Inside the Birds: A Philadelphia Eagles Podcast Inside The Data: Philadelphia Eagles DC Vic Fangio Is Winning His Way Now
Nov 21, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sam Finkel, a data analyst known for his expertise in sports analytics, joins Geoff Mosher to dissect the Philadelphia Eagles' gritty 16-9 victory over the Lions. They dive into Vic Fangio’s impactful defensive strategies, minimizing blitzing while maximizing pressure. Sam highlights Jalen Hurts' passing challenges amid windy conditions and analyzes the Eagle's reliance on air yards despite limited motion. The duo also showcases standout performances from players like Quinton Mitchell and Jalen Carter, revealing how data shapes understanding of the game.
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Small Run Edge Masks Larger Issues
- The Eagles finally edged the Lions in yards-per-rush (3.7 to 3.5), showing marginal run improvement despite poor overall rushing numbers.
- Both teams struggled to run, highlighting game difficulty for rush attacks and Eagles' ongoing ground issues.
Third-Down Dysfunction Drives Offensive Drag
- The Eagles' third-down defense still allows opponents to convert at a high season rate (40.4%), despite the Lions' poor third-down day.
- Persistent third-and-long situations on offense are a major cause of offensive underperformance this season.
Few Red-Zone Trips Limit Scoring
- The Eagles visit the red zone on only 23.1% of drives, the fourth-lowest in the NFL, which suppresses scoring despite high red-zone efficiency.
- NFL Pro links this shortcoming to the offense failing to stay 'on schedule' outside the red zone.