NFL analyst delivers scorching rant directed at Eagles’ defensive line including Bryce Huff following MNF implosion
Bryce Huff stayed on the East Coast this offseason but moved about four hours away to join the Philadelphia Eagles. The former New York Jets pass rusher has started slowly with the team. However, he isn't the only defensive pass rusher seeing scornful reviews. Speaking on a Wednesday's edition of "Good Morning Football," NFL analyst Kyle Brandt slammed the defensive line's play.
"0:46 I don't want to hear anything about the Eagles' vaunted blue-chip defensive line. None of them. I don't care how many went to Georgia. ... Bryce Huff, they paid a bunch of money," Brandt said.
"He has zero pressures through two weeks, not sacks, not quarterback, hits, not even a pressure. They're generous with the pressures. If you're within five yards, you [get credit for the] pressure."
The Eagles started 1-0 but fell to .500 after a disastrous implosion on Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons. After trailing for much of the contest, Kirk Cousins pulled off a miraculous game-winning drive in mere seconds and stunned the Eagles crowd.
Much of the criticism has been directed at the Eagles' defense. Some have gone as far as to compare the loss to the late-season wall the team hit last year.
In 2023, the Eagles started 10-1 before suffering their first losing streak of the season. They finished 11-6. Eagles fans are collectively hoping that the team does not hit the same wall much earlier this year.
Bryce Huff's Eagles' defensive ranking sinks lower than 26th overall mark in 2023
The Philadelphia Eagles had a defense problem at the end of the 2023 campaign, and this year, the team's defensive woes have gotten objectively worse. Last season, the Eagles ranked 26th in yards allowed per game, but this year they are 30th. Only the Indianapolis Colts and the Aaron Donald-less Rams rank lower.
It is a massive fall from grace for the team's unit. When the Eagles went to the Super Bowl in 2022, Jalen Hurts had the luxury of the second-best defense in the NFL. This year, Bryce Huff's Eagles have essentially flipped sides of the chart. While Nick Sirianni has taken plenty of heat, as well as those noting the loss of Jason Kelce, the problem appears much bigger.
Will the Eagles add some pieces to bolster the defense or could AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley be forced to win on offense in the vast majority of 2024?