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Vic Fangio Explains Baffling Lineup Decision in Wake of Reed Blankenship's Injury

Reed Blankenship's injury lead to a strange decision in the Eagles' secondary, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio explained his reasoning.

By Jason Schandl

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Tristin McCollum (36) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Tristin McCollum (36) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Eagles defense overcame a major blow on Sunday Night, winning handily despite star defender Reed Blankenship making an early exit with an injury against the Los Angeles Rams. But that comfortable win didn't come thanks to any sort of inspired play by his replacement.

Eagles fans were confused to see Tristin McCollum, not Sydney Brown, as the primary replacement for Blankenship after the injury.

McCollum, a former undrafted free agent who had played in a combined 10 games since entering the league in 2022, performed about as well as you'd expect from somebody with that profile. Despite being on the field for only 7 coverage snaps (per PFF), he managed to allow an 11-yard completion. Quarterbacks have completed every pass they've thrown at him this season, and PFF has given him an abysmal 43.9 coverage grade.

So why was he the first choice? Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio filled fans in during Wednesday's press conference. And the answer was actually a pretty simple one.

The easy knee-jerk reaction to these comments would understandably be frustration. Practice reps or not, there's a certain amount of value in getting your most talented players on the field, and Brown certainly seems more talented than McCollum. Plus, getting Brown more game reps always seems like a win.

But at the same time, this was the middle of a game that the Eagles were easily winning. What they needed from their safety while Blankenship got checked out was to simply not completely tank the defense. The upside of playing Brown is obviously higher, but if McCollum was better prepared in practice, giving him the nod was probably the move with the higher floor. And when the priority is to just keep the ship afloat for a bit, a high-floor move is what you're looking for.

Hopefully things change soon though, with Brown getting the practice reps he needs to be trusted as the preferred depth piece at safety as the season moves on. He's already shown flashes for the Eagles, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the day when he gets his opportunity to see some extended playing time.

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