Why the Philadelphia Eagles will love Washington Huskies Cornerback Sidney Jones IV

By Bret Stuter | Apr 30, 2017

December 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Vita Vea (50, left) and defensive back Sidney Jones (26) celebrate after the Pac-12 championship against the Colorado Buffaloes at Levi's Stadium. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 41-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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What the Philadelphia Eagles will love about cornerback Sidney Jones

The Washington Huskies defense was a solid contributor throughout the 2016 season, despite losing their best pass rusher when JoJo Mathis fell to injury after just six games. Ultimately, the burden to step up fell to the defensive backs, who answered the call.

Pass defense comes in two forms: pressure the quarterback and cover the receiver. With less pressure up front, the cornerbacks had to defend longer and harder than ever before. Sidney Jones IV was good with that.

PHENOM

He’s not just an solid cornerback. He’s the type of defender who is so good that he makes sensational seem routine. It was simply what he did. Now, no defensive backfield succeeds on the backs of one, or even four, individuals. Ultimately, each player must know when to hand off a receiver, when to double up, and how to handle zone pressure.

Sidney Jones does more than defend a pass. He neutralizes a receiver. His coverage was so good that NCAA quarterbacks chose not to pass his way, or when they did they found no open receiver.

Now, that’s the future for the Philadelphia Eagles

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