Struggles for O-Line continue as Fletcher Cox and the Eagles hound Tom Brady
Those in and around the game already knew how good defensive end Fletcher Cox was and is, but his performance last night against the Patriots has delivered him some very worthy praise from those that don't fully appreciate his talents.
Cox was a disruptive force of nature on the line in yesterday's game, with the guys over at Pro Football Focus tabbing him for 14 total pressures on Tom Brady on New England's 50 pass-rushing snaps. The 14 pressures was the most of any defensive player in the NFL this week, and although Cox didn't record a sack on the night, it was about how he was constantly in Brady's grill that threw off the timing off the offense and kept the operation stuttering.
Head coach Bill Belichick raved about the talents and ability of the 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman through the week, and for good reason. On a night where we anticipated the team finally had a healthy and intact offensive line, the Eagles were the third-straight opponent to get after the QB, with this game proving to be the worst of the three. Brady got tagged more against the Eagles than any other game this season, and the pressure was lead by Cox.
Of all the things to pull from the loss, the most concerning is the continued bad play of the offensive line. The unit is springing leaks and failing to give Brady enough time to do his thing. And in that same vein, a lot of the pressure is getting home without exuberant blitz packages. Rather, it's simply been the five-man unit being unable to pick up their assignments and hold their ground.
And it won't get any easier next week against J.J. Watt and the Houston defense.
Photo Credit: Mass Live
Of all the things to pull from the loss, the most concerning is the continued bad play of the offensive line. The unit is springing leaks and failing to give Brady enough time to do his thing. And in that same vein, a lot of the pressure is getting home without exuberant blitz packages. Rather, it's simply been the five-man unit being unable to pick up their assignments and hold their ground.
And it won't get any easier next week against J.J. Watt and the Houston defense.
Photo Credit: Mass Live
