The Eagles are one of the most physical teams in the NFL, and their change in identity began with their late-season collapse last season. Vic Fangio entered as defensive coordinator, while Howie Roseman signed Saquon Barkley, Zack Baun, and Mekhi Becton, among others, to help bring physicality and attitude to a Super Bowl contender.
Fangio’s addition spawned more padded and physical practices, which resulted in a 10-2 team and eight straight wins earlier this season. Fangio’s presence helped the Eagles become the No. 1 defense in the NFL, and the defensive coordinator was a finalist for the Assistant Coach of the Year award.
Fangio finished fourth in voting from the Associated Press.
Voting for AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year:
Ben Johnson 29-12-4-1-0: 364
Brian Flores 3-13-12-4-4: 143
Aaron Glenn 6-3-7-4-6: 110
Vic Fangio 3-9-4-8-6: 109
Joe Brady…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 7, 2025
Under Fangio, the Eagles (278.4 ypg) led the league in total defense for the seventh time in team history, having previously accomplished the feat in 1991, 1981, 1953, 1949, 1945, and 1944 (excludes the 1943 Steagles).
Philadelphia is the second team since the 1970 merger to feature the NFL’s rushing champion on offense while showcasing the league’s No. 1 defense, joining the 1992 Cowboys (won Super Bowl XXVII).
Philadelphia ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (174.2) for the second time in the last three years (also 2022, 179.8). Furthermore, the Eagles finished with the NFL lead in defensive points allowed per game (16.9 — their best figure since 15.8 in 2008), opponent three-and-out percentage (39.0%), and FFs (18, tied).
Including playoffs, the Eagles are +27 in turnovers since Week 8. In that span, Philadelphia has 138 points off turnovers (6.6 per game)
