Schwartz unsure about future of Kendricks
Coincidence or not, Mychal Kendricks has morphed into a beast since revealing how the Eagles snubbed his trade request after his snaps dwindled to almost nothing near the end of the 2016 season.
PHILADELPHIA » Coincidence or not, Mychal Kendricks has morphed into a beast since revealing how the Eagles snubbed his trade request after his snaps dwindled to almost nothing near the end of the 2016 season.
Three preseason games after the declaration, the weak side linebacker has picked off a team-leading three passes, recorded two tackles for loss, including a sack, and registered a couple of quarterback hurries.
And still Jim Schwartz declined to give him a vote of confidence.
Asked if Kendricks deserved an expanded role, Schwartz played defense.
“That really depends on so many things that go further on down the line,” Schwartz said at his news conference Monday. “We have worked some stuff where Nigel Bradham moved (to middle linebacker) and Mychal moved into Nigel’s (strong side) spot to get those guys out there in nickel together, and that’s something Nigel hasn’t done. If we had a game today, Jordan Hicks (groin) couldn’t play. It’s our responsibility to get the guys that can best produce on the field. Mychal has certainly forced himself into that conversation.”
Hicks maintains he’ll be back for the Sept. 10th opener against the Redskins. And he expects Kendricks to be in the Philly lineup that day despite persistent rumors that the Birds want to trade their backer.
“You take everything in stride around here,” Hicks said. “It’s part of the business. Mike obviously takes everything in stride and he handles it well. Mychal has always been there. It’s always been Mike, one of the most athletic linebackers I’ve ever been around. He’s the most special player and to have him playing like that, we need him to play like that. He’s really going to help our defense.”
Kendricks is the best pass rusher among the Philly linebackers. That alone is reason to believe his role could increase as Schwartz defenses are about the pass rush. If the preseason is any indication the veteran coordinator wants to lean on blitzes more than last year.
“He’s rushed the passer well,” Schwartz said. “That ties into a lot of other things. That ties into the corner’s ability and our confidence in our corners, being able to blitz him. I’ve been very impressed with Mike, his attitude, and embracing everything that had to do with practice. He’s stayed really focused in training camp. He’s found a way to be productive. I’m impressed by that.”
Kendricks, like several Eagles, didn’t make himself available during the open locker room Monday. The veteran starters won’t play in the preseason finale Thursday against the New York Jets.
*** Nick Foles returned to practice Monday but it’s unclear for how long.
All but a few minutes is closed to the media.
Sitting out practice were linebackers Jordan Hicks (groin), Najee Goode (hand) and Nate Gerry (hamstring), cornerbacks Ron Brooks (hamstring) and Sidney Jones (Achilles’ tendon), defensive end Brandon Graham (triceps), wide receiver Paul Turner (shoulder) and defensive tackle Destiny Vaeao (quadriceps).