Philadelphia Eagles: 6 Matchups to watch versus NFC West opponents

6. Can the Philadelphia Eagles and Nickell Robey-Coleman finally limit Larry Fitzgerald (December 20th)?

Since 2013, Larry Fitzgerald has spent extensive time in the slot and excelled there. It’s one of the major reasons he has been able to produce at such a high level at the tail end of his career. Ever since he switched to the slot position when he was 30 years old, he has averaged 88 receptions, 953 receiving yards, and six touchdowns per season. In 2019, he put up 75 receptions, 804 receiving yards, and four touchdowns, not bad at all for the 36-year-old.

While he isn’t the same guy that he used to be, he’s still a threat to make a play at any time, and he’s fully capable of contributing mightily in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. “Fitz” actually has more career tackles than drops. It’s no wonder that he’s earned the title of “best hands in the NFL” among fans. He’s also played in 250 out of a possible 256 career games, so you can bet that he’ll suit up for the Week 16 matchup versus Philly.

This past offseason, the “Birds” brought in a secret weapon for matchups like this one. Nickell Robey-Coleman has earned the “slot god” nickname so this matchup is going to be pretty entertaining. Robey-Coleman has 290 career tackles and 48 career passes defended in his NFL resume. In 2019, he allowed just one touchdown in 16 games. Not to mention, like Fitzgerald, he’s always ready to go on Sundays. The 28-year-old has missed just one game in his seven-year career.

These two are pretty familiar with each other since they’ve faced off twice a year for each of the past three seasons. Both of them have gotten the job done at a high level for a long time. This battle is likely going to be a back-and-forth affair, with “Fitz” will probably shake Robey-Coleman on some routes and with Robey-Coleman fighting back and make some plays of his own. Keep an eye on these two in Week 15.