Ask around or talk to your friends about football theories, the Philadelphia Eagles, and philosophy. We can guarantee that conversation will lead you to some familiar destinations.
We like to discuss the contenders. That's always a popular talking point at this stage of the game, and this is one of those years where the Birds will certainly be part of that conversation. What comes next? How about we venture into discussions about coaching? How good has Vic Fangio been?
Most of us have never coached an NFL game in our lives. And, we never will, but that won't stop us from discussing how good of a job everyone else is doing.
Which is the better approach? How should players be motivated (or held accountable)? Should the old-school guys be trusted or is it better to be a 'player's coach'?
Once the 2023-24 season wrapped, the Miami Dolphins decided they wanted the latter. They moved on from their defensive coordinator at the time, Vic Fangio.
Before going to sleep tonight, thank the Miami Dolphins for handing Vic Fangio to the Eagles.
Something told us Vic Fangio wouldn't stay unemployed for long when he was dismissed from his role as Dolphins defensive coordinator last season. Honestly, we knew where his next coaching stop would be.
Fangio's change in employment status allowed Nick Sirianni and the Eagles to land the défensive coordinator they wanted all along. Vic's marriage to the Eagles brought him back to Philadelphia.
But, what about those Dolphins defenders? They were reportedly ecstatic that he was given the pink slip. There was another wrinkle to this story though. Perhaps you heard. The Eagles had problems with a coordinator or two during the 2023-24 campaign.
We asked how hiring an 'old-school' and 'tell it like it is' guy was going to work in this locker room, but Fangio has been a revelation. His players' belief in him is obvious.
Fangio has also mentioned his love for Eagles football as a youth more than once. We also know an early coaching stop landed him a USFL gig with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars.
That didn't stop the questions though, questions he has helped answer. He has connected with the Eagles stars and young players on Philly's defense. They've bought in after the uprising in the locker room last season.
We wonder if those Miami Dolphins players still aren't Vic Fangio fans. Vic has built one of the league's best defenses in Philadelphia. The Dolphins... Well, despite fielding all of that talent, they look like the Dolphins again
Had the season ended after Week 13, the Eagles would have finished first in yards allowed from scrimmage and yards allowed per contest. They would have finished second in points allowed.
Miami hasn't been awful. They would have ranked sixth in yards allowed and seventh in yards allowed per game, but they would have ranked 12th in points allowed. They allow 22.2 points per contest compared to 18.2 for Philly.
Again, the Fins aren't terrible. Their problems are mainly in coaching and on offense. What do you think their defenders are thinking now though?
It's hard to imagine they aren't experiencing some Eagles envy They didn't want to be coached hard. Now, their toughness is being called into question for several reasons.
You heard all the talk about them being unable to win in cold weather right?