The Philadelphia Eagles are enjoying their bye week, which came at the perfect time, as they look to get healthy before the second half of the season. They have been hit with injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball, which has tested their depth, and as a result, they have taken a step back on that end. However, considering how the offense has yet to click as well, the Eagles are happy to be 6-2 at this point in the season.
With the NFC East not looking as formidable as it did in recent seasons, the Eagles may not have much to worry about upon return from the bye week. At the same time, they need to solve a few rotation questions if they want to have a chance to repeat. After the bye, they will face the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions in back-to-back weeks, and their dynamic offenses will be a good way to test the Eagles' defense. It should also act as an opportunity to make the much-needed change in the cornerback room.
The Eagles' CB rotation has been a problem all season. Quinyon Mitchell on the outside and Cooper DeJean in the slot have picked up where they left off, but the Eagles are struggling to find a second outside corner. Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson have both been underwhelming to start the season, but in recent weeks, it has been clear that Ringo should be ahead of Jackson in the pecking order.
Adoree' Jackson Will Find His Snaps Cut After the Eagles' Bye Week
With the trade to add Michael Carter to the rotation this week, it should be even harder for Jackson to earn defensive snaps. Carter will be an option at nickel corner, potentially moving DeJean to the outside. That won't leave too many snaps for Jackson.
Jackson has played over half of Philadelphia's defensive snaps when he is available this season. He left the Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings with a concussion in the third quarter and wasn't available against the Giants on Sunday. In his absence, Ringo had the best game of his season, not allowing a single catch in coverage and giving up a 39.6 passer rating. As a result, he received a 78.9 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus.
Not only has Jackson not come close to that all season, but he also grades as the 109th-best CB in the league on PFF among 113 qualified players (47.1).
Jackson will presumably go through the concussion protocol during the bye week and should be ready to go for Week 10. At that point, however, he should only be a backup. Ringo should continue to get the nod over him, and Carter should be given an opportunity to establish himself in the rotation, potentially leaving Jackson on the outside looking in.