Eagles Fill a Slot

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Eagles Fill a Slot

Posted: October 3rd, 2023 | Author: Tommy Lawlor 

The Eagles had a deep group of cornerbacks coming into the season. They had a good mixture of youth and veterans. There was a lot of talent. There was just one hole, the backup in the slot. So naturally Avonte Maddox, the starting nickelback, got hurt.

The coaches moved James Bradberry inside and put Josh Jobe outside for the past couple of games. That delivered mixed results. The front office decided to make a move on Tuesday.

Roby is 31. He’s played 126 games in his career. He’s got okay size at 5-11, 194.

Most importantly, he can play in the slot or outside.

The Eagles have struggled in coverage this year. Only two teams have allowed more TD passes, the Bears and Broncos. Yikes. Those are two teams you don’t want to be compared to. Opposing QBs have a rating of 99.5 against the Eagles this year, which puts them down at 26th. Not ideal.

Injuries and youth have caused Sean Desai to put some flawed lineups on the field. Adding Roby can help. That will give the team an experienced player in the slot and allow Slay and Bradberry to stay outside. That is the best lineup for the Eagles right now.

As Jeff pointed out in his tweet, Roby will need a little time to get ready. It would be great to have him when going against the Rams, but he’ll probably wait a week or so to get on the field.

We have seen promise from some of the young DBs. Josh Jobe is tough and physical. He will battle. He’s got a short memory and doesn’t panic after he’s beaten. I can see Jobe as a future starter. Sydney Brown has flashed at safety and in the slot. The coaches probably like him long term at safety, but could get him slot reps this week. We’ll see if he’s healthy enough to play.

It can take time for coaches and players to come together on pass coverage and get everything synced up. The Eagles defense is off to a rough start, but I think they have the pieces to make this work.

*****

The DTs are playing at a high level now. Jalen Carter continues to play at a make his presence felt.

He just missed a sack on Sunday, but was disruptive at times.

Don’t forget about Fletcher Cox. He was outstanding against Washington.

It is crazy to think he was drafted in 2012 and continues to play at a high level.

*****

One player I’m very happy for is LB Nick Morrow. He got a lot of criticism this spring and summer. Morrow signed to the practice squad after he was cut. Then he got promoted and he’s taken advantage of his chance to play.

I don’t put a lot of stock in those grades, but even if they are close, it is a sign of how well Morrow is playing right now. He had the safety in Tampa. He had 3 sacks against Washington. Morrow is making plays, which is what you want at LB.

Zach Cunningham is the reliable tackler and run defender. Together they have formed a better LB duo than any of us would have expected.

Another good job by Howie Roseman and his staff to find cheap help at a position where the Eagles are willing to take a chance.

http://igglesblitz.com/2023/10/eagles-fill-a-slot/