'Depth' might be one of the most attractive words in the English language as it relates to football, but it can also create its own problems. They're what you might call 'good problems,' of course. When a defense has multiple players who can make an impact at the same position, finding enough snaps for everyone becomes a weekly exercise in balance.
That is especially true for the Philadelphia Eaglesalong the interior of their defensive line. Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo have established themselves as important parts of the rotation. So has Byron Young, but Vic Fangio indicated Wednesday that Jordan Davis could have an opportunity to take on a larger role, particularly on third down.
While speaking with the media on Wednesday, he was asked whether
the team needs to place more emphasis on getting Davis onto the field in passing situations. Coach Fangio didn't shy away from the possibility.
"Yeah, he can. I mean, we didn’t have a ton of third downs the other day — We had like four or five third-and-ones, fourth-and-ones. Yeah, he’s very capable of playing more. [Defensive Line/Senior Defensive Assistant/Associate Head Coach] Clint [Hurtt] will balance that out a little more."
That is not a promise that Davis is about to become a fixture on every third-down package. It is, however, a clear indication that Philadelphia believes the defensive tackle can offer more in those situations.
Jordan Davis can give the Eagles another interior option
The Eagles already have plenty of reasons to feel good about what they are getting from their interior defenders. Carter remains one of the team's most disruptive players, while Ojomo has continued to earn meaningful snaps by creating pressure and holding up against the run.
Adding more Davis to that mix could give Fangio another way to attack opposing offensive lines. Davis' size and power make him a different type of problem than some of the other interior rushers on the roster. He can collapse the pocket from the middle, occupy blockers, and create opportunities for teammates even when he isn't the player finishing the play.
That versatility could become particularly useful as Philadelphia prepares for theChicago Bears. Ben Johnson's offense is designed to create favorable situations, and the Eagles will need to disrupt those plans without constantly changing their entire defensive structure.
The good news about a possible increase in Jordan Davis's snaps
The most important takeaway may be that this isn't about taking someone else's role away. Fangio has already shown a willingness to rotate his defensive linemen based on situation and matchup, and there should be enough snaps to keep multiple players involved.
Philadelphia may simply be reaching the point where Davis can become a larger part of that equation. The encouraging part is that the Eagles don't need to manufacture a role for him.
If Fangio believes Davis can handle more work, including on third down, that should be good enough for the rest of us. Now, he and the coaching staff have an opportunity to measure the aforementioned depth and find the right balance.
For a defense with this much interior talent, that is a pretty good problem to have. More Jordan Davis could give Fangio another answer when he needs one, and 'more options' is always music to the ears of any football team, particularly one trying to stack wins at the NFL level.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jordan Davis could see an expanded role on the Eagles' defense
