Drew Brees was never comfortable on Sunday afternoon. That’s probably because three times during the Eagles Week 5 win over the Saints, a big No. 91 was knocking him to the ground.
Twice on those three sacks for Fletcher Cox, the ball was knocked loose. Both times, they were recovered, once by Cox himself.
The Eagles defensive line has easily been one of the most consistent part of the team this season and it is a big reason the Eagles are looking so improved on the defensive front.
Cox is the standout on that defensive line that features several players that can easily take control of a game. The team’s sack leader through five games with four, the Pro Bowl snub from a season ago, Cox has been bringing it all season with the same viciousness and same intensity that has made him a key figure on the Eagles defensive front.
"He played a heck of a game today," head coach Chip Kelly said after the win. "Sometimes it comes in bunches. But Fletcher has played really, really well for us in the three years that I’ve been here. He is playing really well for us right now."
"I’m going to give all the credit to the back end today," Cox said. "All three of those sacks were coverage sacks. When the quarterback holds the football, it gives the rush time to get there."
It has been a very solid defensive year for the Eagles, who would probably be knocking on the door with the unbeatens if not for a sluggish start for the offense.
Cox has become a leader of that defense, and his teammates are taking notice at how loudly his play speaks.
"You can just watch him play and see what he means to our team," Malcolm Jenkins said. "A lot of the time he probably doesn’t get all the glory he deserves along with our whole defensive line. The defensive line is a huge part of our defense."
"Fletch can have games like that every time he is on the field," Bennie Logan, one of Cox's linemates, said. "I think he doesn’t get as much recognition as he should, but the guy is a force to be reckoned with. Every time he’s on the field other teams have to make sure they account for him."
As one of those leaders, Cox not only credited teammates for his own success, but put more attention on the victory rather than individual stats.
"Most importantly, we won the football game," Cox said. "That’s the most important thing about it, to get this team back on a good roll."
Cox and the Eagles defense handled Brees in Week 5. In Week 6, they get another quarterback that comes equipped with a successful past and a strong current season to boot. Eli Manning and the Giants are in town.
First place just happens to be on the line as well.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
