Orlando Scandrick could be this year’s version of Patrick Robinson
The Philadelphia Eagles new cornerback Orlando Scandrick reminded Eagles fans and analysts alike of a difference-maker from years past in Week 5.
Just days before the Philadelphia Eagles took on the New York Jets, cornerback Orlando Scandrick was out of football. Scandrick had played with the Eagles during the preseason but was ultimately cut when it came time to trim the rosters down to 53 players.
When the Eagles brought him back before their fifth game, expectations were low. He was expected to be a plugin veteran option at a position of extreme need for the team. What he provided was a spark that reminded Philly of a face from their not so distant past.
The ‘veteran plug-in’ role has been a lucrative one for the Eagles in recent history, and no player exemplifies that more than Patrick Robinson. ‘P-Rob’ was the very definition of a journeyman defensive back when the Eagles signed him in 2017 to a one-year deal worth $775,000. Robinson had played for three teams in three years before signing with Philadelphia, but he competed with some familiar faces, Ronald Darby, Rasul Douglas, and Jalen Mills. Ultimately he’d win a role as the team’s third corner.
Robinson grew within the Eagles’ system, ultimately becoming the starting nickel corner in Jim Schwartz‘s defensive scheme. He went on to post career-highs wit four interceptions in that system, including the now-infamous 50-yard pick-six against the Minnesota Vikings in the 2017 NFC Championship Game.
That play that swung the momentum of that entire contest, and spurred the Eagles to a dominant victory.
Fast forward a few years, and Scandrick’s play could make one believe that history is repeating itself. The 32-year-old corner was one of the primary difference-makers for the Eagles defense on Sunday against the Jets, sticking his head in on two strip-sacks and scoring a touchdown on one of them.
It was an effort that drew the attention of NFL analysts like Zach Berman and trusted names in the Philly media like Dave Zangaro. NJ.com beat reporter Mike Kaye elaborated on how badly Scandrick wanted to get back out on the field. Take a look:
Orlando Scandrick said he hated being at home during the first month of the season. He has two sacks, two forced fumbles and a touchdown in his #Eagles regular-season debut.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) October 6, 2019
If the Eagles continue to strategically scheme cornerback blitzes for Scandrick he could be a major difference-maker for Philadelphia all year long.
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He can play coverage, but he also possesses an eye for the ball that Robinson showcased during his time in midnight green. This performance could be the starting point for something great at a position of need, and Eagles fans should be excited about it.