The Eagles have a short week heading into their Week 4 matchup against the Rams, and DC Vic Fangio spoke to reporters Wednesday about why they’re a tough team to prepare for, and also provided some insight into the current state of the secondary.
Here’s what else DC had to say:
Fangio said every missed opportunity for a turnover has a story, but they definitely need to get some takeaways to help the offense and to get some stops. He admitted that there are a variety of factors leading to their low sack numbers, but DC hopes to pick up some eventually.
“I didn’t feel like our pass rush was difficult. I mean, they threw it quickly a lot of times that was part of it.”
He later talked about how they can test and prepare players a little more so they can better capitalize on potential takeaways.
“Yeah, obviously you want to pull one or two of those. We’ve just got to keep giving them a lot of ball drills. Coaches throwing ball drills is almost a waste because they’re lollipops. We’ve got to get them to jugs or get a real quarterback throwing them some balls with some RPM, maybe like a [Jhoan] Duran fastball than a Jamie Moyer.”
Fangio said the plan all week was to rotate Marcus Epps and Michael Carterand they did it that way. He said both men would go into the position now, though acknowledged the goal was always to have someone settle into the role. Who is on the field will be based on a rotation, not the situation.
He was also asked how DB was newly signed Kenny Moore can fit that equation.
“Well, [Kenny Moore]’in the down the line possibility, maybe. He’s never really played safety in his career, so it’s a heavy lift for him to return immediately.
DC quickly rejected the notion that Drew Mukuba is prevented by any kind of damage.
Fangio was also quick with his answers about Cooper DeJeanwho revealed he still plans to use DeJean in the slot when they’re in the nickel, and said he thinks the DB is “playing well.”
With the return of Jonathan Greenard
“About what I thought. He got, I don’t know, 18, 19 snaps, I think. Had some good hurries. There were some little things that weren’t good, but about what I expected.”
Fangio thinks there will be an upward trend in Greenard’s snap count, and will expect the edge rusher to approach 30 snaps Sunday against the Rams.
In preparation for the Rams
“Yeah, they’re really good. Not counting their game in San Francisco in Australia, their last three games going back to the NFC championship game, they got 500 yards in all three games against Seattle, the Giants and Denver. Three great defenses. That in itself tells you what the job is that we have. They run it very well. They stay focused on a very good running game and they play a very good action game.”
Fangio pointed out they have QB Matthew Stafford, who he says is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and weapons at receiver and tight end, with Puke Macua expected to return. DC also had plenty of praise for WR Davante Adams.
“[Davante Adam]There is a size, number one. He is quick and a really good off the ball. He knows how to represent DBs and get himself an advantage one way or the other. With a quarterback like Stafford, that’s all you need.”
He also refuted the notion that Sean McVay has actually changed his run scheme in recent years, explaining that he simply changed the personnel he uses in that run scheme – using three more tight ends.
“Yeah, their tight ends are versatile. They’re pretty good receivers, and obviously the blocking and they create extra spaces there. They’re committed to it and they’re good at it.”