Can Nolan Smith earn more playing time?

The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a dilemma with rookie Nolan Smith. Despite the excitement he generated during training camp and his potential to contribute in his first season, Smith has been relegated to limited playing time. So far, he has only played 47 defensive snaps (9%) through eight weeks. While Smith has been involved in special teams, he remains the fifth option in the edge rusher rotation.

Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the depth in the position group, noting that three players from last year had double-digit sacks. This situation is similar to what Nakobe Dean and Cam Jurgens experienced last year. Although Smith has shown promise and made plays on special teams, he is caught in a deep room where rotation is not as frequent. The hot hand approach has led to Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick receiving the majority of snaps as they have been performing exceptionally well.

Looking at the snap counts, it is clear that Sweat and Reddick have been the primary contributors, with 371 snaps (73%) and 361 snaps (71%) respectively. Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett also see more playing time than Smith, with 146 snaps (29%) and 99 snaps (20%) respectively. Smith, on the other hand, has only seen limited action with just 47 snaps (9%).

However, there is a possibility that Smith’s playing time could increase in the second half of the season. Currently, he hasn’t played more than nine snaps in a single game. The Eagles may consider adjusting the rotation to give him more opportunities to showcase his skills.

The ability to stage comebacks is a recurring theme for the Eagles, most notably led by Jalen Hurts. The team has found ways to bounce back from deficits in several games over the past few seasons. Hurts attributed their success to belief, execution, and maintaining a high level of play. While the Eagles hope to prevent falling behind, there is no sense of panic when they do. This resilience stems from the team’s leadership, particularly Hurts, and their commitment to a “Dawg Mentality” which emphasizes moving on quickly from setbacks.

Fletcher Cox echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of staying composed and believing in each other when facing adversity. He credited the team’s unity and belief as the key factors in their comebacks. Cox emphasized that the foundation of their success lies in the trust they have built within the locker room and their faith in the coaching staff.

A.J. Brown’s exceptional performance this season has impressed his coaches, who attribute it to his relentless work ethic during the offseason. Despite already having a Pro Bowl season in 2022, Brown was determined to continue improving. His desire to be one of the best in the game motivated him to challenge himself and his teammates each day. Through eight games, Brown has already amassed 60 catches for 939 yards and 5 touchdowns. This surpasses the receiving yardage of the Eagles’ leading receiver in each of the past three seasons.

Undrafted rookie Eli Ricks has made a significant impact for the Eagles’ defense. When Darius Slay suffered an injury scare during a recent game, it was Ricks, not the expected backup Josh Jobe, who stepped in to replace him. Ricks has garnered praise from the coaching staff for his humble attitude, professionalism, and dedication to learning. Despite starting the season with minimal defensive snaps, he has steadily earned more playing time and has impressively performed when given the opportunity.

In the last four games, Ricks has averaged 16 defensive snaps per game, culminating in a career-high 25 snaps against the Commanders in Week 8. His ability to compete and make the best of his chances has showcased his potential and earned him elevated status within the team.

Overall, the Eagles are facing decisions regarding playing time distribution among their talented young players. While Smith has been limited thus far, there is hope for him to receive more opportunities moving forward. The team’s resilience and ability to come back from deficits continues to be a defining characteristic, instilled by their leaders and embraced by the players. Brown’s exceptional start to the season is a testament to his unwavering work ethic and commitment to growth. Lastly, Ricks has emerged as a valuable asset for the defense, proving himself through hard work and seizing opportunities when they arise.

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John Smith

ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.