Job Jockey

PHILADELPHIA – The summerlong competition for one of the starting safety spots never quite materialized.

Marcus Epps, who entered training camp as the frontrunner to start opposite second-year pro Drew Mukuba, handled the lion’s share of the first team reps in the Eagles’ nickel package.

There weren’t many to spare for Michael Carter II, a natural nickelback transitioning to a new position, despite an active camp that produced three interceptions and a flurry of pass breakups.

It became apparent early that coordinator Vic Fangio had taken a liking to Epps, who last season logged four regular season starts for the Eagles. With tangible evidence to draw from, Fangio this spring offered a vote of confidence for the veteran safety.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” Fangio recalled back on May 21. “Maybe surprised is the wrong word because I just really didn’t know him. But when he had to play last year, he came in and showed his experience, showed his instincts that he has for the game. I was pleased with the way he played last year.

“I wasn’t considering him an old player at this point, but he’s obviously a veteran. I think he’ll do fine. I’m not sure what his injury history has been, but I think if he stays injury free and if he wins the job, we’ll be fine.”

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles DB Michael Carter II is still be pushing for more playing time.

Epps did in fact win the job and, to this point, has remained injury free. And it’s reasonable to suspect the Eagles will be fine at the position, though some turbulent early returns have already generated angst from the outside.

In fairness, though, that’s based off a one-game sample size. Against the Washington Commanders in the opener, the safety play was steadier by comparison. The scorcher in Tennessee last Sunday told a different story, as the defense proved leaky in the second half.

Perhaps the blazing temperatures, which can amplify fatigue and compromise fundamentals, played a role in some of the lapses. Still, Fangio offered a candid assessment of the Mukuba-Epps tandem following the Week 2 matchup.

“I thought Drew played an OK-to-good game,” he said Wednesday. “Marcus had some plays that he would like to have back, both against the pass and the run, and he’ll bounce back.”

The latter part of Fangio’s answer reaffirms his confidence in Epps. He’s appeared in 96 games (51 starts), after all, and started in a Super Bowl. He’s typically steady and consistent, inspiring assurance due to his instincts and football intelligence.

As such, Epps likely has somewhat of a runway and will presumably be afforded more time to stave off any challengers. But Fangio did acknowledge that more Carter II could be part of the upcoming plan.

“Yeah, there’s a chance of that,” he said.

Carter, 27, wears multiple hats for Fangio, moonlighting at nickel, safety and dime. The versatility is valuable, arming Fangio with optionality. While Carter’s resume is relatively light when it comes to safety experience at the pro level, it can be argued that his range and ball skills elevate the overall ceiling of the defense.

But before we get too far ahead, perspective is key. Epps is a backend communicator, similar to the role of “traffic cop” that Reed Blankenship once held. He knows how to play the position and knows this defense well. Those are invaluable qualities to consider as the Eagles’ defense finds its footing early in the season.

Of course, Fangio was later asked if Carter II’s uptick in snaps would include safety. And from the sounds of it, he’s keeping options open.

Said Fangio: “That’s possible too, yep.”

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