Some 24 years ago, Allen Iverson sat in front of a pack media contingent covering his Philadelphia 76ers playoff exit, and the future Hall of Famer mouthed the word “practice” 22 times.
“We sitting in here — I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we in here talking about practice. I mean, listen: We talking about practice. Not a game. Not a game. Not a game. We talking about practice. Not a game. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game like it’s my last. Not the game. We talking about practice, man.”
The now famous rant was less about his postseason performance and more about grief, as Iverson still suffered from the death of his best friend. Rahsaan Langeford was shot and killed seven months earlier, an event with which Iverson struggled to cope.
Fast-forward to December 3, 2024, and the Eagles defensive coordinator references the 76ers Hall of Fame guard when describing Philadelphia’s practice habits and the incredible improvement from his No. 1 ranked unit.
“The more you practice, the more you play better, the better you get, in spite of what Allen Iverson ever said.”
— #Eagles DC Vic Fangio pic.twitter.com/CUv5Jgc47M
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) December 3, 2024
Since the Week 5 bye and their Week 6 win, the Eagles are first in yards allowed per game (241.3), first in yards per play allowed (4.1), first in yards per attempt allowed (5.6), first in sacks (30), first in sack rate (10.6%) second in passer rating allowed (78.1), and second in points per game allowed (15.3).
Philadelphia has also improved its tackling and defensive efficiency, something that Fangio can take credit for since he’s responsible for the Eagles’ increased practice habits after having one of the lightest workloads over the past few years.
