Philadelphia Eagles: Derek Barnett is out, Josh Sweat must step up
Shoulder surgery now means that the Philadelphia Eagles will go the rest of the way without Derek Barnett. Is Josh Sweat ready to seize the opportunity.
As if the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans needed any more bad news right? This time, it came on the defensive ball when ‘The Birds’ and their fans were rocked with the news that their second-year defensive end, Derek Barnett, was done for the season. It may be Josh Sweat time in Philly.
Let’s hope the rookie is up for the task.
Here’s a tweet from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter:
Eagles’ DE Derek Barnett is undergoing shoulder surgery and is now out for the season, per source. The former first-round pick recorded 2.5 sacks and 17 tackles this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2018
Eagles fans were hoping this would be a breakout season for Barnett after the former Tennessee Volunteers standout racked up 21 tackles (that includes five sacks), a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a defensive score in reserve duty during the 2017 campaign (his first year).
Prior two his injury, Barnett, in is second season, had amassed 17 tackles and 2.5 sacks in a starting role. The most memorable moment was a game-ending sack of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in Week 3.
It’s Josh Sweat time in Philly.
Barnett’s injury now means rookie Josh Sweat may see the field more. Michael Bennett and Chris Long figure to see increased roles in Barnett’s absence, and one figures to take over as a starter. Still, Philly’s defensive line, though talented, is starting to get a little ‘long in the tooth’.
Some fresh legs may be the trick for helping in fixing what’s beginning to, at times, look like an ailing pass rush.
In 35 in-game appearances with the Florida State Seminoles, Sweat produced 138 tackles (77 were solo). He racked up 14.5 sacks, 29 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and an interception (it’s always interesting when guys who play with their hand in the ground do that), and he added three fumble recoveries to his resume as well.
Next. Dallas Goedert considered to be the top rookie TE in NFL so far. dark
It’s not a guarantee that all of that will translate to NFL success, but the Eagles and their fans are, definitely, hoping that’s the case.
So far, he’s been on the field for 27 snaps (12 of those were on special teams). He hasn’t recorded any statistics in any of those snaps.