Panthers coach Ron Rivera is a fan of Philadelphia Eagles’ cornerbacks
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera had some very complimentary things to say about the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting cornerback duo this week.
For Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, the path to becoming an NFL head coach had a stop in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’. The man who’s now affectionately known as ‘Riverboat Ron’ spent five seasons (1999-2003) as the Philadelphia Eagles‘ linebackers coach under Andy Reid.
After proving himself to be a successful position coach, there were stops with the Chicago Bears, where he spent nine seasons as a player, and with the San Diego Chargers, where he, again, spent a season as a linebackers coach (2007) before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2008.
He led the Panthers to the doorstep of a world title but came up a little short in Super Bowl 50, but through all of that, he hasn’t stopped paying attention to what ‘The Birds’ are doing.
Wednesday, Rivera participated in a conference call with several members of the Philly media. He was very complimentary of the Eagles’ starting cornerbacks.
Both have received criticism this season, but Rivera had nothing but praise for them. Here’s what he had to say about Jalen Mills:
"Jalen Mills, he fights his butt off out there. That’s what you’re looking for."
To be honest, it’s a simple comment, but it’s also one that most Eagles fans could agree with. Mills has been victimized in some one-on-one coverage, but it’s the NFL. That stuff happens sometimes.
Here’s what was said when Ronald Darby‘s name came up:
"I’ll tell you one of the guys I’ve always been impressed with watching is Ronald Darby. He does a solid job"
If you’re interested in hearing Rivera’s phone interview in its’ entirety, click below.
Video courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles’ official YouTube page
Last season, in a much-ballyhooed prime time game, Philly disposed of Carolina by a score of 28-23.
Many see that game as the one that spearheaded the Eagles championship run. Some even wonder if there might be a similar type of spark that comes in Sunday’s contest. Whatever happens, one thing is certain.
Next. Brian Dawkins will receive his HOF ring Sunday at halftime. dark
The play of Philly’s cornerbacks versus the Panthers’ receivers may go a long way in determining the outcome.