3 Eagles on Thin Ice Heading Into Week 2
By Randy Gurzi
1. Bryce Huff, EDGE
Zack Baun was the defender who turned heads all night on Friday but he wasn’t the signing everyone expected to lead the way. The former New Orleans Saints linebacker was supposed to be a role player who helped the linebacking corps improve as a whole. Bryce Huff, on the other hand, was added to be their centerpiece.
Signed to a three-year deal worth $51 million, Huff had a breakout campaign in 2023 with the New York Jets. The Memphis product had 29 tackles and 10 sacks but hardly made a sound in his debut. He recorded just one tackle and was fourth in snaps among edge rushers.
Fangio said in order for Bryce Huff to play more, he's going to have to separate himself from the other edge rushers. Huff played fourth among edge rushers.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 11, 2024
Re: Brandon Graham -- Fangio said he made clear to Graham this is not a ceremonial retirement tour. Graham can still…
According to Richard Louis of Section 215, Huff had just 30 snaps on defense, coming behind players such as Nolan Smith, who was an issue as a rookie.
“In Week 1, Huff played in 30 defensive snaps (45%), which was behind Nolan Smith (31 snaps), Brandon Graham (32 snaps), Josh Sweat (41 snaps), Jordan Davis (35 snaps), and Jalen Carter (51 snaps).”
That’s a far cry from what they expected from their big signing. Philly didn’t get enough from their pass rush in 2023 outside of Haason Reddick, who was traded after they added Huff. Going forward, they’re going to need more from Huff, who was called out by new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Baun has yet to prove he can sustain the success he had in Week 1 and as good as Brandon Graham is, he’s far from a young option. If they want to make noise later in the season, Huff has to turn it around.
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