BREAKING: Head coach Nick Sirianni responds to Jason Kelce’s statement after losing several key players in the free agency period and restructuring and nurturing young talent to make the Eagles’ 2025 defense one of the best in the league, almost making Vic Fangio smile.

In the world of the NFL, there is little as volatile as a team’s defense after a Super Bowl victory. The Philadelphia Eagles, who entered 2025 as reigning champions after their Super Bowl LIX triumph, faced a painful exodus during the free agency period.

Key players such as edge rusher Josh Sweat (to Arizona Cardinals), defensive tackle Milton Williams (to New England Patriots), cornerback Darius Slay (to Pittsburgh Steelers) and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (traded to Houston Texans) left.

These losses left holes in a defense that dominated the league the previous year under coordinator Vic Fangio.

Still, head coach Nick Sirianni, in a recent press conference, responded positively to comments made by Eagles legend Jason Kelce. Kelce, who has worked as an analyst at ESPN since retiring, had expressed concern about the defensive changes on his New Heights podcast and on social media.

He warned that the young talents had to step up quickly to keep the standard high, especially after some mixed games earlier in the season.

However, Kelce also praised the potential of the new guard and believed the Eagles would peak at the right time, as they often do under Sirianni.

Sirianni, known for his emotional and motivational style, took Kelce’s words to heart. “Jason knows this team better than anyone. He has been the heart of our offensive line here for years and knows what it takes to win,” Sirianni said.

“His statement goes straight to the heart: we have indeed lost key players, but that opens doors for our young people. We have consciously opted for a restructuring, with a focus on nurturing homegrown talent. Look at what we see on the field now – it works.”

Indeed, the 2025 Eagles defense is a triumph of youth and adaptation. Led by the veteran Vic Fangio, known for his dour, unsmiling demeanor, the team has built one of the best units in the league.

With a third place in points allowed (only 19.3 per match) and top rankings in total defense, this group is younger than ever. Players like cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, who excelled as a rookie and has now earned a Pro Bowl selection, and his partner Cooper DeJean form a formidable duo in the secondary.

Linebacker Zack Baun, who earned a contract extension after his breakout season, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter dominate the front with their athleticism and pressure on the quarterback.

Fangio himself, who rarely shows emotion, has admitted in press conferences that this group almost makes him smile. “We have lost some experience, but gained in speed and versatility,” he said recently. “These guys learn and adapt quickly. It’s almost…

satisfying.” A rare compliment from the defensive maestro, whose scheme perfectly matches the talents of players like Nakobe Dean, Moro Ojomo and rookie Jihaad Campbell, who received more playing time due to injuries and opportunities.

Sirianni emphasized how the organization, under general manager Howie Roseman, operated strategically. Instead of signing expensive free agents, they invested in extensions for core players like Saquon Barkley and Zack Baun, and relied on the draft and internal development.

Acquisitions such as Adoree’ Jackson and edge rushers such as Jaelan Phillips and Nolan Smith filled the gaps, while youngsters such as Andrew Mukuba emerged in the secondary.

The results speak for themselves: the Eagles have a strong record, have conquered the NFC East and are looking forward to the playoffs with a defense that limits opponents to low completion percentages and few touchdowns. Pro Bowl selections for Mitchell, DeJean, Baun and Carter highlight the successful transition.

Even Jason Kelce, who has previously been critical of offensive struggles, recently praised how the defense carries the team.

Sirianni’s response to Kelce’s statement was one of gratitude and determination. “Jason is right – we have to keep nurturing and restructuring. But look at Vic: he’s almost smiling. That says it all.

This defense has not only been rebuilt; he’s gotten better.” In a league where change is constant, the Eagles have proven that youth, coaching and vision can lead to dominance. As the holidays approach and the playoffs beckon, Philadelphia is glowing green with optimism.

The Eagles are flying high, and Vic Fangio’s almost-smile is the ultimate proof.

Sirianni’s response to Kelce’s statement was one of gratitude and determination. “Jason is right – we have to keep nurturing and restructuring. But look at Vic: he’s almost smiling. That says it all.

This defense has not only been rebuilt; he’s gotten better.” In a league where change is constant, the Eagles have proven that youth, coaching and vision can lead to dominance. As the holidays approach and the playoffs beckon, Philadelphia is glowing green with optimism.

The Eagles are flying high, and Vic Fangio’s almost-smile is the ultimate proof.