Adrian Fedkiw
If you came here to look at what Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had to say about Fletcher Cox, don’t read any further.
Actually, what the hell am I talking about, keep reading!
Schwartz addressed the media Tuesday and delved into numerous topics regarding his defense, just not many on his Pro Bowl defensive lineman. Schwartz explained that he didn’t want to comment on whether or not he has talked to Cox or anything else about him for that matter, but did answer one question about how much Cox is missing out on by not attending the voluntary camp?
“Fletch was drafted in a scheme that was similar to this, he’ll catch up. I’m sure there’ll be some carry-over for him,” Schwartz said. “He certainly had an impressive year last year. We think that scheme-wise and technique-wise that what we’ll do is going to fit him very well.”
That was it though. No more Cox talk, sorry guys.
“Let’s just talk about the guys that are here,” Schwartz said.
Will do.
Let’s start with the safety tandem of Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. Schwartz believes they have the potential to be one of the best tandems in the NFL.
“That was money well spent,” he said. “They’re both multidimensional. They communicate very well, they can cover a lot of ground, they can blitz, they can play man, they can play zone. I’d very surprised as the year went on if they’re not one of the best safety tandems in the NFL. They’ve been very impressive so far.”
Bennie Logan is transitioning from nose tackle in a 3-4 to a defensive tackle in a 4-3 and Schwartz talked about what adjustments he’d be making.
“It’s not just a change of position from a nose to a defensive tackle, it’s really a change of philosophy from an at the line two-gap philosophy to an attack, get off the ball, one-gap penetrate philosophy,” he said.
To be honest, I believe Logan is a much better fit for Schwartz’s scheme than Billy Davis’. I’m expecting a monster year from Logan.
The Eagles signed three former Bills that were under Schwartz’s watch in 2014, linebacker Nigel Bradham and cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Ron Brooks. Schwartz had some very positive things to say about McKelvin.
“The year I had him, he was playing at a really high level before he got hurt. He broke his ankle against Miami. He’s not the tallest guy around, but he can jump, he can play the ball in the air, mentally and physically tough,” he said.
Marcus Smith was a bust during the Chip Kelly era, but Schwartz is hoping to get his career going in the right direction.
“This is a scheme that greatly limits what he’s asked to do. Very easy in theory, difficult in execution,” he said. “That should allow him to play fast, attack spots. Give him a little bit less responsibility, but hopefully allow him to have a little more impact. He’s very athletic, has great size.”
The one rookie who has impressed so far has been seventh-rounder Jalen Mills, although like Schwartz continually emphasized during his press conference, it’s early.
“When we get those full pad practices in training camp, when we start getting into preseason games, I think we’ll have a good grasp of how far those guys have come,” he said.
And what about Mills, who was regarded by many scouts to be a second or third round talent, but plummeted due to character concerns.
“He’s been impressive so far,” Schwartz said. “He’s a very good athlete, he can play the ball and is comfortable being on an island.”
Schwartz noted that head coach Doug Pederson has the ability to talk and connect with players and doesn’t have an ego, the polar opposite of what the Eagles had the last three years with Chip Kelly.
“He doesn’t have very much of an ego and is open minded when it comes to a lot of different things. I see him talking to players all the time and getting their input on things,” he said.
As long as polar opposite translates into victories!
You can check out the press conference below.