Doug Pederson told the Philly media on Monday that he expects to have Fletcher Cox, Ronald Darby, Brandon Brooks, and Nigel Bradham for the Philadelphia Eagles’ first game of the season.
How’s this for good news? Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told the Philly media on Monday that he ‘fully expects’ to have Ronald Darby, Brandon Brooks, Nigel Bradham, and Fletcher Cox available for the first game of the regular season.
You’d assume that they have, but if you’re a Washington Redskins fan, you have to hope your favorite team’s been game planning for all for of these guys and planning for them to be on the field.
Let’s take a quick look at what each guy means for Philly’s game plan.
1. Ronald Darby: Eagles fans were hoping ’21’ would be on the field. His absence would mean they’d field just three corners: Sidney Jones, Rasul Douglas, and Avonte Maddox.
Pederson also mentioned that Darby and Jones as the guys who would start on the outside, which probably makes Maddox your slot corner. Expect to see a lot of Douglas too.
2. Brandon Brooks: The absence of Brooks would mean Isaac Seumalo would have been the only player who had played guard in a regular-season game for the Eagles. Brooks’ presence would be huge.
3. Fletcher Cox: This one’s obvious. Fletcher Cox is the Eagles’ best player, and you want your best players on the field. Period.
4. Nigel Bradham: With Kamu Grugier-Hill already injured, Bradham’s presence becomes more important. He figures to call the signals on field for Jim Schwartz, and he’s the guy with the most experience in Philly’s scheme.
The Birds just got a shot in the arm for Sunday. This is a game the Eagles should win either way. They’re the more talented team, but knowing they’ll have the services of four very important starters eases the mind a little.