Will the Eagles starting slot cornerback emerge after tonight’s game?
23 August 2018 Eagles News
[social_warfare]Will the Philadelphia Eagles’ slot cornerback battle be solved after tonight’s preseason game versus the Cleveland Browns.
All offseason, the question was, who’s going to step up in the slot. The slot isn’t the easiest position on the defense as most of the time, opposing team’s mix it up and use running backs and tight ends against the slot cornerback as well. The slot cornerback needs to be quick and good in coverage. Last season, cornerback Patrick Robinson played well above his expectations and a lot of the Eagles success came off of how well he was playing.
Coming into this season, the loss of Robinson will be detrimental, unless the Eagles fund a fitting replacement. Second year man Sidney Jones is the front runner, and he’s shown he can play there. However, he hasn’t be able to fully shake off the completion. Journey man DeVante Bausby and rookie Avonte Maddox are giving Jones a run for his money. But, with the season starting in less than two weeks, the Eagles need a solution. Tonight’s game is the perfect time to solve the problem and end the competition.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had this to say regarding the slot cornerback competition.
“Each guy brings a little bit different skill set, little bit different strengths and weaknesses, to the position. I think the competition is good. This game (vs. Browns) is going to go a long way to deciding who is going to be out there in the opener.”
With that being said, the Eagles know as the season draws near, it’s time for one of the players to run away with the job. Like forth noted, Jones has to be the front runner after seeing what Maddox and Bausby have offered in the previous games. But, competition brings out the best in everyone and tonight expect to see three players give it all they got when they’re on the field.
At the end of the day, Jones should be the starter. He’s everything you want in the slot in terms of ability and speed. If there’s one player to bet on September 6th in the slot, it’s Jones.
Photo Credit: Marcus Hayes – Philly.com
Ryan Neal Avonte Maddox, De'Vante Bausby, Philadelphia Eagles, Sidney Jones