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Philadelphia Eagles: Finding help for Jordan Hicks

By Anthony Fabrikant

Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler (19) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler (19) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Eagles have a talented middle linebacker, but to take the next step, he’ll need competent companions.

Jordan Hicks has been nothing short of a steal. Since the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he’s proven it. every time he plays He’s already showcased a knack for making big plays and his ability to “quarterback” a defense. He’s right on the fringe of being one of the NFL’s best. While he is good, Philly needs to invest in a side-kick.

Batman and Robin?

Think along the lines of duos like Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly or Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman. Brian Urlacher evn had a well-known ally in Lance Briggs. Linebackers can take their game to another level when playing alongside teammates that accentuates their strengths. It also helps minimize their deficiencies because everyone’s focused on what they do best.

Davis’ speed and presence in the running game allows Kuechly to play pragmatically. Kuechly can read the defense and make decisions based on perception instead of having to play in a reactionary fashion. This is partially what allows him to disrupt plays in the passing game and also what allows him to defend running plays just as efficiently.

The Eagles need receivers and corners though…

Eagles
No one is disputing that the wide receiver and cornerback positions will be addressed during the off-season. Those may be the position groups that are most important for the Eagles to address. Still, the team will continue to develop an entire roster that allows their best players to prosper, and Hicks is in that category. /

Hicks has shown the ability to make game-changing plays. His interception versus Matt Cassel in Dallas that he returned it for touchdown is a perfect example. Hicks was also the guy that delivered the knockout blow to Tony Romo that eventually forced Cassel into the lineup in the first place.

Next: Does Wentz have a new best friend?

What the numbers say

Through only 24 games, Hicks has accumulated 135 tackles, 14 passes defended, two sacks, four fumble recoveries and seven interceptions. Yes, we said seven interceptions. The numbers affirm what this article states, Hicks is a star in the making. If the Eagles want to ensure Hicks’ development, they’ll need to make sure that his talents aren’t handcuffed because of his supporting cast’s inabilities.

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