Eagles Fletcher Cox Shows Off His Speed And Quickness
BREAKING NEWS, Defensive Line, Eagles, News Monday, May 14th, 2012
The Eagles started their rookie workouts this weekend at the Nova Care Complex, so I got the chance to take a good look at the Birds first round pick, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
Cox gets off on the ball. His first step quickness jumps out at you. Defensive line coach Jim Washburn demands that out of his defensive linemen but the innate quickness of Cox is noticeable because he’s both big and extremely quick.
I’ve seen that type of quickness at the defensive end position, but you rarely see it at the defensive tackle spot. Cox does a great job with his hands, which is unusual for rookies. Still, it’s not time to get all worked up about Cox beating other rookies in shorts.
Of course Washburn was getting after his prize pupil with his loud voice during his first workouts. This wasn’t anything new to Cox.
“It was like working with Coach Wilson back at Mississippi State. They’ll both get after you and coach you really hard. They’ll get right into you”, Cox said.
Washburn had Cox playing both defensive tackle and defensive end, which is also nothing new for him because he did the same thing at Mississippi State.
“He moved me to end to today, both sides to see what I could do. He asked me if I wanted to go to end and I told him it really didn’t matter”, Cox said after the practice on Saturday.
The youngster is off the ball like a shot at either spot. His combination of size, strength along with tremendous speed and quickness will give the centers and guards in the league major problems. If they can get to this kid to play up to his ability, it will make the Birds defensive line of Jason Babin, Trent Cole and Cullen Jenkins, very difficult to deal with.
The Eagles should have an outstanding pass rush this year because you can’t double-team everybody. With Babin, Cole and Jenkins absent from the rookie workouts, the Eagles offensive line double-teamed Cox on just about every play during the 11-on-11 segment of practice.
“It wasn’t a big deal. They’re there to compete, I’m there to compete against them”, Cox said.
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Posted by GarryCobb
on May 14 2012. Filed under BREAKING NEWS, Defensive Line, Eagles, News.
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Bug, clay jr isnt on roids bro and neither is casey. They train hard in the off season, and it pays off on the field. Theyre students of the game too. I see Casey as a strong possibility at the starting weak or strong side LB positions. He really played with some determination and promise the last 4 games of the year, now we need him to carry that same confidence into training camp and into the regular season and i believe he will.
Casey Matthews is a bum, cut up or not plain, and simple. He played no better in the last 4 games than he did in the first 4. I want him cut…he is a bum.
Jon Hart- it was a joke. I don’t think that the Mathews bros need you sticking up for them. But even if it wasn’t a joke, I wouldn’t be sure that any player is squeaky clean.
gm – you’d be fired if you were actually a gm. Any gm that declares a pick a bum and worth cutting after 1 season with a first time DC would be fired for showing an utter lack of understanding about how to manage players. Only a fool would think you know everything about a player and everything he’ll ever be after 1 rookie season with no training camp. That’s just plain silly.
If you were a college dean, would you speak with enthusiam about denying a sixth grader a BA?
gm..must agree…..I wonder who on the Eagles staff believed that Matthews guy was a player?
They need to be fire too. I think it was Juan Ca -Stink-O at the combine last year.
Isn;t it funny – schiller points out how absolutley foolish and idiotic it is to make big proclomations about a guy put in a tough spot and the very next post – the class ass clown shows up..
songs – why don’t you give us a burflict update? Surely you have been sniffing his jock whever the hell he is – why don;t you enlighten us with how your brilliant wanna be pick is doing?
Navy…Burfict right now is better than Matthews will ever be…there’s your update.
Really – Matthews can run down the field a nd cover a punt or a kickoff – Can Burflict lumber 50 yards without being out of breath and needing to smoke a joint?
Matthews is a damn BUM…what’s up with you guys making excuses for liabilities?
I guess that’s what us Eagles fans have been relegated to.
