way of a reserve lineman. Lamm joined the Eagles by way of a one-year deal at the end of March. It seemed he'd compete for a reserve role along Philadelphia's offensive line. He recently spoke with ESPN. As you might expect, he was asked about his current team and his former. FinsXtra shared his quote: Now, here's the thing. From a journalistic perspective, this is completely impartial (wink) but further evidence of a theory that is often expressed. Philadelphia is one of the league's model franchises. One can certainly do a lot worse than being an Eagles fan. Lamm used words like "late" and "toxic". Ouch... He seemed equally excited about sharing his joy about being in Philadelphia and his opportunity to take a shot at his former team. That brings us back to the Eagles' defensive coordinator hire in 2024. Upon further review, despite the complaints from players following Fangio's exit, it appears that Fangio may not have been one of Miami's true issues. None of the young players or the veterans in Philadelphia seems to be complaining. They have consistently praised Coach Fangio for his coaching style. Too often, we mentioned players for being spoiled and coddled. Most of us weren't there, so we can't make that claim about the Dolphins. We don't know what's happening in Miami, but if that's the case, it may explain why they continue to underachieve in South Florida. Stay tuned. Discussions might be born at some point about a talented team that doesn't want to be pushed past its comfort level for the sake of being better. When that happens, nothing good follows. Did we mention how fortunate Birds fans are? It makes you appreciate Nick Sirianni more. No one had better make disparaging comments about his coaching style again.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons
Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Denver Broncos standout safety Justin Simmons remains one of the surprising free agents unsigned. However, it's not the first time Simmons has waited deep into the offseason to sign a deal. Advertisement After spending the first eight years of his career in Denver, Simmons signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. But the safety didn't sign until mid-August. Simmons, though currently unsigned, should have plenty of interest around the league. The veteran safety established a great career in Denver, averaging 75.5 tackles, 3.75 interceptions, and eight passes defended over his eight seasons. Simmons earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2023. In 2024 with the Falcons, Simmons collected 62 tackles, seven passes defended, and a pair of interceptions. Simmons' head coach in Denver from 2019 to 2021 was Vic Fangio. Here are some potential landing spots with a connection to Fangio that could fit well for the standout safety in 2025. Advertisement The Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator is Ejiro Evero, who spent time with Fangio in San Francisco from 2011 to 2014, and took over as the Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2022 after Fangio's departure. Evero uses similar defensive schemes as Simmons' former head coach, and the safety could slide in next to Tre'von Moehrig, whom the Panthers signed in free agency. The San Francisco 49ers present another interesting landing spot, with Robert Saleh back as the defensive coordinator. Saleh was the Texans' defensive intern in 2005 while Fangio was the defensive coordinator. Saleh got his first coordinating opportunity in San Francisco in 2017 and turned the 49ers' defense into one of the best in the league. After a rough go as head coach with the New York Jets, Saleh is back to where he found his most success. Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (31) on the field during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After letting Talanoa Hufanga go in the offseason, the addition of Simmons seems like a slam dunk for the 49ers' secondary. Advertisement However, the Philadelphia Eagles may be the most obvious landing spot for Simmons - a direct reunion with his former head coach. With Vangio in his second year as the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia and the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, Simmons could be the perfect piece to slide in. The Eagles are reigning Super Bowl champions, and their defense was a large reason why. Simmons would bolster that defense and already knows the coach's system. Lastly, the Las Vegas Raiders could be an option. Las Vegas hired Joe Woods this offseason to be their pass game coordinator and defensive backs' coach. Woods coached Simmons in Denver for the first three years of his career. Simmons is familiar with Woods, and the addition would add a proven veteran to Las Vegas' secondary. Advertisement Based on when he signed in 2024, Simmons still has plenty of time, but with training camp beginning in July, we could he a move made soon. Related: Broncos' Bo Nix to Host Teammates for Summer Sessions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Does Cooper DeJean have a new position? What it means for Jalen Carter, Eagles' defense
PHILADELPHIA − Slowly, it is becoming apparent that the success of the Eagles' defense rests on two players. The first one is rather easy. