Some would disagree. Others might say the biggest question mark the Philadelphia Eagles have is their defense. We're wondering which version will show up ahead of the coming Wild Card Game vs. the Green Bay Packers. That begs two questions if you're of the same mindset that we are.
Will we see the squad that appeared dominant at times, the unit that finished the season ranked first in the league overall? No team gave up fewer yards. Or will we see the unit that couldn't stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and imploded late in two meltdowns that this Eagles team clearly should have won?
It has been hard to score or move the ball on Vic Fangio's defense.
Make no mistake about it. The Eagles have made one of the most phenomenal defensive turnarounds in team history after the debacle we saw to close last season. They allowed 303 points, second only to the San Diego Chargers who surrendered 301.
The point total allowed to opposing teams is an astonishing 125 fewer points than we saw surrendered a year ago (428) with only the Arizona Cardinals (455) and Washington Commanders (518) allowing more.
Throughout this season, the Eagles' defense has been stalwart in helping this team rattle off a franchise-record 10-game winning streak. They also beat four teams who are now headed to the NFL Playoffs.
Vic Fangio accepted blame for his unit's performance when necessary, but let's hope the Eagles used the low points oof the season as learning tools.
Every coin has two sides. There were also game-ending implosions, both coming with under two minutes remaining. Neither should have happened. Philly is a better team than the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders.
The Falcons and its quarterback, Kurt Cousins, rolled 70 yards downfield with a little over a minute left in Philly's Week 2 home opener. They scored a go-ahead TD with 34 seconds remaining to rip a victory right out of the Eagles’ hands, 22-21.
The Eagles chose to play a 'prevent' defense during that final drive, seemingly trying to protect itself from a bomb from Cousins' arm. Kirk picked them apart with underneath throws in what looked like a stroll down the field.
What was critically wounding was an absent pass rush by the Eagles' front four. That allowed Cousins to scan the field practically undisturbed.
Do we even need to prolong this agony by discussing the road loss vs. the Commanders?
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio accepts blame for his unit's performance.
As the class act that he is, Eagles Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio took the blame for the loss. He didn't blame anything on the youngest defense in the league, one that started two rookie cornerbacks. He simply placed the blame on his shoulders.
“We need to coach it better, beginning with me,”
Fangio, an NFL coaching veteran in his first year with the Eagles, is credited for the team’s defensive turnaround. His effort to defend his guys was noble.
But, Fangio doesn’t suit up, take snaps, or play the game. In the Week 15 go-ahead drive orchestrated by the Washington Commanders, rookie quarterback Jaylen Daniels scorched the Birds with a nine-play, 57-yard touchdown drive in the final minute. His go-ahead TD pass came with six seconds left, stealing a 36-33 win.
Some Eagles fans pointed the finger at Philly's offense. Others question why that's the case. They began the day with a 14-0 lead but experienced occasional droughts despite ending the day with 33 points.
It has to be expected that Kenny Pickett would face some rough spots having never taken first-team reps during the practices leading up to the game. There were also critical drops by DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley that would have helped seal the game had they been hauled in.
But, what are we going to do? Do we complain about DeVonta and Saquon? Seriously... How good have they been?
Ultimately, things happen. And, the Birds haven't given us much to complain about with what has been a great season by Fangio's guys. They only lost three games! But, there are points to be made. If your team scores 33 points -- with a backup quarterback -- you can’t give up 36 points to the opposition.
Credit Fangio for falling on his sword. Philly knows what is at stake, and we're certain they'll be crisp as everyone is well aware of the do-or-die nature of the NFL's postseason.
“My calls could’ve been better,” Those were Fangio's words when asked about the unexpected loss to the Commanders, one where the defense allowed 22 fourth-quarter points. “If my calls had been better, we would’ve had a better result.”
All is well Vic! All is forgiven. No one is pointing fingers. We are all looking forward. One thing is certain though. Philly had better be sharp for the full 60 minutes of action. They won’t get a second chance if they falter during the playoffs.