NEW ORLEANS — The Eagles’ bye week was extra of a good day to alternatives forward.
A 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 4 dropped the Eagles to 2-2.
In that recreation, their supposedly vaunted protection allowed 445 yards and 29 first downs.
Subsequent got here a well-timed bye and group remedy session led by well-traveled defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, in his first season with the Eagles.
“It actually clicked for lots of men when he sat us down as a gaggle and mentioned, ‘Hey, we gotta be higher. Come again from the bye week and prepare to be dialed in as a result of we’ve obtained to go on a run,’ ’’ veteran cornerback Darius Slay mentioned. “He got here in with all of the corrections and every part, and mentioned if we simply purchase in, we are able to see what it does.”
It labored.
Winners of 15 of 16 video games since then, the Eagles didn’t permit greater than 23 factors in any recreation till Week 16.
Eagles DB glad for Glenn
Not too long ago employed Jets head coach Aaron Glenn educated Eagles security C.J. Gardner-Johnson in highschool, was the defensive backs coach with a component in drafting him to the Saints in 2019 and was the defensive coordinator who helped deliver him to the Lions as a free agent in 2023.
“Coached me laborious and helped me be taught techniques,” Gardner-Johnson mentioned. “Respect the chance he gave me. I’m simply glad for him that he obtained the job. He’s going to demand essentially the most out of his gamers.”
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, a former Saints draft decide, additionally shared a facility with Glenn for one season.
“Only a actually sensible soccer thoughts,” Baun mentioned. “Led the best way. A participant’s coach.”
Strahan: Reid a prankster
There’s no must remind former Giants nice Michael Strahan that Andy Reid was an Eagles head coach lengthy earlier than he was the Chiefs head coach.
“Andy coached me within the Professional Bowl a number of instances,” mentioned Strahan, an NFL on Fox analyst, “and the one drawback I had with him then is that each time I get again to New York and open up my journey bag and all my gear in it, there’d be a bunch of Eagles crap in it.”
Eagles O-line has one other degree
Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who already oversees probably the greatest front-fives within the recreation, mentioned he believes the road might be even higher.
“I don’t wish to sound like a ‘Debbie Downer,’ however this line isn’t achieved but,’’ Stoutland mentioned. “They’ve achieved lots of good issues, however there’s nonetheless room for enchancment, and that’s enjoyable.’’
Covey out, Moore uncertain
The Eagles dominated out WR Britain Covey (neck) and listed OL Nick Gates (groin), DE Brandon Graham (elbow) and TE C.J. Uzomah (stomach) as questionable.
WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was restricted in follow. DL Jalen Carter was not listed regardless of lacking obligations this week due an sickness.
The Chiefs listed WR Skyy Moore (stomach) as uncertain.