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The Philadelphia Eagles fielded one of the NFL's top defenses last season, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio appears determined to make one of his most versatile stars even more dangerous in Year 3.
Speaking with reporters, Fangio revealed that Cooper DeJean will line up at safety in the Eagles' base defense packages this season, a notable shift from last year when DeJean aligned at outside cornerback in base personnel. Fangio added that DeJean will continue sliding inside to slot cornerback in nickel packages, where he quickly developed into arguably the NFL's premier player at the position.
The move highlights Philadelphia's confidence in one of the defense's ascending stars and creates even more flexibility for a unit that finished among the league's elite last season.
DeJean transformed Philadelphia's defense as a rookie, bringing versatility, physicality, and elite coverage ability to Fangio's scheme. In year two, playing primarily near the line of scrimmage and inside the formation, DeJean finished with 93 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two interceptions while helping anchor Philadelphia's top-five scoring defense.
The production only tells part of the story.
Among NFL slot cornerbacks, DeJean finished first in Pro Football Focus coverage grade (79.3), catch rate allowed (61.4%), passer rating allowed (55.4), and yards allowed per coverage snap (0.72) among qualifying defenders. Even more impressive, DeJean has still never surrendered a touchdown reception while aligned as a slot cornerback.
Last summer, Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown predicted DeJean would develop into an All-Pro caliber player. One season later, the numbers suggest Brown was onto something. The Eagles' defensive evolution also makes Fangio's decision logical. Base personnel continues to matter against heavier offensive formations and run-first looks, while nickel remains the NFL's primary defensive package. Keeping DeJean at safety in base while allowing him to attack from the slot in passing situations gives Philadelphia maximum flexibility without sacrificing one of its biggest strengths.
The adjustment could also create matchup problems for opposing offenses.
At safety, DeJean's instincts, tackling ability, and physical play style become even more valuable. Inside at slot cornerback, his coverage ability allows Fangio to disguise coverages and deploy pressure packages without exposing the secondary. Philadelphia already fielded one of football's best defenses. Now entering Year 3, DeJean appears positioned to become an even larger centerpiece.
For Fangio and the Eagles, that may be a scary development for the rest of the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Vic Fangio reveals key Cooper DeJean change for Eagles defense
Continue reading...
Speaking with reporters, Fangio revealed that Cooper DeJean will line up at safety in the Eagles' base defense packages this season, a notable shift from last year when DeJean aligned at outside cornerback in base personnel. Fangio added that DeJean will continue sliding inside to slot cornerback in nickel packages, where he quickly developed into arguably the NFL's premier player at the position.
The move highlights Philadelphia's confidence in one of the defense's ascending stars and creates even more flexibility for a unit that finished among the league's elite last season.
DeJean transformed Philadelphia's defense as a rookie, bringing versatility, physicality, and elite coverage ability to Fangio's scheme. In year two, playing primarily near the line of scrimmage and inside the formation, DeJean finished with 93 tackles, 16 passes defended, and two interceptions while helping anchor Philadelphia's top-five scoring defense.
The production only tells part of the story.
Among NFL slot cornerbacks, DeJean finished first in Pro Football Focus coverage grade (79.3), catch rate allowed (61.4%), passer rating allowed (55.4), and yards allowed per coverage snap (0.72) among qualifying defenders. Even more impressive, DeJean has still never surrendered a touchdown reception while aligned as a slot cornerback.
Last summer, Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown predicted DeJean would develop into an All-Pro caliber player. One season later, the numbers suggest Brown was onto something. The Eagles' defensive evolution also makes Fangio's decision logical. Base personnel continues to matter against heavier offensive formations and run-first looks, while nickel remains the NFL's primary defensive package. Keeping DeJean at safety in base while allowing him to attack from the slot in passing situations gives Philadelphia maximum flexibility without sacrificing one of its biggest strengths.
The adjustment could also create matchup problems for opposing offenses.
At safety, DeJean's instincts, tackling ability, and physical play style become even more valuable. Inside at slot cornerback, his coverage ability allows Fangio to disguise coverages and deploy pressure packages without exposing the secondary. Philadelphia already fielded one of football's best defenses. Now entering Year 3, DeJean appears positioned to become an even larger centerpiece.
For Fangio and the Eagles, that may be a scary development for the rest of the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Vic Fangio reveals key Cooper DeJean change for Eagles defense
Continue reading...
