The Way We Were

PHILADELPHIA – Answering the bell at most every opportunity through the first five games before an uncharacteristic breakdown against the Giants, a young Eagles defense on Sunday afternoon has a chance to prove that its most recent showing was merely a blip.

The exception, rather than the rule.

A point of emphasis this week for the team was making a concerted effort to refrain from assigning blame, instead redirecting the focus toward identifying solutions. From a defensive perspective, that sentiment was evident, reflective in the comments from defensive leader and All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, who admitted he was anticipating returning to work.

“No one likes losing,” he said. “I was just eager to get back at practice today. It was a long break for me, thinking about the game and kind of sitting on that. But it gave us time to reflect and think about where we’re at in the season. I’m looking forward to the next game, for sure.”

The centerpiece and green dot-wearer for coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit, Baun and the Eagles defense struggled to contain, and bring down, Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo.

LB Zack Baun and the Eagles’ defense is looking for a bounce-back vs. old friend Carson Wentz against the Vikings on Sunday.

The unit also uncharacteristically surrendered its share of explosive plays, violating one of the team’s philosophical hallmarks. Before the defense regrouped and turned its attention to the Minnesota Vikings, however, the mini-bye week afforded Baun time to reflect and assess, though not fixating on any specific area.

“A lot of things,” he said. “A lot of areas to improve on. I think we could stop the run better. We’re letting up a lot of deep balls, a lot of explosive plays. And, of course, tackling is top of mind, as well.”

For the unit to rebound, Baun will be integral. Patrolling the second level of the defense with sideline-to-sideline range and strong run defense and pass rush chops, Baun will have a hand in containing the Vikings’ rich complement of skill players.

And when circumstances dictate, the 28-year-old might have to moonlight a tick more as a pass-rusher, with the team shorthanded at the position.

While the Vikings’ offense has yet to truly emerge this season, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison make for quite the dynamic receiver pairing. And whenever facing a quarterback like Carson Wentz – Sunday’s presumed starter for Minnesota – it’s safe to assume the tight end will be heavily featured, making T.J. Hockenson an X-factor.

“It’s kind of like a check-with-me run game,” Baun explained. “It’s a traditional offense with a lot of under center that brings a lot of challenges in the boot department, the play-action pass department. And then, they got playmakers on the outside.”

Receiving firepower aside, it’s a unit that hasn’t yet hit its stride, slotting in at 12th in the NFL in points per game (24.6) and 25th in yards per game (305.0).

Complicating matters, perhaps, is that there are moving parts shared throughout the defense, at least in the short-term.

The No. 2 cornerback job this week appears to belong to veteran Adoree’ Jackson, and a thinning edge rusher room thinned out even more following the retirement of Za’Darius Smith. A group that once consisted of seven players has dwindled to four, with Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari and Patrick Johnson rounding out the room.

A team captain and heartbeat of Fangio’s unit, Baun represents the glue banding the ingredients together. He sets the tone, the example, and ideally represents the team’s standard.

Selfless and consumed with a winning mentality, Baun has proven he’ll do whatever asked for the greater good – including rushing the quarterback – which, like rookie Jihaad Campbell, could potentially be on the docket Sunday. Removing himself from the equation, Baun offered perspective with regard to the remaining edge rushers, his endorsement conjuring optimism for the unknown.

“In that room in particular … I guess, people don’t how deep that room is,” he said. “There’s a lot of guys itching and scratching to play, and now they’re gonna get their opportunity to do that and show what they could do.”

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