How the Eagles defense gets ‘mentally’ strong: ‘Sometimes you hate it’

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s demanding coaching style resonates with his new players.

Shortly after Fangio was hired by the Eagles in January. he was criticized by former Dolphins players. Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill said Fangio struggled to “fit in” with their squad last season and safety Jevon Holland hinted that Fangio was a bad person. Former NFL players and coaches spoke to NJ Advance Media during the offseason that some people don’t like playing for Fangio because he expects perfection.

Many wondered whether Fangio, who has been an NFL coach for 38 years, would take a different approach to Philadelphia’s young defense this season. Through seven games, Fangio has shown that he doesn’t need to change because his new group of players have embraced his tough coaching approach and continue to improve.

Since their bye week in the first week of October, the Eagles have ranked first in seven defensive categories, including points allowed (9.7 per game), total defense (214.3 yards per game) and sacks (14).

“(Vic) holds us accountable,” Eagles linebacker Zach Baun told NJ Advance Media. “Vic has high standards. Obviously we have high standards for ourselves. So this marriage is crucial.”

Every day, Fangio watches practice and game film with his players to correct their mistakes. He doesn’t yell or scream to get his point across, but he does give sharp feedback.

“(Vic) is here to correct you. Sometimes you hate it. Sometimes you like it that way,” Eagles safety Reed Blankenship said. “But at the end of the day, it’s football. You just have to have a tough shell and learn to be mentally strong through it and just apply it next week.”

When Fangio sees on film that a player has messed up, he criticizes him in front of the whole team. Safety Sydney Brown says Fangio “throws in little jokes” to lighten the mood.

Fangio shows every snap of the defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs from the previous game. To be successful in Fangio’s scheme, each position group must understand what the other two position groups must do in each game.

“He walks you through the preview: ‘This is what you should be thinking about.’ That’s where your alignment should be,” Eagles defensive tackle. Thomas Booker said. While the shoot is going on, it tells you where your eyes should be, where they were, and perhaps where they shouldn’t be.

“It shows you the player’s point of view. “You saw this guy. You saw him take the B-Gap. You should expand a little more. They’re probably trying to attack the breach. Then the ball bursts. You see the output block. This is how you should have reacted.” He’s very smart and conveys that to his players step by step throughout the down. So you can figure out, “Okay, pre-photograph what I should do.” At the snap, that’s what I have to do. After the shot, that’s what I should do.”

Over the past few months, Fangio has developed game plans to stop opposing offenses and helped his starters improve their play. But he also focused on developing his backups.

Eagles backup guard Tristin McCollum said Fangio “gets in his ear” because he’s too excited to play, and those emotions carry over to the field, where he makes mistakes.

“There is no malicious intent behind this. It’s okay if there’s anger behind it,” McCollum said. “It’s simple and honest. It’s very, very neutral, so it’s very, very easy for a musician to listen to. If you have hurt feelings, it’s all coming from you, because it’s definitely not coming from Vic.”

During his college career, Eagles cornerback Eli Ricks played for two dumb head coaches – former LSU coach Ed Orgeron and former Alabama coach Nick Saban. He noticed some similarities between them and Fangio.

“For example, if someone is ugly, handsome or has some other peculiarity, they will tell you that with a straight face, no problem,” Ricks said. “No laughter. No emotions. He’s the type to wish you happy birthday with a grumpy face.”

“Better take notes”

Once Fangio finishes watching film from the Eagles’ previous game, he’ll start planning for the next opponent.

In each scouting report, Fangio writes down each play that the opposing offense prefers to run and what his tendencies are. He then implements the game plan during practice.

“You better be there, take notes and pay attention, or you won’t play,” Eagles defensive tackle. Milton Williams said. “You have to be there, pay attention, take notes and listen to what he says. When we get to the walkthrough, if you mess up the calls, you won’t be able to attend. It’s that simple.”

Fangio provides a lot of information in his scouting reports, but tries to simplify it.

After Fangio reviews the basic defensive package, players and position coaches meet to answer questions.

“They’re more personable,” Blankenship said of the differences between working with Fangio and position coaches. “Obviously you can communicate regularly. You can discuss your job description in detail. No matter where you are, they are just a text and a call away.”

Baun has watched all of Fangio’s practice and game film this season. He didn’t watch much film of the Saints defensive coordinator last year. Joe Woods.

Ricks, who made the Eagles’ 53-man roster last year, said Fangio has made them “work a lot harder” this season.

“It brought me back to college life where I actually started working,” Ricks said. “The last few weeks have been some of our best practices. This is our biggest difference from last year. Last year we had some good practices and still won. By the end of the year it bit us (expletive).”

In the Eagles’ 37-17 win over the Bengals last Sunday.defender Isaiah Rogers parried the pass to safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson hands for interception.

Rodgers, who was groomed for the starting job during training camp, has played just 19 percent of defensive snaps this season.

His interaction with Fangio kept him motivated.

“Just connecting with your players,” Rodgers said. “You can’t just run onto the field and start playing. When you run, he runs after you and says, “Come on, Isaiah.” Let’s go and play.” He believes in all his players.”

Before every game, Fangio emphasizes the importance of tackling the ball well, putting pressure on defenders and creating turnovers. If the Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday in any of those areas, Fangio won’t be happy during Monday’s meeting.

“When you walk into a meeting room, you have to put on a hard hat,” McCollum said. “It’s not an insult. He’s just trying to get better. He has some coaching advice for me and everyone else. Everyone takes it like a man, takes responsibility and corrects (their mistakes).”

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Kayden Steele can be reached at: [email protected]