Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is hopeful that doing the same thing will yield different results in Week 3.
Following a disheartening 22-21 home loss to the Falcons on "Monday Night Football," Fangio addressed his defensive plans against an explosive Saints offense.
The veteran coach, per ESPN's Tim McManus, shared that offseason free-agent addition Bryce Huff will remain in the starting lineup as an edge-rusher despite a slow start.
"He's working hard at it, and we're going to stick with him," Fangio told reporters.
Huff signed a three-year, $51.1 million contract in the offseason and has two quarterback pressures in two games (h/t Pro Football Focus).
Philadelphia's inability to pressure Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins on Atlanta's winning two-minute drive allowed him to carve up the Eagles secondary.
Huff's addition has been more of a subtraction, as he's given the team a fraction of what former edge-rusher Haason Reddick gave it.
Reddick had 27 sacks from 2022-23 with the Eagles, leading the team in the category both years. Philadelphia traded him to the Jets during the offseason, but the two-time Pro Bowler hasn't played this season due to a contract dispute.
Huff had a breakout 2023 season, finishing the year with 10 sacks after totaling 7.5 from 2020-22.
In Week 3, the Eagles (1-1) travel to New Orleans to play the Saints (1 p.m. ET, Fox).
The Saints (2-0) lead the league in scoring (45.5 points per game). The offense has been rejuvenated under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whose game plans this season have made us rethink New Orleans' offensive line.
Although the unit entered the season as a question mark, it has been outstanding. Through two weeks, quarterback Derek Carr has been pressured on only eight dropbacks.
Running back Alvin Kamara leads the league in yards before contact (143) and is third in yards before contact per attempt (4.1 yards), trailing Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (6.0 yards) and Vikings running back Ty Chandler (4.5 yards). (h/t Pro Football Reference)
The Eagles have allowed 315 rushing yards and a league-high 6.4 yards per attempt, in addition to their nonexistent pass rush.
The unit has been just as bad as it was at the end of 2023. Including the postseason, the Eagles have allowed 29.9 points per game dating back to Week 12 of the 2023 campaign. In the 10 games directly preceding that span (Weeks 1-11), Philadelphia allowed 21.2 points per game.
Huff hasn't made a difference so far, and after Kubiak schemed an offensive attack that nullified two-time first-team All-Pro Cowboys edge Micah Parsons, it might be difficult for him to gain his footing in Week 3.
The Eagles better hope Fangio has some tricks up his sleeve because based on what we've seen so far, the status quo isn't cutting it.
