The Philadelphia Eagles have a big, expensive problem on their hands entering the bye week, and the national media has taken notice.
EDGE rusher Bryce Huff, who the Eagles signed to a lucrative, three-year contract this offseason, is yet to touch an opposing quarterback this year, never mind sack him. He’s playing less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps, and while defensive coordinator Vic Fanigo insists he’s improving, Huff has yet to make his presence felt through four games with Philly.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler recently named Huff among the NFL’s most disappointing offseason additions, second only to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.
Here’s what Fowler had to say about the Huff situation:
Bryce Huff has also been a disappointment in Philadelphia, there's no way around it. The edge rusher is on a $51 million contract and has one solo tackle and no quarterback pressures at the quarter mark of the season. Adjustments to a new system and the way the Eagles are using him seem to be factors, but the return on investment is less than ideal, especially against the backdrop of the Reddick trade.
Philly’s Huff problem goes beyond the empty box scores. Due to his struggles against the run and setting containment, he’s being deployed almost exclusively in passing situations. That’s made the Eagles more predictable on defense, per The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena. Opposing quarterbacks are getting the ball out faster against the Eagles (2.65 seconds) than any other defense. Opponents are also sending extra blockers to chip Huff at a higher rate than all but seven other EDGE rushers (18.2 percent), according to PFF.
Fangio and the Eagles say they’re staying patient with Huff. The fans, however, are getting antsy, and the team needs to get more production from a player making a million bucks per game this season.
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