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter has already established himself as a force in the NFL, someone worthy of double teams. And incredibly, as Carter enters his third season, Eagles legend Jeremiah Trotter said recently on SportsRadio 94 WIP that Carter still doesn't know how to play the position. Advertisement "I agree with the point he's trying to make," Eagles defensive coordinator Fangio said on June 3. "The good news about Jalen is two-fold. One, he played very well for us last year, and two, he can still improve a lot." The other player became apparent as the Eagles continued their second week of spring practices when Fangio, unprompted, said this when asked about Cooper DeJean working at outside cornerback: "I would like to keep him at nickel," Fangio said. "And then, in our base package, we'll find a spot for him, either at corner or safety." It was the "safety" part that raised eyebrows, but it really shouldn't have. Advertisement As starting safety Reed Blankenship put it: "Coop's one of these guys that can play whatever position ... We have a lot of guys who are very mobile at any position. And it's good to know all of these positions just in case. "Like I said, he does well anywhere." It should be noted that DeJean was not at safety during the June 3 practice, the entirety of which was open to the media. But Fangio could easily put him there once training camp begins in late July. HUFF AND PUFF: Why Eagles gave up on Bryce Huff after 1 disappointing season, trading him to 49ers DEJEAN AND MITCHELL: What's missing for Eagles, Cooper DeJean at OTAs − and in life. Why Dallas Goedert returned Advertisement DeJean took over at nickel in Week 6 last season, and played there exclusively as the Eagles won the Super Bowl. DeJean, of course, had the pick-6 against Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter. After the Super Bowl, the Eagles released cornerback Darius Slay, allowed top backup Isaiah Rodgers to leave in free agency, and traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who had 6 interceptions last season, to the Houston Texans. So it was hardly a surprise that DeJean was getting work at outside cornerback during the organized team activities. DeJean had played both inside and outside in college at Iowa. Cooper DeJean #33 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a play in the fourth quarter of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 8, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "They're different," DeJean said about the positions. "On the inside, you gotta prepare more to fit the run, be able to cover and do all those things. At corner, it's more worrying about covering a top guy, a top receiver, with a lot of space ... I just think that doing whatever they need me to (do) is what I'll do. Right now, I've been trying both outside and inside. Advertisement "It's definitely a tall task, no doubt." When DeJean spoke to the media last week, the subject of possibly playing safety wasn't brought up. After all, the Eagles seemed to be content to let Sydney Brown, the Eagles' third-round pick in 2023, and Drew Mukuba, the Eagles' second-round pick this year, battle it out for the starting job next to Blankenship. That might still be the case. But let's pause here, and look at the big picture. Fangio made it a point to say this: "We played 21 games last year (including playoffs and the Super Bowl). How many base snaps do you guys think we played? About 160 in total." That's out of 1,315 defensive snaps total, also including the postseason. So the Eagles were in their base defense just 12% of the time. Advertisement So essentially, once DeJean became a full-time player in Week 6, he was on the field for 88% of the snaps in nickel. That won't change. But Fangio made it clear that DeJean should get the other 12% in the Eagles' base defense, whether it's outside at corner or at safety. It was the same way with Carter. He played at least 90% of the snaps in 8 of the 19 games he played in last season, an extraordinary amount for a defensive tackle who's often double-teamed. Does Fangio worry about wearing out Carter? "He's still a young pup," Fangio said. Carter, who turned 24 in April, said he doesn't mind: "I'm having fun out there. If I could play every down, I'd love it. But if I have to get out because I need a break or something, I know the next guy will step up for me." Or a combination of both, from week to week. Advertisement Quinyon Mitchell established himself as a lock-down cornerback last season as a rookie, while Slay, even at 34 years old, was still an elite player. Kelee Ringo, the Eagles' fourth-round pick in 2023, and veteran Adoree Jackson, signed to a one-year deal in free agency, are expected to vie for the starting job on the other side of Mitchell. Jackson called Ringo, who's listed at 6-foot-2, 207 pounds "a freak of nature" as a cornerback for his size, speed and ability to control his weight and move with wide receivers. Celebrate the Eagles' Super Bowl win with our new book Ringo is mostly unproven. Jackson, entering his ninth season, lost his starting job with the Giants in 2024. Advertisement It's a big drop-off from Slay to either Ringo or Jackson. It's the same thing at safety replacing Gardner-Johnson. Brown tore his ACL in the season finale in 2023 and missed the first part of last season. Even when he returned, Tristin McCollum was the third safety, ahead of Brown. Mukuba, although promising, has a long way to go before he's ready. All of this speaks to Fangio's philosophy on defense, with the secondary as a microcosm: The best five players will play all the time, regardless of position. That's the case with DeJean, and that's the case with Carter. "Well, in last year's case, we evolved to that (philosophy) because once Cooper started to play very well, it got him on the field more," Fangio said. "It was a much better fit for our edge guys. They could play nickel-end instead of having to play three-four outside backer. Advertisement "So last year it was a good fit for where we were personnel-wise. This year that could change." Even if it does, it's just a question of where DeJean most helps the Eagles − at nickel, on the outside, or at safety. Or all of the above. Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@ Follow on X @Mfranknfl. Read his coverage of the Eagles' championship season in 'Flying High,' a new hardcover coffee-table book from Delaware Online/The News Journal. Details at This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Cooper DeJean's new position, and what it means for Eagles, Jalen Carter
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Zack Baun hints at the Eagles defense being even better than top ranked unit from 2024
Zack Baun hints at the Eagles defense being even better than top ranked unit from 2024 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 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).
