It may have been week 17, but it was a day to remember for rookie cornerback Sidney Jones. The Washington product made his debut against the Dallas Cowboys and although it was quiet at first glance, the eye in the sky paints a very promising picture for the future of the Eagles secondary.
“Outside of the one double move, it appeared like he played pretty well.” Doug Pederson said of his prized second round pick after the game on Sunday. “He held up pretty good there and did some nice things. That’s encouraging to see him, because he hasn’t been out there in a long, long time. He held up well. Again outside of the one play, did some nice things. Other than that, didn’t really have any other opportunities, contested throws or anything like that. So we’ll check out film, but I think he held up pretty well.”
It’s been a long time coming, but Philadelphia players are no strangers to trusting the process. Jones spent the offseason rehabbing and getting as many mental reps as possible, watching as the Eagles soared to a 13-3 record and earned near enough every accolade possible along the way. Itching to be a part of the action, Jones finally took to the field against the Eagles’ most heated rivals.
“You can’t even describe it.” The rookie explained when asked about his first moments on the field. “It’s a whole bunch of nerves and juices going. Good juices. It’s a blessing. I can’t even describe it.”
Although his debut was cut short due to cramping, Jones was finally able to step out onto an NFL field and do more than just play competently. With a pair of big tackles and some very impressive fundamentals, Jones looks primed to become a cornerstone in the Eagles secondary for years to come.
