About 24 years ago Allen Iverson sat in front of a crowd of media covering his playoff exit at the Philadelphia 76ers, and the future Hall of Famer uttered the word “practice” 22 times.
“We're sitting here – I'm supposed to be the franchise player and we're talking about training. I mean, listen: we're talking about practice. No game. No game. No game. We talk about practice. No game. Not the game that I go out and die for and play every game like it's my last. Not the game. We’re talking practice, man.”
The now-famous rant was less about his postseason performance and more about sadness, as Iverson was still reeling from the death of his best friend. Rahsaan Langeford was shot seven months earlier, an event Iverson found difficult to come to terms with.
Fast forward to December 3, 2024, and the Eagles' defensive coordinator references the 76ers Hall of Fame guard when describing Philadelphia's training habits and the incredible improvement of its No. 1-ranked unit.
“The more you practice, the better you play, the better you become, despite what Allen Iverson ever said.”
— DC Vic Fangio
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane)
Since the bye in Week 5 and their win in Week 6, the Eagles are first in yards allowed per game (241.3), first in yards allowed per game (4.1), first in yards allowed per attempt (5th). .6) and first in sacks (30). , first in sack rate (10.6%), second in passer rating allowed (78.1) and second in points per game allowed (15.3).
Philadelphia has also improved his tackling and defensive efficiency, something that is a credit to Fangio because he is responsible for the Eagles increased exercise habits after having one of the lightest workloads in recent years.
