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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

With the league in its final leg, all sorts of predictions are on. Say it MVP or the Defensive Player of the Year, fans and former greats are putting forward their opinions. Well, the Eagles gave a fine performance in the regular season. And it’s time to reap praise for their efforts. It’s not every day a former NFL legend throws his weight behind an underdog. So ‘Who is it?’ You wonder.

Legendary LB and Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly rooted for a player who burst out to the NFL scene this season. On The Rich Eisen Show, Luke Kuechly named Eagles linebacker Zack Baun as his pick for the DPOY on Jan 9. “I think Zack Baun and the job that he’s done on that Philadelphia Eagles defense has been really good,” Kuechly said when asked for his choice for the DPOY. The choice raised eyebrows. Especially when you take into account established stars. Kuechly did take the names of stars like T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, and Trey Hendrickson. But settled for Baun as his pick.

via Imago

Baun is on a modest one-year $3.5 million deal with the Eagles. And he is definitely not the typical name in DPOY conversations. But Kuechly wasn’t shy about his admiration, saying, “Zack Baun, first year in Philadelphia and that Fangio defense… he’s had a really good season and he’s been a big part of their success.” Baun’s transformation from a Saints special teamer to a defensive juggernaut this season has made waves.

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Kuechly’s endorsement comes amid an intense DPOY race. Trey Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Despite the Bengals‘ disappointing 9-8 season, he edges out Myles Garrett’s 14.0. Meanwhile, T.J. Watt was hindered by injuries. He saw his production drop late in the year. And finished with 11.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. Kuechly noted that DPOY isn’t just about sacks.

“Normally it’s in the same way that the MVP is a Quarterback Award. Frequently the defensive player of the year is a Sachs Award,” he said. However, he argued, “You obviously [can have] an exception to that rule sometimes.” On the other hand, Baun is thriving in Vic Fangio’s system.

Baun finished 2024 with 151 combined tackles. But that’s not all. He also has 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks under his belt. Numbers like these have made him a revelation in Philadelphia. His contributions are undeniable as the Eagles sit atop the NFC.

Baun’s breakout under Fangio’s tutelage

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Is Zack Baun the underdog story of the year, or just a flash in the pan?

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Baun’s journey to stardom wasn’t instant. The Saints drafted him in the second round. However, he struggled to make an impact in four seasons. And recorded just 88 tackles. But his move to the Eagles on a prove-it deal became the perfect match. Vic Fangio unlocked Baun’s potential, utilizing him in varied roles.

“Vic Fangio is playing him on the ball, off the ball, five-man front, traditional four-man spacing off the ball.” Kuechly explained how the change in environment contributed to Baun’s success. His adaptability turned him into one of the most reliable pieces of a formidable Eagles defense.

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via Imago

Pro Football Focus crowned him 2024’s Breakout Player of the Year and advocated for a First-Team All-Pro nod. The accolade reflects his tremendous leap, and fans have started echoing Kuechly’s sentiment for DPOY consideration. Baun’s rise is also a testament to the Eagles’ front office.

Taking a low-risk chance on him turned into one of the best offseason moves. Now, with free agency looming, Baun’s $3.5 million deal looks like a bargain. As Kuechly summed it up, “It just shows you that sometimes it’s not the guy… it’s just [that] guys thrive in a different system.” Baun found his fit in Philadelphia.

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He has proved that he’s more than an underdog. He’s a game-changer. And in a year crowded with big names, Zack Baun’s journey and impact make him a compelling DPOY contender.

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Is Zack Baun the underdog story of the year, or just a flash in the pan?