Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Players that are key to a Wild Card victory versus Chicago
Malcolm Jenkins, S
For the last few years, we have figured out that Malcolm Jenkins is the heart and soul of the Eagles defense. This guy can literally do it all. Need a safety? Jenkins is there. Need a slot cornerback? Jenkins is there. Heck, you need a linebacker or a pass rusher? Malcolm Jenkins is there! He’s a warrior, and he can play anywhere on the defense when called upon.
Last season, Jenkins’ leadership was crucial down the stretch. Although he’s been a leader in Philly for quite some time now, he didn’t really have much leading to do in the postseason before last year. Now that Jenkins was a part of three more postseason wins while being considered a captain of the defense, that experience will be much needed this week for the young and inexperienced secondary that the Eagles have.
Jenkins can’t do everything by himself, and hopefully, he won’t need to try. However, it is a guarantee that Jenkins is going to reliable, as he has been for almost every single game for as long as we can remember. Without Rodney McLeod at safety, the Eagles can at least survive. Without Jenkins back there though, the Eagles would really fall apart. As long as Jenkins is healthy (fingers crossed, he always is), the secondary is going to be motivated and ready to win.