Hayes: Fletcher Cox Is A Transformative Player

Since Fletcher Cox received his new contract in 2016 with 63 Million guaranteed, Cox has been selected to two consecutive Pro Bowls despite what some people would consider underwhelming statistics.  In 2016, Cox compiled 6.5 Sacks and 27 Tackles then in 2017 he had 5.5 Sacks along with 15 Tackles; but in 2016 Cox was tied for 14th in the NFL in Defensive Hurries with 21 and in 2017 he compiled 50 Quarterback Pressures.  Even though Cox has not compiled big numbers for glamourous statistics such as Sacks and Tackles, Cox impact on Eagles defense can be measured in other ways as he was the second highest rated Pass Rusher among Interior Defensive Lineman according to Pro Football Focus.

Philadelphia Daily News Sports Columnist Marcus Hayes joined The Sports Bash on Monday discussing Fletcher Cox importance to the Eagles:

"There is another level for Fletcher Cox to take (his game to) because when he has people on his left and right, it’s very difficult to double team him all the time. From my perspective, if Derek Barnett, the first round right defensive end from last year, if he is the kind of player that he is supposed to be, then Fletcher Cox will get a little bit less attention. If Brandon Graham is fit and healthy, (Cox) gets a little bit less attention. If Michael Bennett is on the field with him, Fletcher will get a little less attention.  - Everything on both sides of the ball starts with Fletcher Cox being effective, and he was last year; He’s an all pro player because every team schemes to stop him first, even before Carson Wentz.  They scheme to stop Fletcher Cox because he’s an absolute force, he’s probably the most valuable first round pick they’ve had in years because they did not have to go crazy and trade up, and they’ve had trouble drafting over the last decade or so. Fletcher Cox is a transformative player, he makes everything else go. He makes the safeties better, he makes the corners much much better."

Hear what Hayes had to say about Carson Wentz recovery from injury, Jeff Lurie as Eagles owner, importance of the Eagles culture in the locker room, and his perspective on the Phillies in 2018