10 Philadelphia Eagles that will play key roles in winning at Pittsburgh
Nickell Robey-Coleman, cornerback. 10. player. 54. . .
The Philadelphia Eagles defense must keep playing like it did in Week 4.
As good as the Eagles defense was against the 49ers, there are some areas that need improvement. Nickell Robey-Coleman just played 30 snaps on defense and allowed three completions on three targets. Opposing quarterbacks have targeted him 14 times and he has given up ten receptions in 2020.
Every ‘Birds’ cornerback not named Darius Slay is struggling, but Robey-Coleman has had the least amount of impact. Fellow cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc also allowed six completions versus the 49ers, but he forced a key fumble. Robey-Coleman’s best play on defense was a pass breakup in Week 3 versus the Cincinnati Bengals, but that was due, in large part, to the ball being underthrown. He simply needs to play better.
Alex Singleton, linebacker. 9. player. 54. . .
The Eagles haven’t gotten much production from their linebackers this year, but that changed in Week 4 thanks to Alex Singleton. He stuck his head in on two tackles and recorded his first interception and defensive touchdown ever. He also had a pass breakup.
The ‘Birds’ have mismanaged their linebacker group in recent years and haven’t devoted many resources to making it any better. Why does Nathan Gerry keep getting significant time on the field? Your guess is as good as anyone else’s. Jim Schwartz may not take him off of the field in Week 5, but it might be worth determining whether or not Singleton deserves more than the 15 defensive snaps that he played against the 49ers.