The catalyst behind the Philadelphia Eagles' acquisition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins was his former defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, given their successful collaboration in 2023.
Phillips was a star under Fangio that year before an Achilles injury during the season derailed what appeared to be a Pro Bowl-caliber season. After being traded from the Dolphins to the Eagles this week to reunite with his defensive coordinator, Phillips went into his relationship with Fangio and how they have worked together before.
“Vic isn’t a man of many words. There haven't been a ton of extensive conversations, but I think it's just like we understand each other.”
Eagles fans are about to watch dream team of Fangio and Phillips working together
Everyone knows by now the massive struggles the Eagles' edge rushers have had with getting to the quarterback this year. 4.5 sacks in eight games is about as bad as it gets for the team.
A new leaf is being turned over with Phillips joining the group, as he had a ton of success under Fangio in their only season together. In eight games back in 2023, Phillips racked up 43 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and one interception. He was on pace for a monster season, derailed by the injury.
Since then, Phillips has had to fight off the narrative that he is injury-prone. A narrative that his general manager, Howie Roseman, would not agree with at all.
Philly's new edge-rushing group will now have Phillips and Nolan Smith Jr. taking over as the starters, with Jalyx Hunt, Brandon Graham, and Josh Uche rotating in. If injuries occur, they have Patrick Johnson on the practice squad, who has recorded a sack this season, so the experience is there.
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Fangio has his guy, and Phillips has a home that wants him there. This has the makings of a great relationship that can last a long time in Philadelphia.