Now, that we're here, we feel like we can say this. We also don't mean this as disrespect. We don't think we're alone in this theory. When the Philadelphia Eagles acquired Zack Baun last March, never, in two million years, did we believe we would be treated to that type of season.
Heck, no one could have believed that. Howie Roseman and his team didn't know that because, if they did, they wouldn't have signed him to a one-year, 'prove-it' deal. He would have been given three years or so in the first place.
12 months later, we're still in awe of one of the greatest stories ever written. This one is more of a 'Cinderella' nature than another Rocky sequel. Thankfully, we don't have to watch Zack transform into a pumpkin
And yes, friends... The cleat still fits.
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Zack Baun goes from relative unknown to a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro
Here's some advice. We learned this a long time ago. Whenever evaluating someone's greatness, one of the best ways to do so is to listen to what his teammates and coaches say about him.
There we were piecing together 53-man roster predictions during training camp. Each time we did so, we struggled with whether or not Baun would actually make the roster.
But, then we kept watching Zack make plays in practice, and we listened to what Vic Fangio said about him. Then, the preseason came, and that's when it hit us.
This guy is going to make the roster, and he's going to play a lot! But, again, we never expected the season he produced.
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5 reasons Zack Baun will again be voted All-Pro at the close of the 2025-26 Eagles regular season
Had we not seen it for ourselves, we wouldn't have believed it. The New Orleans Saints gave up on a core special-teamer and situational pass rusher. He lands in Philly and becomes a First-Team All Pro.
Baun led Philly in solo (93) and combined (151) tackles. He added 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, an interception, and four pass breakups to the cause while starting 16 regular-season games.
Then. he turned it on during the postseason: 20 solo and 33 combined tackles were the most among all postseason players. So were his pair of interceptions.
One of those picks came on football's biggest stage. He snagged one of the arm of Patrick Mahomes, setting up a TD pass from Jalen Hurts to A.J. Brown that put Philly up 24-0 at halftime.
He'd also add three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries to the postseason cause. What could he possibly do for an encore? We're glad you asked.
He's going to be named All-Pro for the second time in as many Eagles seasons. Here are five reasons we state that with confidence.
Name recognition and the NFL's popularity contests
As is the case with political arenas and every other avenue in which we cast votes for elections, name-recognition is a huge part of the deal. Every season, we see guys make the Pro Bowl roster based off of reputation. The same thing happens in free agency.
Let's be honest, when was the last time you saw Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers play at elite levels? Why on Earth do we still see teams break their necks to acquire their services?
The answer is simple. They are still benefiting from a name they made for themselves yesteryear.
This is one of those times where the same theory plays in our favor. Everyone knows who Zack Baun is now, and another fantastic season will bring more acclaim.
The Eagles brand and the spotlight that will be cast on them
To the victor goes the spoils, and by virtue of winning their second Vince Lombardi Trophy, a spotlight will be cast on the Birds all season.
The NFL's opening night game... That will be played in the City of Brotherly Love, and that won't be the only time the Eagles play in primetime this season.
Philly's brand alone and winning culture always guarantees them a few standalone games. Entering the 2025-26 campaign as the reigning and defending Super Bowl champions will guarantee them at least two more than normal.
Primetime games mean the world is watching, and they'll get several looks at Baun with having to split their attention between the game he is playing in and another.
The Vic Fangio defensive scheme
Zack Baun excelled in Fangio's scheme in year one with the Eagles, and as mentioned earlier, he became one of Vic's prized pupils. That won't change in 2025 because here's what we haven't mentioned.
Baun was only scratching the surface last year in many ways. He'll be more familiar with the game plan as he gains more experience.
Continuity was one of those things we prayed Jalen Hurts would obtain. Make no mistake. Continuity also helps an NFL defense.
Transforming Baun from a pass rusher to a traditional linebacker made a world of difference. Gaining more experience in that role should continue the upward trajectory. As a matter of fact, we're counting on that.
The statistics
Nothing helps the case for an All-Pro campaign like some gaudy numbers, and after leading Philly in solo and combined tackles last season, Baun is our bet for doing the same when the Birds begin their title defense.
Expect a ton of tackles and some game-changing plays. If we haven't learned anything else about Fangio's defense, it's this. He likes his linebackers to roam, and the ball carriers are often funneled to the second level so those guys can swarm and play the clean-up role.
Also, don't forget... Nakobe Dean will probably miss the first few games of next season which will make Baun even more important to the game plan.
Durability
It's an old saying. One of a player's best attributes is the ability to stay healthy and on the field. Every player in the NFL is always injured if they're being honest, but in Baun's case, it hasn't led to any prolonged absences.
He popped up on Philly's injury report before Super Bowl 59 with a groin injury. He played and played well.
He missed the first game of his rookie season with the Saints before making his debut in Week 2 on Monday Night Football. Since then, he has been an iron man minus the 2022-23 NFL season when a Week 9 calf injury resulted in his lone trip to the injured reserve.
Baun's durability is one of his lesser-mentioned attributes, but it will be key to another great showing by Philly's defense and his run to another All-Pro mention.