Next Men Up

PHILADELPHIA – Numbers can, at times, be deceiving without proper context. Case in point would be Sunday, following the Eagles’ 24-21 loss in Dallas. The Vic Fangio-led defense, allowing just a combined 16 points in wins over the Packers and Lions, allowed 473 total net yards to the Cowboys.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles safety Sydney Brown is expected to fill in for Drew Mukuba for the foreseeable future.

Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver George Pickens hauled in all nine pass targets for 146 yards and a touchdown. Running back Javonte Williams rolled up 87 rushing yards on 20 carries.

To be clear, it wasn’t their best performance, and injuries ravaged the backend. A poorly timed penalty for too many men on the field wiped away a Nakobe Dean interception. Zack Baun was unable to corral an interception over the middle. Pickens and CeeDee Lamb got loose in the second half, pouncing on a secondary down Adoree’ Jackson and Reed Blankenship. Rookie S Drew Mukuba also suffered an injury with 30 seconds remaining, which was later revealed to be a fractured ankle.

Fangio’s unit did, however, halt a surging Cowboys drive inside the 5-yard line in the second quarter, when Blankenship picked off Prescott in the end zone. A decision from returner Xavier Gipson to field a punt inside the 2-yard line – and strong lick on the return from Cowboys DB Alijah Clark to force a fumble – gave the Cowboys possession at the 8-yard line, in prime position for a go-ahead touchdown with 5:25 remaining. But the defense denied the Cowboys entry on four attempts, returning possession to the Eagles at the 2-yard line.

It’s worth reiterating that while it wasn’t their best showing, allowing just 24 points and holding firm on two red zone trips is an efficient enough effort to win most games.

Here are some notable takeaways from Fangio’s Tuesday availability.

Safety Outlook

Down Mukuba – and potentially Blankenship – on a short week may require some creativity in terms of deployment.

Third-year pro Sydney Brown, who logged 26 snaps in Dallas, would be Mukuba’s replacement. Brown, 25, hasn’t played much on defense this season but has thrived as an uber-physical presence on special teams, leading the unit in snaps (235).

Fangio offered insight into Brown’s preparation behind the scenes, as the Illinois product prepares to make his second start of the season.

“I think he’s been doing a good job in practice with the reps that he does get,” Fangio said. “He’s done a good job staying in tune in the meetings and the walkthroughs. And I’m excited to see how he does.”

Brown, twitchy and physical, is a heat-seeking missile to hits anything that moves, reminiscent of a throwback player. If he can balance his physicality and intensity with playing fundamentally sound, he’s going to be fun to watch flying around.

Another name to consider if Blankenship is unable to make it back in time for Friday’s game, is veteran cornerback Michael Carter II, who offers positional versatility. Carter, who played safety at Duke, overlapped at the university with current Eagles’ safeties coach Joe Kasper, who served as a graduate assistant (2018-20).

“I think he’s a good player, a good, natural football player,” Fangio said when assessing Carter. “Understands the game. He’s got good instincts, he’s got good technique to his game. He’s quick. We’re pleased to have him.”

For a relevant comparison to Carter, who got into the Eagles’ last few games as the fourth safety, think Avonte Maddox. He could be a logical temporary solution if the Eagles are down two players at the position.

It’s worth noting that Fangio said he expects Blankenship to be available Friday when the Eagles host the Chicago Bears.

Cooper DeJean’s Play on the Outside

When’ Jackson was forced to exit the game early with a head injury, Fangio opted to shakeup the secondary by moving Cooper DeJean from nickel to the outside and inserting Carter to man the inside. DeJean, an outside corner in base, was tested on the boundary for the first time and surrendered some closely contested receptions on deep throws. Dejean provided tight coverage and afforded little space for the receiver to maneuver, but sometimes it’s worth tipping your cap to the receiver for making acrobatic catches, which Pickens did late in the game.

On the Prescott pass to Lamb, down the right sideline, there was considerable hand-fighting from both Lamb and DeJean, but DeJean was called for defensive pass interference.

While it may have been surprising for outside observers to see DeJean surrender anything, as he typically blankets receivers, Fangio wasn’t surprised. As stated, sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the other guy.

“I don’t know if surprising is the right word,” Fangio said. “Guys get beat sometimes, and those are good receivers. They have two top-notch receivers.”

Penalty That Negated The Dean Interception

From a defensive standpoint, a squandered opportunity that might’ve put the game out of reach occurred in the third quarter on a third-and-nine from the Eagles’ 33. Prescott, fielding the snap from shotgun, attempted a pass as he was hit to tight end Jake Ferguson that was instead plucked by Dean.

The play, which momentarily returned possession to the Eagles at the Cowboys’ 45, wouldn’t hold up due to a penalty for having too many men on the field. While the miscue was ultimately of no consequence – Cowboys K Brandon Aubrey missed a 51-yard field goal two plays later – it was one of 14 penalties called against the Eagles.

Fangio on Tuesday offered insight behind the infraction.

“They subbed, which allows us to sub and give us time to sub,” Fangio explained. “The umpire was actually going up to the line of scrimmage to hold up the play, and for some reason didn’t. So, that one … I’m not sure really sure what happened there. But they subbed, so we should be able to sub. And we didn’t get off in time.”

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