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Fletcher Cox locked in as Eagles' defensive centerpiece

Eric Hartline / USA TODAY Sports

The trajectory of the Philadelphia Eagles began anew when Doug Pederson was appointed as the team's head coach in January. After signing defensive tackle Fletcher Cox to a six-year extension worth a reported $103 million, the Eagles established the 25-year-old as their defensive centerpiece under Pederson's new regime.

Cox quietly established himself as the leader of the Eagles' defense over the past two seasons, earning second-team All-Pro honors for his propensity to attack the running and passing game with equal proficiency. Although the Eagles rewarded defensive end Vinny Curry with a five-year, $47.25-million contract this spring, Cox is the anointed fulcrum of the defense, allowing the rest of the front seven to operate with tremendous fluidity and speed.

Nominally listed as a defensive tackle, one of Cox's foremost qualities is to play either tackle or end with fluency. Cox was played out of position as a 3-4 defensive end under former coordinator Bill Davis' base scheme, but it didn't matter altogether as the plays below illustrate. The Eagles hired Jim Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator, who is a major proponent of the 4-3 formation and Cox will revert to his natural spot.

As the below clips illustrate, Cox wasn't hindered whatsoever. The prospect of Cox shedding a single defender may be a nightmare proposition for opposing offensive coordinators.

Here, Cox puts New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Andrus Peat on skates, gaining a clear lane to the quarterback after shifting to the outside in a single bound. Cox sprints past an overwhelmed Peat, drives Drew Brees to the ground and forces a fumble. With the ball ajar, Cox never gives up on the play and recovers for his team.

Cox excels in an unconventional look here against the Buffalo Bills. Although he's lined up against Bills center Eric Wood, Cox is the nominal end on this snap. However, Cox cuts inside against Bills Pro Bowl guard Richie Incognito, rendering Wood without anyone to block. On a simple rip move to the inside, Incognito is thrown off balance, allowing Cox to bring down Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor for a sack in mere seconds.

Entering the prime of his career, the Eagles are confident that Cox is the centerpiece of the defense for years to come. With a new head coach and defensive coordinator in place, Cox will largely be relied upon to be the leader of the defense, a responsibility that he's proven himself ready for over the past two seasons.

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