Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio peeled back the curtain a bit during his press conference on Thursday. Fangio discussed his homemade analytic model, James Bradberry’s position change, and more.
The most notable part of Fangio’s press conference may have been the 65-year-old coach’s brutal honesty.
While some players on the Miami Dolphins didn’t seem to appreciate Fangio’s coaching style last season, his honesty could be exactly what the Eagles need.
Vic Fangio Offers Honest Takes on James Bradberry and Bryce Huff
During his press conference, Fangio was asked about Bradberry making the move from cornerback to safety, and he didn’t hold back.
When a reporter mentioned the previous success of cornerbacks making the switch to safety, Fangio quickly shut that notion down.
“You say that you’ve seen that a lot over the years, but the truth is, no, you haven’t,” Fangio said. “The list of guys [who] successfully transition from corner to safety is very small, with success.”
Eagles DC Vic Fangio talks about playing James Bradberry at safety sometimes. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/9gDmll9MVU
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) July 25, 2024
Fangio believes Bradberry can make the switch to safety but doesn’t want to crown him just yet.
“James has got a good feel for football, very knowledgeable, so that will help him in that transition,” Fangio stated.
Philadelphia’s new defensive coordinator was also asked about Bryce Huff being able to be a full-time player on the edge. Fangio mentioned that Huff has the potential to become an every-down player for the Eagles, but he isn’t there just yet.
“Does he look like he can do it today? No,” Fangio said. “But I think eventually he will.”
Fangio Could Help Young Eagles Players Thrive
During his time with the Dolphins, Fangio leaned heavily on Miami’s starting defensive linemen.
Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, and Raekwon Davis all played a significant number of snaps in 2023. Wilkins and Sieler enjoyed career years in terms of rushing the quarterback.
Now, Fangio will rely on Philadelphia’s young trio of defensive linemen — Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams — in 2024.
Fangio mentioned how he was impressed with Carter and Davis’ conditioning, as well as Davis’ new-found bend.
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Through his first two seasons in Philadelphia, Davis has had his moments, but he is viewed by many as a disappointment. Yet the 24-year-old nose tackle could flourish in Fangio’s defensive scheme. Carter, meanwhile, is expected to make a significant leap, given his flashes of potential as a rookie.
On Wednesday, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman mentioned the need for young players to see the field more in 2024 and beyond. Fangio admitted that he’s going to put the best players on the field, whether they are rookies or veterans.
“I’m all for playing the best guys,” Fangio said. “If you looked at my history, when we’ve had rookies, we’ve played them.”
“Provided that they’re good enough. We ain’t playing somebody just because they’re young,” Fangio continued. “If they’re worthy of playing, they will play.”
Given the inconsistent usage of young players in recent years, it’s refreshing to see Fangio’s statement. It felt like the Eagles would often give preference to veteran players when a younger player deserved an opportunity.
It doesn’t seem like that will be the case with Fangio in town, as several rookies have played snaps with the starters through the first two days of training camp.
Fangio’s honesty and willingness to reward playing time to those who deserve it will be a breath of fresh air in Philadelphia.