Vic Fangio insists it’s not about Nakobe Dean — but what’s really fueling the Eagles’ run-defense revival?.QQ

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense has revived from a shaky start. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s run defense had become a glaring weakness. But it stiffened against the Giants. Fans are hoping for a turnaround story to brew. And a familiar, fiery linebacker is back in the frame. Naturally, everyone is connecting the dots…

The defense improves. Nakobe Dean’s playing time skyrockets. Therefore, Dean must be the catalyst. It’s a simple equation. But Fangio isn’t ready to sign off on that math. In fact, he’s pushing back with the force of a middle linebacker.

The Conundrum Over Nakobe Dean’s Impact

Fangio was asked if Dean’s presence correlated with the improved run defense. But he offered a blunt assessment. “Maybe a little bit, but I wouldn’t go too far on that,” he stated. He then elaborated on the recent success against the Giants and the Vikings.

Fangio credited the whole crew. “Minnesota didn’t really try and run it a whole lot. We just played a little better. Run defense isn’t an 11-man operation, including corners, and I think we just played a little bit better,” he said. But this hides a fascinating fact.

The eye test sees Dean flying around, making five tackles against the Giants. His energy seems infectious. Teammates feed off his violent, seek-and-destroy style. Dean himself talks about his role with conviction. “I look at myself as one of the most physical guys on the team,” he said after the game.

He believes his superpower is “making those around me better.” And the locker room clearly agrees. Meanwhile, the Eagles finally have a problem that Fangio and head coach Nick Sirianni would feel good about.

Dean’s return creates a logjam at linebacker. Rookie standout Jihaad Campbell saw his snaps plummet to a season-low 21. Fangio explained this was partly due to teaching Campbell a new edge rusher role. He called the situation a “good problem.” However, the playing time disparity was startling. Dean logged 33 snaps to Campbell’s 10 at their primary position.

A Bye Week Crossroads for Fangio & Co.

The Eagles enter their bye at 6-2. The defense is clearly finding its swagger. Dean noted, “I feel like we’re back to having fun, a lot of fun.” The team is rolling. But Fangio’s comments introduce a layer of intrigue. Is Dean’s impact more about emotion than scheme? Or is the coach simply managing expectations for a valuable, yet injury-prone, player?

Sirianni offers a different tone. “Always great to have him on the field,” Sirianni said. “Guys love playing with and for Nakobe.” This contrast highlights the complex evaluation. The coach loves the leader and the energy. The coordinator, however, sees the entire defensive picture. He considers a unit improving as a whole, not because of one player.

As the Eagles rest, a strategic decision looms. How will Fangio balance Dean’s physicality with Campbell’s promising coverage skills moving forward? The Week 10 matchup against Green Bay will provide the next clue. For now, the defense is thriving. But the credit, it seems, is not for one player to claim.