Interesting Angle

Posted: June 16th, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Interesting Angle

There could be a benefit to Joe Douglas becoming the GM of the Jets.

According to this spring review of the Jets, one of their big weaknesses is CB.

Brother, can you spare a dime back? Better yet, how about a CB2? Yeah, the Jets have issues at cornerback. Big issues. Basically, they have two career backups in their CB2 and CB3 spots: Darryl Roberts and Brian Poole, respectively. Derrick Jones did some nice things in practice, but he’s raw and missed time with a leg injury. Douglas is well aware of the problem and already has tried to address it with a pair of minor moves, adding Mark Myers and Montrel Meander. (Yes, he will expand his search beyond players with “M.M.” as initials.) Trust me, they’re exploring the trade market.

Hmm.

The Eagles are heavy at CB. The 2017 starters, Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills, are working their way back from injuries. The team still has high hopes for Sidney Jones, who is healthy this spring and playing well. Avonte Maddox showed tremendous potential last year and is someone the Eagles definitely want on the field.

Rasul Douglas started 12 games over the past two years and could push for a starting role this season.

Cre’Von LeBlanc came out of nowhere to have a terrific season in the slot last year. His ability to play inside makes him a valuable DB.

The Eagles need to keep five CBs. That means someone could be dealt.

The flip side is that the team had to deal with all kinds of injuries last year. Howie Roseman may not be in a rush to trade anyone, especially with Darby and Mills still on the mend. If Roseman does want to deal someone, the Jets make a lot of sense.

You aren’t getting a high pick in return (and that may be all the more reason to wait until August), but Roseman isn’t afraid to take chances. If he thinks the team has five good CBs, he might be willing to make a deal.

*****

Mike Kaye wrote a good piece on DE Josh Sweat.

After only logging 68 snaps on defense as a rookie, Sweat has a chance to be a key role player in 2019. He looked good in the OTAs and optimism is high. Still, Sweat has work to do.

Sweat’s athleticism and length make him a strong fit for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s Wide-9 front. With added space to attack the line, Sweat’s burst and quickness could serve as major assets in the Eagles’ pass-rush.

“I’ve got a lot speed,” Sweat said. “I can either go with a lot of power or go inside. It’s really hard in space for offensive linemen to deal with that. All I’ve got to worry about is my get-off.”

His get-off didn’t exist last year. It was awkward to watch him. It is encouraging that Sweat is aware of his biggest weakness. Let’s hope he’s been able to do something about it.

*****

Happy Father’s Day, everyone.

Raise your kids to root for the Eagles, to love the 4-3 defense and to understand the greatness of offensive linemen.

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