The Eagles defense played a great game on Monday night against the Packers, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spoke to reporters on Thursday as the team prepares for the Lions. He talked about Jaelan Phillips and his debut performance, why hes not surprised Adoree Jackson is still CB2, and how Michael Carter might free up Cooper DeJean to play on the outside.
Heres what the DC had to say:
Fangio said that they intended to play Phillips as many snaps as they did on Monday night, with the DC citing a lot of carryover from his 2023 season with the edge rusher in Miami. Plus, he noted that Phillips was active and playing all season, so there wasnt any kind of ramp up period needed.
On the Eagles making the trade for Phillips, Fangio said he was all for it.
Fangio was asked if Phillips body type was one they needed to add to the group, but the DC said its more about the way he plays he plays big.
The Eagles have had a lot turnover on defense, from injuries to retirements, and even Brandon Graham coming out of retirement, and Fangio talked about how the group played together despite so many moving pieces. He pointed to Phillips and Graham having familiarity, but highlighted the coaches for their work.
The DC talked about new CB Michael Carter, and said that hes a good nickel noting thats his strongest position and is working to learn the nuances of the Eagles defense. Fangio acknowledged that theres a big learning curve for Carter, but he likes him, and proclaimed if they need another nickel, Carter will be going in.
Fangio later admitted that having Carter on the inside could free up Cooper DeJean to play more on the outside the DC had previously said that they didnt really have any other options to move DeJean outside on a more regular basis, but Carter changes that equation.
As for Jaire Alexander stepping away from football, Fangio said that the veteran CB looked good in practice and he was excited to see him in a game. Ultimately, Alexander felt otherwise and the coaches all respect his decision.