PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Lamar Jackson is one of many dynamic young quarterbacks who appear to have a bright future in the NFL, but for now, the Eagles are only concerned about the present.
On Sunday, Jackson and the Ravens invade the Linc to take on the Eagles in a non-conference contest. This will be the Eagles first look at Jackson, and the timing could not be worse. The Ravens are 4-1 and look very much like a Super Bowl contender. The Eagles are 1-3-1 and dealing with another long list of injuries.
For Fletcher Cox and his teammates, stopping Jackson is the key to an upset, but it's a task that is easier said than done.
"I think it's just going to come down to us being disciplined," said Cox. "It's guys being where they need to be and tackling. Once the guy gets there, you've got to get him on the ground. Don't miss tackles. No breaking the tackle. Just get to him and get him on the ground."
Getting Jackson to the ground will be difficult, even for the Eagles' talented defensive line.
Jackson has left many NFL players swatting at air as he eludes tackler after tackler.
Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave knows one mistake against Jackson could cost the Eagles the game on Sunday.
"We know he poses a threat," Hargrave said. "But a guy like Lamar can make one person miss and take it 50 yards or even 100 yards down the field. For us, it's all about just kind of swarming the ball and just everybody not giving up on the play and trying to bring him down."
While Jackson has a reputation as a running quarterback, he is just as dangerous with his arm as he is with his legs.
Jackson continues to improve in the pocket this season, and Eagles safety Rodney McLeod said the secondary must be cautious and be wary of Jackson's abilities to make throws both in the pocket and on the run.
"You do see him trying to get the ball out and work on a lot more timing," said McLeod. "But he still has the ability to escape. He's still creating plays with his legs. He's able to escape the pressure and he's able to escape the rush, but what he is doing is still looking down the field."
The Eagles have a mobile backup quarterback in Jalen Hurts, who has been playing the part of Jackson in practice this week to help the Eagles prepare for the multi-talented Jackson.
McLeod has been impressed with how Hurts has helped them prepare for one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL.
"It's helped us out a lot," McLeod said. "He understands the scheme and his athleticism I think speaks for itself. He's putting that on display for us this week, giving us a real good look scrambling around."
