Fletcher Cox Looking At An Even Bigger 2015
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Fletcher Cox was still holding out hope for being named an alternate to the Pro Bowl. The fact is, the three-year defensive end shouldn't be waiting at all. Outside of Houston's all-everything J.J. Watt, Cox has arguably been the best defensive end in the NFL this season. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Cox had a career season, with 61 tackles, up from 20 last year, with four sacks for minus-21 yards, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
More importantly, offenses had to game plan against the 2012 first-round pick out of Mississippi State, because he was such a disruptive force.
So when Cox was snubbed for Pro Bowl consideration is not only rankled Cox, but Eagles' coach Chip Kelly.
"I don't know the exact formula and how it was picked," Kelly said. "I thought he had a Pro Bowl year. He's the one guy that when I was handed the results last night so I could call our players, that I was like, 'Wow.' That was the one that kind of surprised me. I think he's been our top player. He's been really unblockable at times. I think he's a very disruptive force. But sometimes you make the Pro Bowl, I guess, on reputation. But I hope people recognize him and maybe like [first-time Pro Bowl center Jason] Kelce, where it's probably a year later than he should have gotten it, Fletcher will get it next year. But I know he may be our most valuable player overall to be honest with you."
Cox himself was left wondering why he was left out in the cold of Pro Bowl consideration. He admits he was initially angry over it, but he also knows there is nothing he can do about it—this year.
"I think I learned that I can get the job done and I was fortunate with everything we did defensive-wise a team," Cox said. "I think it was a pretty good year. I think I was consistent, and that was a big part of me maturing. Coming into this year, that was my biggest focus, playing every down hard and believing in myself. That's one thing pros do, believe in themselves and always work on getting better."
Cox said the goal next year is to build on what he did this year. The defensive front of Cox, nose tackle Bennie Logan and end Cedric Thornton is one of the glaring positives the Eagles will have entering 2015.
"I want to be better than my last game and and take the last game and work on that," Cox said. "I'm playing 312, 313 and I'm pretty comfortable with it. I think if I get down to 305 I'll be a little too small. In the off-season, I'll work on getting faster and quicker. There's no way I'll play heavier with the amount of snaps that I play. I want to focus on getting my body healed up and ease my way back into it. I can't complain about the Pro Bowl thing, but I want to get another chance next year and make it happen. I'm ready to take this to the next level."
The pieces are here to make a push to contend for the Super Bowl in 2015. Cox feels that way, too, saying the one thought is keep improving as a unit.
Cox may challenge himself next year by being a more vocal leader. For the most part, he's soft spoken, preferring his actions to do his talking.
"I am soft spken and I try to lead by example on the field," Cox said. "I'm not a big rah-rah guy. My big thing is that I'm going to fight and I may share a few things with the d-line. I just want to go out and play ball. That's the biggest thing."
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