The Philadelphia Eagles are showing zero hesitation when it comes to being vocally critical of ways the team can improve. Even after a 2-0 start, there are clear areas of improvement needed if Philly is going to repeat as hoped. Much of this attention has been focused on Jalen Carter, who was infamously tossed from the season's first game due to spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. While Carter has been the focus, he is far from the only concern with the struggles of corner Adoree' Jackson demanding fan attention as well.
Eagles reporter Eliot Shorr-Parks reported defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's reaction to Jackson's play offering the following sentiment: “I thought he was improved. I thought he did some good things…hopefully it can kickstart him into being a good corner for us.” Fangio is often openly critical of his players both to the media and as a part of his coaching style. Having this to say about a player who was such a clear mess throughout the first two weeks of the season is completely puzzling.
Eagles Defensive Coordinator Has Strange Response to Jackson's Early-Season Struggles
There must be fans who are wondering if Fangio's remarks were sarcastic, considering Jackson's time in the league and recent struggles. Whatever the reasoning behind the comment, it is an odd approach for a player who has been incredibly alarming in coverage. This is evidenced by a 41.2 PFF grade with only 126 defensive backs having a better grade than Philly's cover man. It is time to begin to question if it is time to make a move at the position.
Stephon Gilmore is still on the free agent market and seems to turn back the clock every time the league is ready to give up on the aging star. Leaving room to wonder if the right decision here is to turn to free agency and send a message to Jackson that this level of play won't be tolerated. Philly's bench doesn't offer a clear answer, making the decision to pivot away from Darius Slay age poorly.
Slay has struggled as well in Pittsburgh, but has a far better PFF grade at 61.6 and would've benefitted from staying within Fangio's system. Now, fans are left wondering what exactly the future holds for a player who has been a consistent source of frustration ever since joining the franchise. Jackson has failed to live up to expectations, leaving no choice but to begin to at least search for superior options.
The fact that Fangio is being so openly positive about a failing player suggests either sarcasm or the DC believes Jackson is doing his absolute best, and the results simply aren't going to improve. In either scenario, the Eagles have an incredibly difficult schedule and cannot afford to have a walking bust in Jackson continuing to play a pivotal role.
If Week 3 doesn't bring drastic improvement, the Eagles will need to make a move and at least attempt to improve the position as they look to defend their Super Bowl title.