Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Chris McCoy cemented his place on the 53-man roster with two sacks and a forced fumble against the New York Jets. McCoy has the frame at 6-foot-4 that Chip Kelly desires in an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, and has looked ultra smooth in coverage — a major sticking point to play linebacker in this defense.
McCoy has been disruptive most of the preseason. He has looked comfortable coming forward making plays in the back field and has been equally impressive dropping back and making plays on the ball in coverage. However, he would love to have one play back last night where he dropped a sure interception that went right through his hands. With the release of Everette Brown earlier today McCoy’s spot is all but asssured as the fourth outside linebacker behind Brandon Graham, Trent Cole and Connor Barwin.
Besides Barwin, McCoy looks the most comfortable and effective in coverage of the outside linebackers. This might not just buy him a spot on the roster, but significant playing time in 2013.
Kelly and his defense led by Billy Davis are going through a transition period. They are looking to find any players who fit their scheme. Whether it be through the waiver wire, acquiring them through trade or even plucking them out of the CFL as they did with McCoy.
McCoy has flashed brilliance in almost every preseason game. He wouldn’t be the first success story out of the Canadian Football League. Cameron Wake has turned into one of the league’s premiere defenders and he was discovered in that very same league.
McCoy, so far, has been a nice success story from bubble player, to producing in the preseason, to potentially playing on Sundays. Let’s see if he can parlay this opportunity into becoming a productive and successful player in the NFL.
