How Avonte Maddox made the most of a challenging season

How Avonte Maddox made the most of a challenging season originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

He was released on March 7 after six years with the Eagles. He re-signed a month later but with a smaller contract and no guarantees. He began the season as the starting slot but got benched for Cooper DeJean during the bye week. He was in the mix to be the third safety but lost that job initially to undrafted Tristin McCollum.

It hasn’t been the easiest year for Avonte Maddox.

Through it all, the long-time Eagles defensive back has remained focused on the one thing he can control. Doing whatever he can to help the Eagles become a better team.

“Of course, it’s always difficult when you’re not in the role that you were in before, but you know, you just have to embrace every opportunity you do get and make the best of it,” Maddox said. “So if I have a chance to help one of my teammates, whether it’s Reed or Coop or Q or any of the other guys, I’m going to do it.

“You know, I’m not a selfish person. I’m here to help the team any way I can and that’s been my role now and I’m accepting that, and you know I’m just trying to get better each and every day.”

Maddox began the year in the same role he held for most of his first six years with the Eagles, manning the slot. Maddox played more than 3,000 defensive snaps from 2018 through 2023 and was very good. Solid in coverage, physical against the run.

But he had a tough first few weeks this year, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio replaced him with rookie Cooper DeJean during the bye week. DeJean has been terrific, and after averaging 53 snaps per game before the bye, Maddox averaged only 6 per game during the 10-game winning streak as DeJean took ownership of the slot corner spot.

What was the first thing Maddox did after he got benched for DeJean?

Help him.

“Avonte’s been great,” DeJean said. “I mean, I wouldn’t be playing the way I am without his help. He’s helped me ever since I got in here. I…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/avonte-maddox-made-most-challenging-091227290.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2025-01-03 09:12:00

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