Just four days after the Philadelphia Eagles' impressive Super Bowl win, the team was back to business. Despite the defense's stellar performance, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told his unit that he wanted more. He spoke to his team about perfection.
Philly was up 40-6 with three minutes remaining vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. K.C. added 16 more points in those three minutes.
Did it matter? Not really, and not to most of the fans. Philadelphia had already assured itself it had claimed its second Lombardi Trophy. However, Fangio's thoughts were still on teaching.
The Eagles had a close-out meeting one day before the championship parade. Fangio took the opportunity to discuss his expectations.
According to Jalyx Hunt, Fangio shared his notes from the game. The then-rookie recalled coach's response. '22 second-half points was unacceptable'.
Since then, many of last year's top contributors have left the roster which begs the question. What will the defense look like next season?
The Eagles defense parts ways with six players.
It was quite the season for Vic's unit. The Eagles fielded the 2024-25 season's No. 1 defense. It's one that will look very different come August.
During the first wave of free agency, Philly has parted ways with much of its defense. Many of which were key players.
Josh Sweat signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Milton Williams joined the New England Patriots. The Minnesota Vikings added Isaiah Rodgers.
Darius Slay is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Philadelphia traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. He thought it was a joke. It wasn't. James Bradberry was released.
With a defensive rebuild looming, how does Fangio adapt? Who might Philly add during the NFL Draft? Who among last year's reserves is ready to step in and fill voids?
The Eagles are putting their money on their youth. They're the new core: Zach Baun, Reed Blankenship, Quinyon Mitchell, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Cooper DeJean.
In an effort to build around them, it's assumed that the 2025 NFL Draft will be defense-heavy for the Birds. Many of Howie Roseman's recent trades have included draft compensation.
If fans and the rest of the NFL haven't learned anything else, it's been this. Don't count Roseman out. All eyes are on an Eagles team that hopes to return to the Super Bowl next season. Vic Fangio's unit is in good hands. We expect another phenomenal defense to be built in Philly.
