Philadelphia Eagles Patrick Chung could still play today
Philadelphia Eagles helmet rests on a table prior to a press conference to announce Chip Kelly (not pictured) as the new Eagles head coach at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles might not start rookie safety Earl Wolff after all for today’s tough matchup against the Denver Broncos, but the chances of veteran Patrick Chung playing are slim. Even so, it’s notable enough that the injury-prone Chung actually has a shot at playing, because the Oregon product is listed doubtful on the injury report after not even getting a lick of practice all week wit ha left shoulder contusion. CSN Philly’s Reuben Frank reports Patrick Chung has made the trip to Denver, and he will end up being a game-time decision against the Broncos.
Chung signed a three-year deal worth $10 million this offseason to be the Philadelphia Eagles starting free safety, and he was one of the Eagles targets going into free agency. However, Chung is terrible in coverage (he’s much better of playing in the box than playing in coverage), and that mostly undos his leadership qualities and solid run defense. His hard-hitting style is his biggest asset on defense, as he can make intimidating hits on RBs and WRs over the middle of the field, but his reckless playing style leaves him vulnerable to injuries. This shoulder injury is nothing new for Chung, as he has struggled with them throughout this career.
I would be surprised if Chung is able to get the start for the Eagles today, and I am actually more interested in seeing what Earl Wolff can do. The N.C. State rookie safety looks like a better fit at FS, and he was a steal in this draft. Wolff is an intriguing player, so I’d like to see if he can be the one to finally save the Eagles safety woes. Chung needs to move to SS to have any success, because he has been downright awful so far this year. Not only is he blowing assignments in coverage (that’s par for the course for him at FS), but he is also missing tackles.
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