The Philadelphia Eagles' defense hasn't been as dominant as it was during their Super Bowl-winning season. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is still there, but the personnel just isn't the same, leading to plenty of early-season frustrations.
Their pass-rushing department got a boost thanks to Brandon Graham's return from retirement; however, they might still need to add some more pieces — especially when it comes to the secondary. The Eagles' No. 2 cornerback spot should still be up for grabs, especially considering how Keele Ringo has fared this season. But much to fans' dismay, the veteran CB continues to be given chances.
Talking to the media ahead of Week 8, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio talked about the players he has right now, and his comments on Ringo made it clear that the veteran OC's hands are tied.
"Some of the completions he gave up have come on tough routes,"
Fangio said per Eagles reporter Cory Nidoh. "Still think he can be better than he has been. Opportunities will keep coming, and hopefully he can turn the corner."
Eagles DC Vic Fangio's Comments Prove Philly's Trade Deadline Needs
The Eagles looked great on Sunday after dropping consecutive games for the first time this season, but they won't face Carson Wentz every week. They have a tough divisional matchup with a New York Giants team that just put up 32 points on the Denver Broncos' great defense, so they can't afford to rest on their laurels.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is always on the lookout for more talent, but for now, it seems like his defensive coordinator will have to get by with the hand he's been given. Cooper Dejean and Quinyon Mitchell are obviously locked in as starters, but neither Ringo nor Adoree' Jackson has been good in the other cornerback spot.
And the fact that Fangio is being forced to send Ringo to the wolves week after week only highlights how badly the Eagles need some CB help.
There aren't many cornerbacks potentially available right now, but names like the Seattle Seahawks' Tariq Woolen have been floated around for the past couple of weeks. The Eagles could also inquire about Michael Carter II, Cam Taylor-Britt, Rasul Douglas, Alontae Taylor, or maybe even Roger McCreary. Needless to say, there are plenty of options.
For now, however, it doesn't sound like the Eagles are actively trying to address that need. That's why Fangio doesn't have much of a choice but to keep tough-loving Ringo in hopes of turning him into a legitimate starter.