Winners don’t make excuses for pathetic players.
really – so the guy who tries to make the most of his abilities is a damn bum – and those of us that say he was put in a tough spot are making excuses -
those of us that actually watch the game and understand football saw improvement and capapbility to play special teams and nickel LB and say give him a chance and we make excuses -
then reverse that – you take a guy with all the god given ability in the world and he becomes a pot smoking, fat out of shape, getting benched by his coach bad attitude spoiled jerk who plays and talks himself out of being drafted and you make excuse after excuse after excuse after excuse -
if there is a definition of pathetic – Songs – it is you and your use of logic –
Burflict is a waste – he blew it – he sucks – he absolutley SUCKED last year – MArvin Lewis his now head coach told him he was fat and out of shape and couldn’t play -
Matthews – depsite your constant negativity = played some decent ball games lastyear and deserves the chance to try and earn his spot again this year -
let the guys play and see what happens – what is it about your mental make up that feels the constnat need to maign the guy – yet defend a waste of talent like Burflict? HE knew he was going to be drug tested at the combine? HE didn;t care – he knew he was going to be fitness tested – he didn;t care – yet you will flat out LIE to defend him –
actually speaks a lot to your character….
Navy…why was Matthews put in a horrible position?
Who idea was that when the fans were screaming all offseason for linebackers?
So come on with that put in a bad position garbage.
Reid and Castillo believed he was a starting middle linebacker and would have made moves if they knew he was that pathetic.
songs for the love of god – Stop being such a bitch – stop – every post bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch – but burflict is great – bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch – you are like a nagging freakin wife -
Navy…..i can give a rats ass for character.
The Saints had a defense filled with character issues from the defensive coach down but was able to win a “Chip”.
We are playing boy scout with no trophies.
Winning is what matters.
WINNING! HELL WITH CHARACTER!
Nature magically suits a man to his fortunes, by making them the fruit of his character.
songs – you sir are truly a piece of dirt.. you are not tough, you are not hard, you are not bad, you are sad and pathetic – I often wonder where the sad pathetic people come from that scream and yell during kids games, that decide its OK to take out frustrations on players and their families..
look no further then the sad, sad man. Notice that since BElicheck got cuaght cheating, he hasn;t won shit… notice since WIlliams and the saints got caught, the coaches, gone for a year, players – gone.. look at every sport – cheaters and people without character – oh yeah, and at one time winners – all gone…
winning with honor and character is what matters – it does matter how you win. If I were Roger Godell (like the NCAA did with Reggie Bush’s hiesman) – I’d take that trophy (when you say chip – you sound like a gay asshole wanna be – not that is anything wrong with being gay – to each his own) – but he failed to set that precedent with Bellicheck
Funny part is – I bet you never win at anything – - seriously Songs – what competiative sport did you ever play or coach or job did you have that you developed this ‘bad ass’ win at all costs mentality – guys I meet like you are typically the couch potatoes screaming at everyone else to get ‘hard’ –
question #2 songs – why you are such a sad, miserable bitch…. and to make up for being such a sad miserable bitch – why do you post stupid things like above…
@ Shiller – I would have never drafted him in the first place. He wasn’t good in college. I hear what Songs is saying. Realistcally, the Eagles thought they were drafting the second coming of his brother; They totally over valued his potential, it wasn’t just the shortened off season, or new coach only…..He wasn’t good in the first place.
Do you think we should have given Freddie Mitchell, more time to reach his potential, or so- called full potential, or was he what he was? a bum. Casey Mathews STINKS!! There wasn’t ANY sign that he was a player last year. He stunk the first four games, and he stunk everytime he stepped on the field. He can’t cover, can’t tackle, or keep up with the RB’s in the flat….what good is he. I would be a great GM. I would have been smart enough to draft Justin Houston,(SOLB) and would have had he and Kendricks (WOLB) playing opposite each other today, as well as Ryan Mallet as true future QB post Vick…I know talent……..You wouldn’t fire a GM that brings in the talent to win SuperBowls
and Juan Castillo, wouldn’t have been my Defensive Coordinator. It would have been Eric Mangini, or the LB Coach from the Steelers, another GMCliff decision.
I think CAsey Matthews will be a decent Bak-up/Situational, Nickel LB and Special Teamer…As a mid 4th Round, he’s was a mid-draft pick-up with the family bloodlines so why not take a chance.. I never expected or did anyone in in the NFL world expect him to be an everydown, impact player so I still don’t know why the local media and some fans think he was going to be like his Brother.. Casey is a coverage,more of a speed guy where Clay JR is a push Rusher, Kevin Green type of LB playing in the bakfield and does not concern himself with pplaying in pass coverages.. 2 players, brothers in fdace with 2 different set of skills playing on 2 different teams with different responsibilities for what their teams schemes and coaches call for..
