👀🦅 “Next Level”: Zack Baun Says Vic Fangio Is Taking the Eagles Defense to New Heights Before Training Camp Even Begins
The Philadelphia Eagles have never been shy about setting high expectations, but one recent comment from linebacker Zack Baun has fans believing the team’s defense could be on the verge of something special.
When asked about defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the progress being made behind the scenes, Baun offered a simple but powerful description:
“Next level.”
Those two words have quickly become a talking point throughout the Eagles community, especially considering that training camp has not even begun. While offseason workouts often generate optimism across the league, comments like these carry extra weight when they come from a player who is directly involved in the system every day.
For Eagles fans, the statement reinforces a growing belief that Philadelphia’s defense could emerge as one of the NFL’s most dominant units this season.
Fangio arrived in Philadelphia with one of the most respected defensive minds in football. Over the years, he has built a reputation for designing complex schemes that confuse quarterbacks, disguise coverages, and maximize the strengths of his players. His influence has been felt everywhere he has coached, and many around the league consider him one of the architects of modern NFL defense.
Last season offered flashes of what Fangio’s system could become in Philadelphia. The Eagles displayed improved discipline, stronger communication, and a greater ability to adjust throughout games. However, many inside the organization believe that was only the beginning.
The biggest advantage Fangio now possesses is familiarity.
Players entering a second year in the same defensive system typically experience a major leap in comfort and confidence. Rather than focusing on learning terminology and assignments, they can concentrate on execution, speed, and situational awareness. That often leads to faster reactions and fewer mistakes.
According to multiple reports from offseason activities, Eagles defenders appear significantly more comfortable within the scheme than they were a year ago. Veterans have spoken positively about the increased understanding across the roster, while younger players seem poised to take larger roles.
Baun himself may be one of the best examples.
After arriving in Philadelphia, he quickly became one of the surprise success stories of the defense. Fangio identified strengths in Baun’s game that previous coaching staffs had struggled to maximize. The result was a player who looked more confident, more aggressive, and more impactful than at any previous point in his career.
That success has only strengthened the trust between players and coaches.
When athletes see a system producing results, buy-in naturally increases. Players become more willing to embrace coaching adjustments and execute responsibilities because they understand how those changes contribute to overall success.
The Eagles also possess an enviable collection of talent across the defensive side of the ball.
The defensive line remains loaded with young stars and proven veterans capable of disrupting opposing offenses. The linebacker group appears deeper than it has in years, while the secondary continues to develop into one of the more intriguing units in the conference.
Perhaps most importantly, Fangio now has additional time to expand the playbook.
During a coach’s first season, simplicity is often necessary to ensure players understand core concepts. Once those foundations are established, coordinators gain the freedom to introduce more advanced wrinkles and disguises.
That possibility is exactly why Baun’s comments have generated so much excitement.
When a player describes a defense as reaching the “next level,” many fans immediately wonder what changes are taking place behind closed doors. Are there new blitz packages? More disguised coverages? Greater positional versatility? More aggressive game plans?
The reality is likely a combination of all those factors.
NFL defenses are constantly evolving, and Fangio has built his reputation by staying ahead of offensive trends. As quarterbacks become more sophisticated and offenses continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, defensive coordinators must adapt.
Few have done that more successfully than Fangio throughout his career.
For Philadelphia, the timing could not be better.
The Eagles enter the season with legitimate championship aspirations. Expectations are high throughout the organization, and every phase of the roster will be expected to perform at an elite level. While much attention naturally focuses on the offense, championship teams are often defined by their ability to make critical defensive stops when games matter most.
If Fangio’s defense takes the step that Baun is suggesting, Philadelphia could possess one of the most complete rosters in football.
Of course, offseason optimism must eventually be validated on the field. Training camp, preseason action, and regular-season competition will ultimately determine whether the excitement is justified.
Still, comments from players often provide valuable insight into what is happening inside the building. When someone like Zack Baun openly praises the direction of the defense and uses a phrase as strong as “next level,” people pay attention.
For now, Eagles fans can only imagine what Fangio has planned. But if the early reviews are accurate, Philadelphia’s defense may be preparing to become one of the NFL’s most feared units.
And training camp hasn’t even started yet.
