3 Realistic expectations for Philadelphia Eagles DT Fletcher Cox in 2020

2. Expect”91″ to register double-digit sacks in 2020.

Last season, Philly signed Malik Jackson to a $30 million contract on March 13th with the hope that he’d pair with Fletcher Cox to form a duo that would terrorize NFL offenses for the next few years.

Then, as fate would have it, Jackson got hurt in the first game of the season and was subsequently placed on the team’s IR (injured reserve). Wouldn’t you know it? He’ll be back in 2020, and if you’re worried about his chances of reinjury, don’t be. He was virtually free of any major nicks and bruises during the first seven seasons of his NFL career. Last season was more of a fluke than anything else. 2020 will be a bounceback year for him.

Timmy Jernigan, who had surgery in May of 2018 to correct an issue that he was having with his back, missed six games with injury concerns, but even when he was in the lineup, it was clear that he’d never be the player he once was. Sure, he had his moments, but it wasn’t the level of production that we’re accustomed to seeing. Philadelphia said goodbye to him in the offseason.

In his place, the “Birds” have added fifth-year stud, Javon Hargrave. He’s joining what might be Philadelphia’s most impressive rotation of players at any position.

Look at the names: Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Javon Hargrave, Hassan Ridgeway. Who are you supposed to double team? How do you block these guys? Who’s going to run on this team? How can any opposing quarterback step up in the pocket with any real consistency?

Those are the questions that will have opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators staying up late all season. Expect “91” to register a double-digit sack total for only the second time in his career and his first since 2018. He won’t see the double teams and the constant attention he received in 2019. Teams just can’t afford to do it with so many other playmakers around.