Every Philadelphia Eagles fan knows by now the struggles the team has had over this past season at edge rusher because of injuries and retirements. Still, the position appears to be on the right track to getting better.
There is new hope that Nolan Smith Jr. will be off the IR in the next week or two from his triceps injury, while Brandon Graham is expected to make his triumphant return to the field after the bye week versus the Green Bay Packers in Week 10. They also have Azeez Ojulari out with an injury. Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told the media how he feels about the EDGE position right now.
“We’re in good shape.”
A follow-up was asked about whether he was good with the personnel in the position right now. Fangio didn't exactly give his edge rushers the most confident answer.
“Have to be.”
Yeah, it's time to make a trade before the deadline
One thing Eagles fans love most about Fangio is that he will be blunt and truthful every step of the way. While he didn't directly come out and say it, he pretty much asked Eagles general manager Howie Roseman for more help.
It isn't like Roseman hasn't already put in the work at EDGE. He brought in Za'Darius Smith from free agency, and then he abruptly retired from football after five games. Roseman was able to at least get one player out of retirement with Graham, so help is on the way.
To the credit of the current guys at edge rusher, Jalyx Hunt is starting to heat up after having seven pressures and a sack in the 38-20 win over the New York Giants. Overall, though, this edge-rush group has only 4.5 sacks and 18 quarterback hits through eight games. Three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks are coming from the now-retired Smith, but Hunt leads the group with eight quarterback hits.
There are still calls for Roseman to make a trade within the next week to get an edge rusher before the deadline. The options are out there, but the Eagles will have to give up more picks to get it done.
Read more: Eagles' secret weapon to rebirth of rushing attack revealed after Giants trashing
This is the perfect week to make a trade happen since they are on a bye and can give a player a little over a week to prep and learn. The hope is Roseman can try to get a deal done and help the 6-2 Eagles make a run for a third Super Bowl appearance in four years.