Eagles' Cox: Getting 'settled into a game' is hard in DC Gannon's scheme
Philadelphia Eagles players have struggled while trying to adapt to new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme.
That includes Philly's star defensive lineman Fletcher Cox.
"I mean scheme-wise, some things are different," Cox said Wednesday of Gannon's defense, according to Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal. "Last year I was able to kind of run off the ball a little bit. More than what we're doing now. We're playing a different style of defense."
"It's hard to get settled into a game when you're playing so many positions and doing so many things," he added.
The Eagles have allowed 83 points and 851 yards over their last two games, and Gannon's scheme has been heavily criticized for creating poor individual matchups.
The Kansas City Chiefs had a third-and-goal from the 6-yard line during the second quarter of their blowout win over the Eagles on Sunday, and Philadelphia was in nickel formation (five defensive backs, two linebackers), with linebacker Eric Wilson lined up against Tyreek Hill, one of the league's fastest wideouts. The clear mismatch resulted in a touchdown.
Gannon was asked Monday why the Eagles don't usually use dime formations (six defensive backs and one linebacker) on long third downs to create better matchups.
"I just don't believe in it right now with who we are," the 38-year-old said, according to Alexis Chassen of Bleeding Green Nation. "I like to play out of four (linemen) down and two linebackers."
"We feel like that's kind of the best way with second down and drop back and defending - who we've defended up until this point," he added. "On third down, as well, to play with two linebackers in a game."
Philadelphia addressed its secondary over the offseason, signing cornerback Steven Nelson and safety Anthony Harris. But the unit still lacks depth.
"I don't have a scheme. Our scheme should be to put our 11 guys on the field in the best position possible to succeed," Gannon added.
The Eagles hired Gannon this past offseason to replace Jim Schwartz, who had spent the previous five years with the team.