But to say Casey sucks and is not NFL worth is not an accurate statement..
He probably waas drafted a round or 2 too soon because of his last name, but there is no reason he can’t vecome a solid Back-Up/Special Teamer and Situational Player in the NFL, so why not for the Eagles.. Not sure why all the hate for him.. HE is not Starter material and the Coaches erred in rushing him out there last SUmmer and naming him the Starter when he didn’t even get his feet wet, I don’t balme the player for that, It was Coach AR/DC CAstillo and yes GM Roseman and the local media and some fans who thought he could make that leap even without a benefit of a normal,OTA/Full Camp Season to learn the Pro game.. This was more of an Eagles Problem than a Casey Matthews problem in my opinion like a lot of other issues last Summer Camp and thru the the 1st half of last Season by Coach AR and his Staff..
Just a question…what is a nickle LB? The nickle refers to using 5 db’s in an obvious passing situation….does the term nickle LB mean that he is an LB that will play in obvious passing downs? Serious question, not busting balls, I hadn’t heard it referred to that way before.
Green – yes – exactly – when the D goes to 5 DBs (Nickel) in clear passing situations (say 3rd and 15) you put LBs in that are better suited to covering RBs and running in space – Matthews found a niche and did a decent job coming in on passing downs..
now GMCliff – where did you get that Matthews wasn;t that good in college – all Pac-10, honorable mention all-american.. all american in HS (parade) played on an undefeated state championship team and was in the BCS title game auburn beat oregon 22-19 (they held Cam Newton to 22 points I think)
nfldraftscout had matthews ranked #4 of 129 ILB with a projection of round 3-4
bleacher report:
I like Casey Matthews as a prospect though because he has a high football IQ as well as a relentless motor. Comparing Casey to Clay is a an unfair comparison because as I said earlier Clay is a much better athlete than the younger Matthews.
Nevertheless, Casey Matthews will be a solid prospect for any team that is looking for a hardworking, reliable linebacker in the middle rounds of the draft. Matthews does not obviously have the huge ceiling for growth that other prospects bring to the table.Despite that fact, there is no doubt that Casey Matthews can develop into a solid linebacker in the league.
Expect Casey Matthews to be selected in rounds four or five of the draft on day three tomorrow.
NFL soup:
Strengths
Matthews’ biggest strength is his intelligence. He’s does well reading and reacting to the offensive play on every down. He has a non-stop motor, playing well sideline to sideline. He’s a very good tackler, who’s very fundamentally sound. He doesn’t often get caught out of position, and he uses his athleticism to make up for his lack of overall bulk. Matthews is also excellent in making plays in coverage. He covers his zone almost effortlessly, and has a knack for finding the ball. He’s an underrated pass rusher on the inside, and has the speed to maybe make the transition to the OLB position in a 3-4, although that may not utilize his skill-set to the maximum. However, his versatility is fantastic and will be coveted among teams in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Weaknesses
The biggest knock on Matthews is his size. He’s not the biggest or strongest player on the football field, nor is he the most athletic. He plays in a very loosely based zone defense in Oregon which helps his athleticism shine. He may not be able to transition to a 3-4 defense because of his inability to frequently get off of blockers, but if he improves as a pass rusher he may move outside, although not likely. He’s most likely restricted to a 4-3 role, but he’s versatile enough to play all three linebacker positions in a 4-3 scheme. While he’s not weak by any means, he still needs to improve on his strength and use his arms to get off blocks, rather than getting fully engaged with blockers.
Draft Range
Right now, it’s completely open where Matthews goes. His brother, Clay, had some of the same weaknesses coming out, not being a big, strong linebacker. But hard work propelled him into the first, and Casey could do the same if he works out well enough at the combine. Right now, his ceiling is as high as a middle second round pick, but he’ll most likely be selected between the third and middle of the fourth rounds. Look for teams like Indianapolis, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Detroit to target him
now – reading those particular draft previews – seems to describe exactly what the birds got with Matthews..
Navy – I saw none of that from him on the field. I saw 1 sack – congratulations.
Maybe it s me, – but I know I am not alone in what I saw on the field – I saw nothing that said impact or talent regardless of what the so-called experts say.
