The Eagles’ defense finally showed some teeth against the New York Giants on November 8, allowing only 19 points and a measly 243 total yards. You’d think those numbers would mean a win, right? Nope. After the final whistle at Lincoln Financial Field, it’s crystal clear that this team’s frustration levels are through the roof because, apparently, asking the offense to be competitive with that kind of defensive effort is just too much.
The Defense Is Fighting Under Vic Fangio
Look, the defense was better. Not perfect, there were still some head-scratching moments in the secondary, but overall, it was a step up. They stuffed the run, with Devin Singletary managing a pathetic 31 yards on 21 carries. The Giants averaged only 3.8 yards per play. And the pass rush? Oh man, it was there. Six sacks on J.J. McCarthy. This group, despite everything, is still battling for Vic Fangio. And honestly, that matters in a season that has just become one giant headache.
But let’s talk about Zack Baun. Holy smokes! This was his best game in weeks. The guy was absolutely everywhere, blowing up run plays and looking solid in coverage. You might have forgotten how good he can be when he’s reading the field cleanly and just attacking, but he gave us a major reminder. On one particular rep, he read the run instantly, shot into the backfield, and finished the play without a hint of hesitation. He racked up seven combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. Those numbers match the film, and it looked like the defensive line finally helped him out, letting him play instead of getting blocked up at the line. This is the Baun we’ve been waiting for.
The Secondary’s Still a Mess, and The Offense Is a Black Hole
Here’s the gut punch: even with Baun going off, we got an early reminder that the secondary is still a major problem. The Giants repeatedly targeted the quarters side of Cover 6 from 3×1. They’d send the outside receiver deep to draw out the corner, then run a sail route underneath into that intermediate space. The Eagles just aren’t distributing those routes cleanly. Tariq Woolen carried the vertical, sure, but Andrew Mukuba couldn’t get across to cover the sail. It’s those kinds of plays that make you want to stare at the ceiling and wonder what in the world is going on back there.
And while the defense tried their absolute best, allowing only 19 points should have been enough. It wasn’t. The defense can’t bail out this offense every single week. With the trade deadline now behind us and this season feeling like a total grind, the conversation isn’t just about the next opponent. It’s about who’s truly part of the future. We’ve got players like Baun who are making you excited, but there are definitely some positions that need serious attention before the next version of this team takes the field.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
Leave a Reply