Dom Disandro Senior Advisor To The General Manager/chief Security Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
Dom Disandro Senior Advisor To The General Manager/chief Security Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
Over recent weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles have significantly improved their turnover ratio, shifting from -6 to +1. Linebacker Zack Baun has been instrumental in this change, contributing takeaways in three consecutive games. In the Eagles' recent victory over Dallas, Baun excelled with two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and eight tackles, including one for loss.
On Wednesday, the NFL acknowledged Baun's performance by naming him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. This marks Baun's first league award in his five-year career. Saquon Barkley is another Eagle recognized this season with three Player of the Week honors.
Baun's first season with the Eagles has been notable; he set a new personal best with 87 tackles and matched his career highs with two sacks and an interception. He also recorded his first forced fumbles (3) and fumble recovery.
Reflecting on his journey, Baun stated: "I think through my time in New Orleans (where he was a third-round pick in 2020), of course people say I was an on-ball linebacker, but when I was in New Orleans, I was putting in the time, putting in just the same amount of work as the starters were, just to prepare for a moment like this, my opportunity. And all I had to do was take advantage and just let it fly."
Baun credited the Eagles' organization and Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio for their support: "They embrace me so much, the coaches, the players, the cafeteria staff – everyone just accepted me like a big family. The people in the building made it really easy for me to transition here."
According to Pro Football Focus, Baun ranks as 2024's third-best off-ball linebacker and second-best coverage off-ball linebacker behind Fred Warner. NFL's Next Gen Stats indicate that Baun has achieved a 17.3% run stop rate this year and ranks among the top five in several key metrics.
Despite his success with the Eagles, Baun remains committed to continuous improvement: "I'm just grinding at every little thing and putting the time in; I'm trying to be a complete linebacker," he said.
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