Will Eagles DE Derek Barnett get his first sack in Week 5?
The Philadelphia Eagles made former University of Tennessee pass rusher Derek Barnett their first-round selection in April, but now they could use some sacks.
The Philadelphia Eagles sit atop the NFC East with a record of 3-1. Their last two wins have come by a total of five points against a couple of struggling teams.
The Arizona Cardinals, who fly into Lincoln Financial Field at 2-2, obviously weren’t winless, but they are struggling.
It’s widely known that Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer can still get it done. Still, every professional quarterback has their strengths and weaknesses. Some do a great job of disguising those weaknesses. Others play in systems that allow them to flourish more than they might otherwise.
One thing all quarterbacks hate is pressure.
The pressure principle:
Palmer is no different than any other passer, and pressure will be the key for a Philadelphia Eagles win on Sunday.
Rookie defensive end Derek Barnett might be poised for his first NFL sack against a Cardinals offensive line that’s more than suspect. The combination of injuries and mediocre talent have Arizona sitting in a dicey situation while playing a road game in a loud environment like the Linc.
Barnett needs to capitalize on this opportunity.
While playing limited snaps behind veteran end Vinny Curry, who’s also waiting for his first quarterback sack this season, Barnett is in better position today than ever before to get into the stat column.
Is Barnett truly struggling?
It’s been said that quarterback sacks are overrated, and this is true. Quarterback pressure is really what you want, and if that factor is abundant then good things happen for a defense, like incomplete passes and interceptions. It’s not like Barnett has to actually take Palmer to the turf four times on Sunday to make an impact.
But with Cardinals left offensive tackle D.J. Humphries already ruled out in this game, likely replacement John Wetzel might be more of a turnstile than a brick wall.
Combine Arizona’s offensive line issues with Palmer’s highly limited mobility and the recipe is there for a big day from the Philadelphia Eagles front seven. I don’t expect defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to sit around waiting to see of the front four can get pressure on it’s own, which it might.
Barnett should be active and use his young legs to bully Wetzel each time he gets the opportunity to do so.
While the numbers look small, Barnett already has a fumble recovery this season and he’s shown that non-stop motor that should make him among the top pass rushers in the NFL sooner than later. An aging veteran quarterback with near zero mobility might be the calling card to help this former Volunteer jump to the next level.