Nick Sirianni breaks down what has made the Eagles defense a major success in 2024
The Philadelphia Eagles defense has come a long way since last season and head coach Nick Sirianni said there are many factors for that reason and it starts with good players and mindset. "I don’t know if there is one thing I can say, ‘This is the thing.’ But I think that the players are […]
The Philadelphia Eagles defense has come a long way since last season and head coach Nick Sirianni said there are many factors for that reason and it starts with good players and mindset.
"I don’t know if there is one thing I can say, ‘This is the thing.’ But I think that the players are playing relentlessly, physically, and getting to the football," Sirianni said. "I always say teams play good defense when they’re on the same page. Teams play good defense when they block, destruct, and tackle well. Teams play good defense when they’re relentless in getting 11 guys to the football. Most definitely we’ve had that. Most definitely we have good players on our defense."
The Eagles' defense finished the 2023 season ranked 30th overall, and now they sit among the top five heading into NFL Week 16.
Not only is general manager Howie Roseman to thank for scouting out talent in the draft and free agency, but more importantly, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and his ability to develop and transform players.
"So, tribute to [Executive Vice President/General Manager] Howie [Roseman] and his staff of the players they’ve brought in here," Sirianni said. "And then our defensive staff has done a great job, starting with [Defensive Coordinator] Vic [Fangio] of putting the players in positions to succeed and getting them better."
The Eagles drafted cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first and second rounds of the 2024 draft, which has been far from a waste. They also hit the jackpot by adding Zack Baun in free agency and then moving him to inside linebacker. Additionally, Fangio has done an excellent job of helping Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean unlock their full potential.
"I think one thing we talk a lot about as a staff is to identify talent, and then once you get the talent in here, it’s our job as coaches to develop that talent," Sirianni continued. "… That’s what we always think about, is how can we identify the right people and the right players with the right talent for this team, and then our job as coaches is to develop them. That was always the thing at Mount Union that we talk about a lot: recruit, retain, develop; recruit, retain, develop; recruit, retain, develop. These things I heard on a daily basis. I have them etched in my head.
"The big thing is the ‘develop’ part. That’s where you got to do your job as a coach. Again, I think that all those things have played into that."
Eagles HC Nick Sirianni admits he has a favorite player on the team and it’s one you might not expect
Whether they admit it or not, every NFL head coach has their favorites. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni didn't shy away from telling reporters who one of his favorites on the team was when the opportunity presented itself. Sirianni was asked on Monday why he always "goes to bat" for backup running back Kenneth […]
