On The Radar Mychal Kendricks Linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles
On rare occasions an NFL coach is presented with a player who has the natural talent and athleticism to play a variety positions. With the speed of a running back and the upper body strength usually associated with a linebacker, Mychal Kendricks is one such player.
The Eagles coach Chip Kelly has been handed a gift and a quandary. Does he use MK’s speed to blitz the backfield or hold him back for his excellent coverage abilities? Our opinion is that the problem is not one of too much talent, rather it is a problem with the nomenclature. The Eagles are on the cusp of defining a new football position – that of striking linebacker. Not the standard 4&3. This will be 4&3+ denoting the ability of one of the linebackers to blitz if that is how he reads the play. The only impediment is experience. In his second year in the NFL, Mychal Kendricks is still developing his professional instincts. But the time is fast approaching when the defensive coordinator will need to dial back his control so his players can utilize all of their gifts.
Image and Style Magazine is keeping an eye on this promising young man and can’t wait to see how his abilities change the game.