Philadelphia Eagles, Vic Fangio
'I Wouldn’t Insult the Insinuation': Vic Fangio Finally Admits Eagles Defense Was Hindered by Heavy Workload 1
Vic Fangio has been asked before whether the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense is feeling the effects of spending too much time on the field. He usually pushed back on the idea.
The Eagles’ defense played 77 snaps against the Los Angeles Rams, and the number climbed even higher when penalties were included. The defensive coordinator was finally willing to acknowledge that workload can take something out of a unit, especially when the defense is already dealing with communication issues and a rotating safety group.
Vic Fangio Admits Philadelphia Eagles Defense Felt The Workload
Philadelphia Eagles Vic Fangio
Jul 24, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio addresses media during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Fangio was asked about the toll of playing 77 defensive snaps against the Rams, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer on October 6. Fangio pointed out that the Eagles actually played 83 snaps when penalties were counted. More importantly, he did not dismiss the suggestion that the workload affected his defense.
Vic Fangio was asked about the toll of his #Eagles defense playing 77 plays vs. the Rams.
He pointed out they played 83 plays including penalties. Said he wouldn’t insult the insinuation that playing that much hindered his unit.
[Of note: This isn’t the first time Fangio’s been… pic.twitter.com/4luV0gbPNz
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 6, 2026
McLane noted that this was not the first time Fangio had been asked about the issue, dating back to last season, but simply the first time he could remember Fangio agreeing that the amount of work mattered. That is a notable change in tone from the Eagles’ veteran defensive coordinator.
The Rams game put plenty of pressure on the Eagles’ defense. Playing that many snaps means there are fewer chances for players to come off the field, catch their breath, and reset. By the later stages of a game, even a defense that starts well can look different.
Fangio also has other problems to sort out. The Eagles are continuing to rotate Andrew Mukuba and Marcus Epps at safety. Fangio said Wednesday that both players will remain involved for the time being rather than handing the job outright to one of them.
When asked whether the rotation was based on specific situations, Fangio made it clear there was no complicated formula behind it. The Eagles are simply rotating the two safeties while hoping one eventually separates himself.
There is also another option waiting in the wings. Kenny Moore II was signed to the active roster from the practice squad on Tuesday, and Fangio said the veteran cornerback could potentially be considered at safety later. The idea comes with an obvious limitation. Moore has spent his entire career virtually playing cornerback and has not really played safety.
That leaves the Eagles trying to solve two problems at once. They need cleaner communication in the secondary, while the DC also has to manage how much work that defense is being asked to handle. The workload against the Rams does not explain every defensive issue; however, for the first time, Fangio is openly acknowledging that it can matter, and with the Eagles continuing to shuffle pieces on the back end, that admission is worth watching.