By Patricia 
Fangio Wants Answers: Is Adoree’ Jackson the Real Deal or Not?
The Eagles hit the field Tuesday for their first full-pads practice — bright and early to beat the brutal heat. But that didn’t stop Vic Fangio from rocking a hoodie like it was 55 and breezy. The defensive coordinator chatted with reporters before practice and got real about the competition at cornerback and where a few key players stand heading into the season.
Adoree’ Jackson vs. Kelee Ringo: Who Wants It More?
Fangio didn’t sugarcoat it — Adoree’ Jackson looked invisible during the early days of camp. The ball just wasn’t coming his way, and it felt like he wasn’t even out there. But that changed recently. Jackson got tested, and to his credit, he responded with a strong day.
Still, Fangio made one thing very clear: this is a make-or-break moment for Jackson.
“He’s played a lot of football,” Fangio said, “but this is the place where he’s got to show who he really is — or isn’t.”
He added that he hadn’t watched much of Jackson’s tape before Philly signed him (and joked that when Howie Roseman wants someone, it’s basically a done deal). But over the years, he’s seen enough to know: Jackson’s had chances in Tennessee and New York. Neither team brought him back. Now, it’s time for him to prove he’s more than just a “potential” guy.
Meanwhile, Kelee Ringo is quietly putting together a solid camp. He’s in great shape and finally getting a legit shot to start.
“He’s right there,” Fangio said. “He’s competing. He’s trying to take advantage of it.”
This one’s wide open — best man wins.
Quick Hits: Fangio’s Thoughts on Individual Players
* Moro Ojomo (DT) – Fangio’s confident. He’s older, stronger, and has experience now. Should hold up just fine.
* Andrew Mukuba (S) – Kid needs physical reps. Meetings help, sure, but you can’t fake game speed.
* Sydney Brown (S) – Finally getting the reps he missed last year. Learning the system. Progress is showing.
* Jihaad Campbell (LB) – Making small but steady strides. The kind of growth coaches notice, even if fans don’t.
* Mac McWilliams (CB) – Has solid instincts and raw skill, but still learning the system. Hit or miss for now, but promising.
* Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB) – Light-years ahead of where he was last year. Being healthy and consistent is paying off.
Pads Are On. Now It’s Real.
Fangio said things speed up the second pads go on. Run plays, play-action, everything starts moving faster — and that’s where players really prove themselves. He emphasized that **figuring out if it’s a run or pass is the most important part of playing defense**, and you just can’t learn that without contact.
Also, the heat? He’s not worried. It’s all mental.
“If you’re folding in July, how are you gonna handle a 1 PM kickoff in September?”
Other Fangio Nuggets
* Cooper DeJean isn’t getting many reps at safety. The offense has been running mostly 11 personnel, which doesn’t give the defense many chances to rotate in their base packages.
* Quinyon Mitchell is already improving his ball skills. Fangio loved his recent INT in camp — a play he probably wouldn’t have made last year.
* Jordan Davis dropped 26 pounds. Huge for stamina and quickness. Fangio said the weight loss will help him stay explosive and bend better on pass rushes.
* Edge rushers? Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt are looking strong. Behind them, it’s still a fight — Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari are neck and neck, but nobody’s pulled away yet.