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Eagles Coach Ignored Howie Roseman's Thinking on Big Breakout Player of the Season

Philadelphia Eagles DC Vic Fangio has revealed that he ignored GM Howie Roseman's offseason assessment of LB Zack Baun this summer.

By Devon Platana

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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The linebacker room has been one of the Philadelphia Eagles' weak spots in recent years. Fortunately, that hasn't been the case for the Eagles this season as they've received great from the position in 2024, especially when it comes to offseason acquisition Zack Baun.

Expectations weren't exactly high when Baun joined the franchise on a one-year, $1.6 million contract in the summer. The former Wisconsin product was nothing more than a backup option in previous seasons and the hope was that he could simply provide the Eagles with some depth.

Fast forward to now when Baun has emerged as one of Philadelphia's best defenders. While a lot of that has to do with his own talent, a part of his early success stems from one of the 27-year-old's coaches believing in him.

Eagles News: Vic Fangio Shares Zack Braun Offseason Evaluation

On Tuesday, Fangio told Eagles insider Zach Berman that it was general manager Howie Roseman who first suggested Baun as an offseason target. Roseman's initial evaluation projected the veteran linebacker as a "backup edge rusher/special teams contributor," however, Fangio wasn't having any of that.

Instead, the 66-year-old DC saw Baun as being better suited for an inside linebacker role and the rest is history.

It isn't difficult to see how Fangio's faith in Baun is paying off. The fifth-year veteran went from tallying 60 solo tackles and 2.0 sacks in 62 games with the New Orleans Saints between 2020 and 2023 to amassing 55 solo efforts and a pair of sacks in nine starts with the Eagles this season. That's without mentioning his three forced fumbles and two broken-up passes.

Even advanced statistic fans love Baun's performance. Not only does he rank second in terms of coverage among linebackers on Pro Football Focus, but he's also the No. 3-graded LB among 83 eligible players at his position with an overall defense grade of 86.4.

Baun plays 95% of the Eagles' defensive snaps, further emphasizing how important he's been to the franchise's early success. If he can maintain his current rate down the stretch, Philadelphia has a good chance to end the season on a high note, making Fangio look like an even bigger defensive genius.

Time will tell what Baun has in store for his next performance when the Eagles open the Week 11 schedule against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. The Commanders are currently averaging the third-most points in the NFL, meaning Baun must have another big showing to help slow down the former's offensive output.

Fortunately, for Baun & Co., the Eagles are currently sitting as the 3.5-point home favorites over the Commanders on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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