Eagles Counting on 31 years old Return After Bye Week

Since Avonte Maddox’s injury in Week 2, the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Sean Desai, has experimented with various options at the slot cornerback position. Mario Goodrich filled in for Maddox but struggled, prompting Desai to employ a mix-and-match strategy, utilizing outside cornerback James Bradberry and rookie safety Sydney Brown. This strategic move showcased Desai’s flexibility and preparation, especially considering the challenges posed by opponents like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Desai had previously tested Bradberry in the slot during training camp to handle matchups against top receiving tight ends. The experiment proved successful, but it came with consequences. As Desai continued to shuffle his defensive pieces, it became evident that second-year cornerback Josh Jobe struggled outside, and injuries, such as Brown’s strained hamstring, further complicated the situation.

By Week 4, facing the Washington Commanders, Desai had Bradberry primarily in the slot, but this adjustment didn’t prevent Washington’s Sam Howell from having a successful day. The Eagles’ defensive struggles led to a reevaluation by both Desai and general manager Howie Roseman.

With the upcoming challenge posed by the Los Angeles Rams and Cooper Kupp, Roseman brought in veteran Bradley Roby. Despite a limited preparation time, Desai initially relied on Goodrich and introduced undrafted rookie Eli Ricks. Kupp exploited the younger players in the first half, but Roby’s experience and football IQ made a significant impact in the second half.

However, Roby’s tenure with the Eagles faced a setback due to a shoulder injury suffered against the New York Jets. The team source revealed it was a strained pec, sidelining Roby until the post-bye game against Kansas City on Nov. 20.

During Roby’s absence, the Eagles employed a piecemeal approach, with Ricks taking a significant workload. By Week 7, the Eagles added Josiah Scott, a natural slot cornerback, to the mix, edging out Ricks in workload. The constantly changing lineup, injuries, and strategic shifts became a challenging puzzle for Desai and secondary coach D.K. McDonald.

The acquisition of veteran safety Kevin Byard before the Week 8 rematch with Washington, along with the return of Reed Blankenship, solidified the defensive plan until the bye week. Brown’s physicality was utilized in run support on early downs, while Ricks handled passing situations.

Despite challenges, the Eagles found ways to win, with Desai, McDonald, and nickel coach Ronell Williams playing crucial roles in adapting players to unfamiliar positions. The series of events leading to this complex defensive situation can be traced back to Zech McPhearson’s preseason injury, Maddox’s presumed backup, creating a butterfly effect that brought in Roby, Scott, and Byard, and showcasing the skills of the coaching staff and the talented defensive line.