Eagles' DC isn't worried about potential problem
The Philadelphia Eagles could have a potential problem on their hands for the last few weeks of the season, and possibly heading into the playoffs. As we all know by now, the loss to the Dallas Cowboys was a tough one, but for a few different reasons. Not only did they lose to their biggest […]
The Philadelphia Eagles could have a potential problem on their hands for the last few weeks of the season, and possibly heading into the playoffs.
As we all know by now, the loss to the Dallas Cowboys was a tough one, but for a few different reasons. Not only did they lose to their biggest rival in a game that would have clinched the division, they also lost some really key players.
Lane Johnson, the leagues best right tackle, left with an injury, as did Avonte Maddox, a very solid starting cornerback. As we have learned since the game, these two could miss some significant time.
The problem doesn’t really lie with Johnson missing time, even though it could be a problem. It’s more of the Eagles missing Maddox.
The offensive line has some pretty amazing depth with players that can move around anywhere on the offensive line. The secondary is a little less fortunate to have that luxury. At least at this very moment.
The secondary has struggled a bit considering how elite the were for most of the season, and losing Maddox won’t help that, obviously. The secondary could become a problem over the next few weeks, especially with Maddox and Gardner-Johnson out.
“I probably could have gotten to some better calls,” defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said. “When he (Avonte Maddox) did go out, I thought he was playing extremely well but we always, look, we feel comfortable with anyone that is out there in the spots that they are in.
“You know, if you have a jersey and you are playing, we feel good about you. So, you know Josiah (Scott) has played really good ball for us when Avonte has been out a couple times this year… So, we have a good plan moving forward.”
It seems the Eagles aren’t worried a ton about the guys they have behind their starters though. When Gardner-Johnson went out, we saw undrafted free agent Reed Blankenship step up and make some huge plays. We also saw him get burnt a few times, too.
This means Josiah Scott will continue to play for Maddox, who has played well, not great, but not bad. He has certainly had his fair share of mishaps, but he is better than the average backup nickel corner.
I don’t think this will turn to a problem, but it certainly has the potential to be a big one. The Eagles are confident in the guys they have though, as they should be.
Featured Image Via Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
