The retirement of veteran edge rusher and three time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith from the NFL earlier this week, after 11 years in the league, has arguably thrown a bit of a spanner in the works to the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive personnel.
For Vic Fangio, the Eagles’ experienced defensive coordinator, he feels his defense can overcome the loss of Smith by adopting a collective attitude where everyone steps up and plays their part.
Advertisement
MORE: Skip Bayless rips ‘fraudulent’ Buffalo Bills after NFL Week 6 debacle
“We’ll have to absorb those snaps up with the rest of the guys and we’ll make it work,” Fangio said, via a transcript from the team, as per nbcsports.com.
Jalen Carter and Patrick Mahomes
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Philadelphia will look to get back on track defensively against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, after they gave up 34 points on the road to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in last week’s loss to the New York Giants.
Advertisement
The defeat at the hands of their division rivals on Thursday Night Football was also the second consecutive loss for the Eagles, which drops their record to 4-2 after they started the year winning their first four games.
It was also noted by Fangio, as per nbcsports.com, that Jihaad Campbell – the rookie linebacker out of Alabama – could possibly see some more game time deployed in an edge rushing capacity given that Nakobe Dean made his return to action against New York.
Advertisement
While Dean only played in six special teams snaps in his first game this season, as per cbssports.com, his role could start to increase over the next few weeks as his health continues to improve.
—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead—
WEDNESDAY ROUNDUP:Dodgers flex on Brewers, ripping Dallas Cowboys is still fun, and more
NFL:Stephen A. Smith rips Dallas Cowboys’ struggling defense for repeated failures
NBA:Draymond Green makes wild partying admission about early career
CBB:Preseason AP Top 25 rankings revealed for 2025 women’s college basketball season
VIRAL:Best college basketball player names for the 2025-26 NCAA season
SPORTS MEDIA:Skip Bayless rips ‘fraudulent’ Buffalo Bills after NFL Week 6 debacle