Can the Philadelphia Eagles contain Dez Bryant?

How can the Philadelphia Eagles stop Dez Bryant?

On Sunday night, one of the Philadelphia Eagles biggest responsibilities will be stopping Dez Bryant. To this point in the season, the Birds’ secondary has struggled against big name receivers. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Antonio Brown torched the secondary for 12 receptions that amounted to 140 yards. But even before the Eagles routed the Steelers, Alshon Jeffrey reeled in five receptions for 96 yards. As the 4-2 Eagles prepare to battle the 5-1 Dallas Cowboys, their pass coverage has been heavily dependent on the pass rush created by Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox.

In Bryant’s last seven games against the Eagles, he has posted impressive numbers—40 receptions, 685 yards, and eight touchdowns. His athletic prowess allows him to get separation from receivers and no one is better when it comes to winning jump-balls.

Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles free safety Rodney McLeod (23) intercepts the ball in the first quarter in front of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll (22) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Do the Eagles have an answer?

Nolan Carroll and Leodis McKelvin will man the outside corner spots, along with Jalen Mills. But, instead of using a corner in the slot, Jim Schwartz will move safety Malcolm Jenkins there. Jaylen Watkins, who had a brilliant preseason, will replace Jenkins at safety when he is in the slot. This could create matchups that particularly benefit the Eagles. Especially considering the chemistry and success rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has enjoyed with slot receiver Cole Beasley. Beasley has three touchdowns in the last two games, and hasn’t recorded fewer than 53 receiving yards in a game this season.

One of the best facets of the 2016 Eagles season has been Rodney McLeod. McLeod is tied for second in the NFL, first in the NFC, for interceptions in 2016. The safety has wasted no time acclimating himself to a new scheme and has demonstrated why he’s considered one of the best safety tacklers in the entire league. His success is what has allowed Schwartz to experiment with Jenkins in the slot. In doing so, the opportunities for Watkins and the defense has grown with McLeod providing strong support on the back-end of the defense.

The Eagles defense faces their toughest test as the Dallas Cowboys are considered to have the best offensive line in the NFL. Zach Martin, Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick anchor a unit that has allowed rookie Ezekiel Elliot to run rampant on opposing defenses. Their cohesion has also allowed Prescott to earn the fifth best quarterback rating in the NFL.

But, if the Eagles front four can pressure Prescott, they’ll create opportunities for the secondary. In doing so, they’ll coincidently minimize Bryant’s opportunities to wreak havoc. As has been the case all season, the Eagles ability to minimize Bryant’s impact and the likelihood of ensuring a victory will be dependent upon the front four. The integral part of Schwartz’s scheme.