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The Eagles safeties could be good, really good.

29 July 2016 Eagles News


Malcolm Jenkins may be the most underrated defensive back in the NFL despite never having a stable running mate at safety since he signed with the Eagles in 2014. That is no longer the case. Enter, Rodney McLeod, the former Rams safety and University of Virginia standout. McLeod’s career stats include 245 tackles, 5 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries. But why did he choose Philly?

“Basically, I know i’m going to be playing with Malcolm Jenkins, who is a great safety in this league, pro bowler, which was one of the reasons why I chose here, to play beside a guy of that caliber.”

Rodney McLeod Jr, in what is so far his signature play, separates Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders from the ball in 2014.

Rodney McLeod Jr, in what is so far his signature play, separates Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders from the ball in 2014.

New Eagles defensive coordinator is thrilled with his pairing at the safety position, and had this to say about numbers 27 and 23.

“They communicate very well,  they can cover a lot of ground, they can blitz, they can play man, they can play zone. I’d be very surprised as the year went on, if they’re not one of the better safety tandems in the NFL, they’ve been very impressive so far.”

As far as how he got here and what he wants to accomplish, well you can thank former Eagle and former teammate of McLeod’s, Quintin Mikell.

“Quintin Mikell speaks out to me, obviously I played with him in St. Louis my rookie year, great guy, played 8 years here. Obviously I watched Brian Dawkins and guys like that, hopefully I can get somewhere where they are today.”

If McLeod and Jenkins can reach the level of play that Dawkins and Mikell showed week in and week out, the Eagles defense will be scary good.

Source: philadelphiaeagles.com