The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-2 and looking for some positive interaction, with their next three opponents having a combined 5-15 record. Nick Sirianni’s team will get back three All-Pro calibers players on offense, with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson healthy and ready to return to the lineup.
Any adjustments or changes in personnel will likely occur on defense, specifically in the secondary. Philadelphia didn’t draft Cooper DeJean for him to be a backup or developmental prospect, and just hours before the team takes the practice field at the NovaCare Complex, the former All-American defensive back could be prepared to take over in the slot, with Quinyon Mitchell firmly entrenched at the outside cornerback spot.
The Eagles have been saying all the right things about slowly bringing DeJean along, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes a swap is coming.
Changes to the Eagles’ lineup are on the table as 2-2 Philly emerges from its bye week. One position to watch: Rookie Cooper DeJean taking over nickel corner duties from veteran Avonte Maddox. That’s a move I’m expecting, barring new developments. DeJean, a second-rounder with first-round talent, got off to a slow start due to a preseason injury but is considered all caught up with Vic Fangio’s scheme. I’m told multiple defensive positions were up to discussions over the past week due to a defense that ranks 30th in yards per play allowed (6.0). The shakeup began in earnest Tuesday, when the team released linebacker Devin White, a former Pro Bowl player who has been a healthy scratch all season.
DeJean missed three weeks of training camp, allowing Philadelphia to slowly bring him along. However, Avonte Maddox has struggled in coverage and is a liability as a tackler. The Eagles’ best and most dynamic cornerback lineup will include a trio of Slay, Mitchell, and DeJean, with Rodgers and Kelee Ringo mixed in.
