The key week that put an end to the Eagles’ defensive troubles
NEW ORLEANS — The Eagles’ bye week was more of a hello to opportunities ahead.
A 33-16 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 4 dropped the Eagles to 2-2.
In that game, their supposedly vaunted defense allowed 445 yards and 29 first downs.
Next came a well-timed bye and group therapy session led by well-traveled defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, in his first season with the Eagles.
“It really clicked for a lot of guys when he sat us down as a group and said, ‘Hey, we gotta be better. Come back from the bye week and get ready to be dialed in because we’ve got to go on a run,’ ’’ veteran cornerback Darius Slay said. “He came in with all the corrections and everything, and said if we just buy in, we can see what it does.”
It worked.
Winners of 15 of 16 games since then, the Eagles did not allow more than 23 points in any game until Week 16.
Eagles DB happy for Glenn
Recently hired Jets head coach Aaron Glenn trained Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in high school, was the defensive backs coach with a part in drafting him to the Saints in 2019 and was the defensive coordinator who helped bring him to the Lions as a free agent in 2023.
“Coached me hard and helped me learn systems,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Appreciate the opportunity he gave me. I’m just happy for him that he got the job. He’s going to demand the most out of his players.”
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, a former Saints draft pick, also shared a facility with Glenn for one season.
“Just a really smart football mind,” Baun said. “Led the way. A player’s coach.”
Strahan: Reid a prankster
There’s no need to remind former Giants great Michael Strahan that Andy Reid was an Eagles head coach long before he was the Chiefs head coach.
“Andy coached me in the Pro Bowl several times,” said Strahan, an NFL on Fox analyst, “and the only problem I had with him then is that every time I get back to New York and open up my travel bag and all my equipment in it, there’d be a bunch of Eagles crap in it.”
Eagles O-line has another level
Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who already oversees one of the best front-fives in the game, said he believes the line can be even better.
“I don’t want to sound like a ‘Debbie Downer,’ but this line isn’t done yet,’’ Stoutland said. “They’ve done a lot of good things, but there’s still room for improvement, and that’s fun.’’
Covey out, Moore doubtful
The Eagles ruled out WR Britain Covey (neck) and listed OL Nick Gates (groin), DE Brandon Graham (elbow) and TE C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) as questionable.
WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was limited in practice. DL Jalen Carter was not listed despite missing obligations this week due an illness.
The Chiefs listed WR Skyy Moore (abdomen) as doubtful.