He wasn’t good in coverage, he was burned religiously, and any speed he has is nullified by being knocked on his ass. Big Navy we will agree to disagree. I think they can find better use for that roster spot.
fair enough my brother – we will let them battle it out in camp -
@gmcliff….I believe that Matthews was hurt by being named the starting MLB before ever putting on an Eagles helmet….he was a 4th round pick, who didn’t have any mini-camps or OTA’s because of the lockout…and on top of this he had a first year DC who really needed to establish credability with his team. Placing a 4th round rookie in that position was one of the biggest mistakes, and reason the team played as poorly as it did especially early in the season.
Because of all of those factors, I believe that the kid should get a chance to redeem himself out of the glare of the spotlight, and be placed in more situations that play to his skillset. Hopefully he has worked out this past summer with his family and comes back in with something to prove to alot of Eagles fans, like you gmcliff, who believe he is already a bust.
GM, if you have the opportunity, check some of the game film from later in the season on Matthews. He was better in pass coverage, and made some plays in run support on draws and stretches. The only reason I noticed was i started watching him with the binos in passing situations, and was kind of surprised when he did a bit better than what I expected. I do not think he is an every-down linebacker. But he may become an acceptable situational guy who helps defending the passing game. Give him this year, see how he matures, maybe he will be useful.
“Realistcally, the Eagles thought they were drafting the second coming of his brother;”
Dude – WHAT? No they didn’t. Especially with that first word you used there. Did they SAY that? If not, then how did you read their minds? They drafted a kid, who yes did have a strong family pedigree and that was part of the thinking, but who was a decent LB prospect in college. Now obviously he didn’t work out as a MLB starting as a rookie. And obviously he didn’t have a strong rookie season, not even an ok one.
But to say that they drafted him specifically to be a carbon copy of his brother is just plain stupid. They knew they were getting a different person, and specifically pu-pued the early talk of ‘is he another Clay”.
Don’t revise history man.
the above comment was directed to GMcliff – my bad for not labeling it properly.
Cliff – You know the expression “armchair QB”? You’re an armchair GM. And you know that, but have you considered the reason for that expression and what it denotes?
To GreenFan
A “Nickle LB” would be a specialized player at the LB position who comes in to do a specific responsiility..
For Example, Eagles use LB Kennan Clayton on passing downs to be used in Pass Coverages which best utilizes his skills which is speed and making plays on the ball… The Eagles would not use LB Clayton on a goal-line situation due to his lack of size and strength and would struggle with the physcial play in close contact that is needed on Goal Line/Short-Yardage type of plays.. but Clayton is used for a specfic Skill and a Specific scheme…
Another LB may be used striclty as a Pass-Rusher on passing downs, where he would come in and do one thing and that’s make a bee-line to the QB.. Today’s NFL Defenses have become a “specialized Unit” where certain DL are used to stop the run, another set come in to rush the passer, Some safeties are used to stop the run and then another quicker player comes in on passing downs.. Teams usually carry around 25 Players on their Defensive units and in todays FOotball, you can expect a goosd 20 players to see the field throughout a game and not like the old days where the Starting 11 players played like 80%-90% of the snaps with few subs (unless an injury). Young players have a great chance to get on the field and make contributions which is different that what we used to see 5-10 years ago where they bascically waited behind a Veteran for their chance to play..
@ Pman & Navy….thanks for the clarification.
I agree with this uber-specialized use of players these days, but that is way when you have a QB like P Manning or Brady, and they run a no-huddle offense, it limits the use of specialized players and even limits the basic rotation of players. Thanks for the info.
I wish the Eagles woudl run a no-huddle once in a while to mix it up a little and especially teams that they play against a lot like the Giants,COwboys,Redskins,Bears,Falcons,etc,etc… Keep these Defenses guessing … and also the PAtriots had success with the no huddle versus the Steelers and RAvens Defenses who the Eagles face early in the Season, may go it like every 3rd Series or so to put those teams on their heels…
greenfan – and for that reason, the new ‘vogue’ term is 3 down Linebacker – a guy that can play the pass and run equally well.. for example using the eagles – during the 2004 SB – the patriots noticed that with certain packages – Siminuea played MLB, and with certain packages Trotter played MLB – so they sent those packages in and when the eagls responded, they ran at Siminouea and passed on Trotter – now if you have a guy like Ryans who the Eagles are saying is ‘a 3 down LB’ you don;t have that issue – I still see the chance to take him off in obvious (3rd and long) passing downs to let the LBs like MAtthews and Clayton come on and give Ryans a breather..
