Fletcher Cox Continues To Shine Despite Loss
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There were not a lot of bright spots for the Eagles on Sunday against the Seahawks. Despite only losing 24-14, the Eagles looked thoroughly handled by the defending champions. One Eagle overcame on Sunday in a big way and that was Fletcher Cox.
Cox is putting together a Pro Bowl worthy campaign for the Eagles this season. His ability to impact the Eagles' run defense has been second to none in the league and against the Seahawks he managed to record 11 tackles, including some strong plays against Marshawn Lynch.
His impact doesn't always show up on the stat sheet. A lot of his game is based around blowing up blockers to allow for his teammates to make plays. Cox understands this and doesn't measure himself based on the numbers.
"I take a lot of pride in it," Cox said of his play against the run in particular while a guest on The Howie Roseman Show. "Of course every d-lineman wants a lot of sacks, but you can't say a lot of d-lineman love to play on first down and love to stop the run."
LISTEN: Fletcher Cox on The Howie Roseman Show
Cox on the season is tied for 6th on the team in tackles with 49 and although he loves to stop the run so much he has also managed to get the quarterback a few times as he has three sacks on the season.
It is easy to see that Cox has achieved a serious comfort level as a 3-4 defensive end who fully understands his role in gap assignments and with setting an edge.
His level of understanding has made Cox one of the Eagles' most consistent players on the defense and on the entire team.
"Of course it's my second year in the defense so I kind of got a handle on it," Cox said about growing in Billy Davis' 3-4 scheme. "I think I spent over half the season last year trying to learn the right techniques."
Now that Cox is comfortable, he said he is loving the scheme and having fun making plays with his teammates.
Cox was asked what motivates him if not numbers and statistics. His answer: "Just sacrificing and playing for the man next to me. I take more pride in that than anything."
He certainly has the right attitude.
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