When Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman landed cornerback Riq Woolen in free agency, many expected a big improvement in the corner room. But Woolen's performance since arriving in Philadelphia has been nothing short of remarkable.
Through two games manning that #2 boundary corner spot for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's group, Woolen has been nearly perfect. In Week 1, Woolen completely shut down the Washington wideouts he faced, allowing zero touchdowns, yards, or catches on his watch in 37 coverage snaps. The 4 targets intended for Woolen's man drew blanks, as Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels learned that there is no longer a single weak link in the Philadelphia corner unit
Once again in Week 2 action, the Tennessee Titans learned that Woolen was not to be toyed with in the passing game. Quarterback Cam Ward tested Woolen five times. Yet, the Titans managed just 22 yards on three receptions against the rangy, 6-foot-4 corner, who has played lights-out football since arriving in the City of Brotherly Love.
Riq Woolen off to great start with the Eagles
In 62 coverage snaps thus far, Woolen has allowed just a tick over 20 passing yards on nine targets, a tangible upgrade from former corner Adoree' Jackson, another lockdown defender for a defense still rounding into top form.
The interception element he brings to the table hasn't surfaced for Woolen, but Eagles fans can expect a pick or two soon. In his four seasons in Seattle, Woolen totaled 12 interceptions, and he nearly had one against Tennessee but overran the pass and narrowly missed corraling Ward's errant throw.
And with Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean holding things down along with the team's newest addition, a corner, it's a case of pick your poison for opposing offenses.
Riq Woolen and Eagles' corner group look to continue to build momentum
For Woolen and company, the next test on tap comes in Week 3's road contest in Chicago, where the wide receiver talent is plentiful. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Kalif Raymond can pressure an opposing defense, but this new lockdown trio in Philadelphia is ready for the challenge.
Woolen is still getting acclimated to life in Midnight Green, but so far, the fit has been seamless for the five-year veteran. Of course, in the later stages of his time in Seattle, Woolen faced some adversity, surrendering some big plays, drawing a handful of costly penalties, and even being benched on more than one occasion by the coaching staff.
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But Woolen's talent has never been in question, and now, as he settles into his new surroundings in this Philadelphia defense, the early results have been resoundingly positive.
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