More highlights by Haason Reddick are on the Eagles horizon

Is it possible that we ask too much of Haason Reddick? Perhaps, he’s so good that, whenever he isn’t wreaking havoc constantly, we assume misusage by his coaches could be at play. Hace we forgotten that there are coaches on the other sideline too?

The Philadelphia Eagles have been spoiled to some degree by his efforts. A dominant performance in Week 4 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars led to NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. That isn’t his whole story though. Now, that he’s finding his groove, week after week, he’s making an impact.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Through five weeks, he’s tallied 13 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four additional hits on the quarterback, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Pro Football Focus grades him at 79.8 overall while giving him grades of 65.1 as a run defender and 86.9 as a pass rusher. Versus the Jags, he posted a 95.9 pass-rush grade.

As a member of the Carolina Panthers last season, Reddick had earned pass rush grade of 65.9. There’s been an obvious improvement. The monsoon-like weather conditions in Week 4 were the backdrop for his dominance. As we move through the season, more highlight-reel performances will come.

Is it his technique or his usage? Whatever theory you subscribe to, here’s what we know. There are several reasons to believe his strong showings will continue.

More highlight-reel performances are coming from Haason Reddick this season.

Haason Reddick is more versatile than you might believe him to be. Draft scouts often obsess about speed to power when choosing pass rushers during the selection meeting. NFL offensive tackles can often counter a defender’s first move with reps, but when a defensive lineman can use speed and power, that player is dangerous.

What is under-reported is the use of power-to-speed techniques. Reddick is six-foot-one and 240 pounds. Being a hybrid edge rusher of sorts makes him hard to prepare for. He can play the outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme – typically a strongside linebacker. He can also play with his hand in the dirt in a 4-3 as a defensive end.

Versus Jacksonville, Reddick used a consistent combination of the bull rush and finesse moves. At times, he used strength to allow him to get under the opposing player’s pads. In other instances, he relied on push/pull techniques where he used speed to gain leverage and get around his opponent.

Haason Reddick may be small in stature, but he consistently produces as a defensive end. During 913 snaps in 2021, he aligned at left outside linebacker during 424 of those snaps, right outside linebacker during 387 snaps, weakside defensive end six times, and strongside defensive end on two other occasions.

During his first 170 snaps of the current campaign. Reddick played at LOLB for 114 times, ROLB during 30 snaps, and at defensive end on another 11 occasions. He’s been used on the left side of the defensive line more often this season than he saw in 2021.

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will continue to find creative ways to use his chess pieces, and Reddick is one of his most versatile. Expect even better production from Eagles draft picks and high-priced free agents, Haason Reddick included as the season moves on.

These last three weeks are just the tip of the iceberg. He’s going to be a monster as he continues to gain confidence and snaps in J.G.’s system.