Laughingstock, No More

NEW ORLEANS – Traits of any Vic Fangio defense can be reflected in many ways, including toughness, details and communication.

The latter – a critical component missing last year from a rudderless defense – has been among the biggest improvements since Fangio took over, especially from the secondary’s viewpoint.

A lasting memory from the Eagles’ short-lived 2023 postseason run that ended with a 32-9 loss at Tampa Bay was two defensive backs heading in different directions colliding at the middle of the field, resulting in a big Bucs gain.

The ineptitude epitomized what had been a spiraling unit known for freelancing and ducking accountability.

To rectify the shortcomings, the Eagles inked the veteran Fangio to preside over the defense. Fangio’s philosophies and principles had become widespread among defensive coaches around the league.

Fangio’s philosophy aligned with the organizational vision of limiting explosive plays, and his influence had manifested in a succession of Eagles defensive coaches who spun through Philadelphia like a revolving door.

But the Eagles this time landed the mastermind, who knows exactly what he’s seeking from a personnel and execution standpoint.

Changes would be on the horizon, as Fangio brought to Philly his reputation of being a no-nonsense, commanding presence who expects detail and excellence.

Joining Fangio were passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker, safeties coach Joe Kasper and cornerbacks coach Roy Anderson, all of whom would be instrumental in the secondary’s development and resurgence.

While Parker – and to a degree, Kasper – have each garnered pockets of widespread recognition for their impact, Anderson is seldom included.

But the reality is that Anderson and Parker have made a profound impact on re-establishing the communication and fundamentals that not long ago plagued the Eagles’ back end.

Parker, who had coached under then-head coach Fangio in Denver with the Broncos, had an upper hand from being well-versed in the coordinator’s scheme.

Likewise, Anderson needed very little acclimation as he’d be working under Fangio for the third time in a career that spans over two decades.

Anderson came over from his position as secondary coach for the Seattle Seahawks, which enabled him to preside over rookie sensation Devon Witherspoon.

He and Parker hit the ground running in Philly working together.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles DBs, once a major weakness, has become the strength of a potential Super Bowl champion.

The two defensive back specialists had briefly crossed paths in Green Bay, where Parker was a defensive quality control coach and Anderson served as a training camp intern.

As a result, both coaches were acquainted with similar schemes, coaches and philosophies, making their pairing in Philadelphia relatively seamless.

Anderson this season initially faced the challenge of preparing two rookies, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, to contribute.

Both defensive backs, Anderson said, immediately caught his attention with the amount of time they invested in film study and working extra on the field.

In a moment of reflection days before Super Bowl LIX, Anderson said he believes the most notable improvement from both rookies pertained to preparation.

But that’s not to suggest Mitchell and DeJean confronted no obstacles. Each had their own hurdles to clear before being regular-season ready.

“With Coop, it was just the position change,” Anderson said. “Because he was playing outside corner, and nickel was a new position for him, which actually was a smooth transition, because he has a high football IQ.

“He has the natural ability to go in there and cover bigger receivers. Tight ends, he can do that. And he has the quickness to matchup with slot receivers. So, he has a unique skill set. It was just a matter of him having time on task.

For Mitchell, the first-round pick, Anderson said the process involved some tinkering with the techniques he learned in college at Toledo.

“And he bought into that,” Anderson added.

Providing help to both the rookies and coaches was resident playmaker and team captain, Darius Slay, who at 34 years old has defied logic and shown that his big-play gas tank isn’t empty.

It’s also evident the youngsters have made as profound of an impact on Slay as vice-versa, keeping the veteran on his toes.

Anderson gushed when discussing how much Slay – Mitchell’s favorite player – has meant to a new-look Eagles secondary.

“I always tell people, ‘Hey, if your best player is also one of your best guys, then you have something,'” Anderson said. “And Slay is an awesome guy.

“He’s a pro’s pro. And I think that helped Q and Coop as well, because he was another guy who comes in early, stays late. And once the young guys saw that, they really really bought into it.”

Anderson noted that Slay, in his 12th season, “is still preparing like it’s his first or second year. And it’s been awesome.”

The fingerprints from Anderson and Parker have been obvious in the defensive back revival, along with the hallmarks of Fangio’s defense.

Both coaches are hands-on, explaining the “why” behind technique and assignments, always with an eye for detail.

And for as focused and competitive as Mitchell and DeJean are, they’ve had Slay to help strike the balance between heightening the importance of preparation while also providing moments of levity.

“He’s just a normal guy,” Anderson added. “He laughs and jokes with the guys and he does a really good job. He knows when to be serious. He knows when to sit back have a good time.

“So, it’s just really good for him to be a pro’s pro. And he knows how to handle himself on the field and off the field. So, he’s just one of the guys and a leader on and off the field.”

While the complexion and chemistry of the Eagles’ defensive backfield has lent itself to fast-flowing, communicative, inspired football, Anderson was quick to put into perspective the battle awaiting his unit Sunday night against a well-stocked and varied Chiefs wide receiver group.

“Oh, it’s a big challenge,” Anderson said. “They have fast guys, a really good tight end. They have good backs, and of course, the quarterback.

“So, it’s a big challenge for us because they can do pretty much everything you want a receiver group to do. So, we just really gotta stay focused and make sure we just hone-in on our technique, stick to our technique and fundamentals and tackle well.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.