The Philadelphia Eagles transformed their defense from one of the worst in the NFL last season to one of the best. The defense is giving up the fewest points in the league. The addition of veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has revitalized the Eagles’ defense. Beyond Fangio, though, defensive line coach Clint Hurtt has also had his impact felt.
Hurtt, the former Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, wouldn’t look out of place lining up next to his players. The performances Hurt has been getting out of his unit as a coach this season have been a key reason behind the Eagles’ success.
This Coach Leads Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Line Resurgence
Young Bucks
Hurtt’s work with the Eagles’ defensive line is more impressive because, at an average age of 25, the Eagles have one of the youngest lines in the league. Featured prominently are second-year players Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Moro Ojomo. Rookie third-round pick Jalyx Hunt has also carved out a more prominent role for himself after the loss of Eagles legend Brandon Graham for the season. The youthful infusion along the Eagles line has led to them hitting their stride as the season progresses, rather than running out of gas and cratering, as they did to end the 2023 season.
Rapid In-Season Improvement
Hurtt has helped transform Nolan Smith from draft bust talk to potentially being the next great lineman in Eagles history, and it’s paid dividends in the playoffs. According to PFF, Smith has generated the third-most pressure of anyone in the playoffs, with his linemate and fellow Georgia Bulldog Jalen Carter being first.
Carter came into the league with superstar potential, and in year two, he’s begun to realize all of it. Carter has gone from playing 48% of snaps during the 2023 season to 79% in 2024. The increase in Carter’s conditioning was on full display in the Divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, when Carter made a potentially season-saving sack on Matthew Stafford deep in the fourth quarter. Hurtt has worked with Carter to help him play with fire and passion but not cross the line. In both the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers games earlier this season, Hurtt was the one to defuse possible volatile situations with Carter in the heat of the moment.
Milton Williams has gone from a nice rotational defensive tackle to likely one of the most coveted free agents this off-season under Hurtt. Williams went from half a sack and three tackles for loss last season to five sacks and seven TFLs this season.
The Eagles’ defense has been one of the biggest reasons for their success this year. Their revitalized defensive line has showcased that the Hurtt business is booming.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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