Eagles get major boost from an unlikely source
The Philadelphia Eagles got a shot in the arm from an unlikely candidate in the team’s Sunday Night Football showdown with the Green Bay Packers. Late in the first quarter, starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a ribs injury while making a tackle on Packers wide receiver Christian Watson. Most teams would struggle without its starting […]
The Philadelphia Eagles got a shot in the arm from an unlikely candidate in the team’s Sunday Night Football showdown with the Green Bay Packers.
Late in the first quarter, starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a ribs injury while making a tackle on Packers wide receiver Christian Watson.
Most teams would struggle without its starting safety, especially when that player leads the league in interceptions like Gardner-Johnson does with six.
Not the Eagles.
Rookie undrafted free agent Reed Blankenship was inserted in the defensive backfield, immediately making his presence known. Blankenship jumped an Aaron Rodgers pass intended for Packers tight end Tyler Davis.
Blankenship had registered just two defensive snaps in his career coming into the game.
It was a thing of beauty from the former Middle Tennessee State University standout. Most importantly, the interception kept the Green Bay Packers from marching to the endzone to take the lead.
Depth is critical for teams contending for the NFL’s ultimate prize – the Lombardi Trophy. It’s not only a testament to Blankenship’s readiness, but defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and his staff deserve credit for putting the rookie in a position to succeed against a future first-ballot Hall of Famer in Rodgers.
Featured image via Maria Lysaker – USA TODAY Sports
