DeMeco Ryans: Edwards Tackle Hurts Mixon
DeMeco Ryans, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has made a significant impact on the team's defense, particularly in their approach to tackling. The Eagles' defensive philosophy under Ryans emphasizes sound tackling technique, and it's evident in how the team has approached stopping running backs like Joe Mixon of the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Importance of the Edwards Tackle
One of the key elements of the Eagles' defensive scheme is the Edwards tackle. This technique, named after former NFL safety Jim Edwards, involves driving your legs through the ball carrier to create a forceful impact and bring them down. The Edwards tackle emphasizes body positioning and explosive hip movement, allowing defenders to make tackles with less risk of injury.
Ryans' Coaching Impact
Ryans' meticulous approach to tackling has been evident throughout his time with the Eagles. He constantly drills his players on proper technique, ensuring they understand the importance of driving through the legs and maintaining correct body alignment. This meticulous attention to detail has resulted in the Eagles becoming a formidable tackling team.
Edwards Tackle in Action: The Mixon Play
During the Eagles' matchup against the Bengals, the Eagles successfully deployed the Edwards tackle to stop Mixon on several key plays. Nakobe Dean, a young linebacker with immense potential, effectively executed the Edwards tackle, showcasing the impact of Ryans' coaching. Dean drove his legs into Mixon, bringing him down with a powerful tackle, preventing the Bengals from gaining significant yardage.
Beyond Mixon: Impact on the Entire Defense
Ryans' emphasis on tackling technique has not only improved the Eagles' ability to stop running backs like Mixon but has also contributed to a more aggressive and impactful defense as a whole. The Eagles have become known for their physicality and tenacity on defense, and this improvement can be attributed to the coaching philosophy instilled by Ryans.
Conclusion
The Eagles' success in stopping running backs like Mixon is a testament to DeMeco Ryans' commitment to fundamentals and technique. The Edwards tackle, a cornerstone of the Eagles' defensive philosophy, has been instrumental in their defensive dominance. With Ryans at the helm, the Eagles are well-positioned to continue excelling on defense, building on their foundation of sound tackling and strategic aggression.