I like that term – uber-specialized….
navy — you really think Clayton makes the team? I don’t —- Chaney, Ryans, Kendricks, Rolle make the team for defense and the special team coach gets some say on the next 2 LB and I never see Clayton make any plays in special teams
I see MLB Ryans off the field on obvious passing situations or maybe 3rd and long plays (8 + Yards) and Eagles probably go with Clayton & Kendricks..and an extra DB …
To m,e, Jamar Chaney may be the odd LB out..
#1) He won’t be physcially ready until Summer Camp due to having neck Surgery in January and it is not a given that he’s 100% by then..
#2) Chaney will most likely end up being a back-up to Ryans,Kendricks at the MLB and Sam Spots, as will Matthews
I think Matthews makes the 53 Man Roster and Chaney starts on PUP list
LB Corps of Rolle,Kendricks,Ryans, Back-ups Matthews,Clayton and ???
with Jordan.Simmons,Lloyd, & Fokou battling it out for th e6th & final SPot which I think probably goes to Jordan for his versatility..
Shiller you’re wrong, they did hope they got him in that light. I also know your wrong in reference to his talent………When, he flops this year,and he will, I’m going to wear your ass out with it.
The Eagles said a few years ago, that they would be surprised if Matt McCoy wasn’t a Pro Bowl Linebacker. In the case of Casey Matthews – More wishful thinking.
You guys can bring all the arguments you want. I respect them , but I still say your wrong about this guy. But we will see. I hope they keep him around to save face for drafting this bum, just so I can make my point. Then we will see who knows what they are talking about.
Eags0 – as far as the LBs – after Ryans and Kendricks – they are all fighting for spots – same as the back up O Lineman – I frequently get called a know it all – but I have no idea how much each player (rolle, matthews, clayton, fokoua, jordan, loyd if he is even around) will improve, how big they got, how strong they got, how having Ryans and Kindrick will impact them, how last years injuries will impact them, how having a year or two in the system – or anyting else until at least training camp and a couple preseason games -
Let them battle it out in camp
GM Cliff – what is the ‘standard’ you want to measure Casey Mathews with? If he plays nickle LB and is a key contributor on special teams as a 2nd year – 4rth round draft pick.. is that acceptable – you are making many bold predictions, so I am asking to what standard are you measuring him… no one on here is saying Casey is Clay – most are saying nickel LB, back up and special teamer..
by the way – when you say things like ‘keep him around to save face’ that is a pre- canned excuse for yourslef if he makes the team – its not ‘he made the team and is doing what others think are his strong points’ – in which case Schiller could wear your ass out if he were so inclined…. you already pre-covered yourself.
so – if we want to wager – what are the terms? Cause I think Matthews will be the #2 LB – a Nickel LB and a key player on special teams…
supposedly casey mathews bulked up to 250 lbs from workin with clay this off-season..lets see if hes tougher
exaclty larrwd – let’s see – if during the cut to 53 he needs to go – so be it – I like the fact there will be competition – would like to see a veteran safety come in to compete – but how many non injured guys are going to sign to come to camp without some sort of ‘deal’
gm – you sir have just rebutted your point. With 0 – NOTHING – ZILCH to back it up. When you state something, it’s challenged, and you offer nothing new to support your point, well that sir is a telltale sign of.. BULLSHIT. GRADE A BALONEY.
GM, you’re entitled to your opinions, but when you state that your opinions are fact, I show how you can’t possibly know the for fact, and then you have nothing to back it up, that’s throwing up a white flag.
Sorry I have to call you out on your bullshit, but you gotta come stronger than hater slogans that when examined, disintegrate into nothing but horsecrap.
Was a fan of the pick of Matthews. Believe in the bloodlines. Mistake by Eagles to name him a starter right away.
Now 250lbs. Nice, I think he’s going to work out. Perhaps as a backup, but that’s solid for a 4th rounder. I think he’ll be better than that.
Strange that many in here so quick to throw him under the bus after 4 games, and the same ones who constantly defend MV after a decade of mediocrity.
250 or 225lbs is going to change casey matthews play, his biggest problem was instincts — he was clueless out there — he didn’t belong on the field and it took almost a month for Juan to do something about it