The Philadelphia Eagles have boasted one of the league's best defenses in the 2017 NFL season. Part of the reason for their success is how much depth they have at key positions.
However, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox made it a point to play the majority of snaps against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Divisional Round. According to Zach Berman of phillynews.com, Cox felt it helped him establish a rhythm throughout the game:
“With me taking a lot more snaps, I get in a whole lot more rhythm and I think that affected my play,” Cox said. “I wasn’t coming off the field.”
Cox added that he felt the need to lead by example in the victory over the Falcons.
“I said to myself, ‘Go out and take over this game, and everybody else will follow,’” Cox said. “I think it kind of rubbed off.”
Needless to say, it paid off as Cox registered a sack to go along with two tackles for loss. Furthermore, he only sat out on six of the defensive snaps last Saturday in the 15-10 win over Atlanta.
Cox's usage even allowed Philadelphia to only have to dress three other defensive tackles that way they can focus on other positions. Although fatigue had been the Eagles' initial concern, it seems the three-time Pro Bowler is up for the task this postseason.
Philadelphia went all-in last offseason by signing Cox to a lucrative six-year, $103 million extension. That said, he certainly plans on earning every dollar in the playoffs. The Eagles will need every advantage they can get against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
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