“Pounding Rock” Only Way Birds Can Win: Q&A With Quintin Mikell, Jason Avant

The Philadelphia Eagles can win the NFC East. But only if turn back the clock.

On the latest “Q&A” on Inside The Birds, former Eagles standouts Quintin Mikell and Jason Avant said the Eagles’ best chance to maximize their potential in 2021 is by becoming a run-first team and pinning the offense’s fate on their blue-chip offensive line.

“I think the strength of the team is being a running team,” Avant, a former wide receiver, said. “That starts with the offensive line. [Second-round pick] Landon Dickerson is going to start this season somewhere, ladies and gentlemen. I think he is better than [left guard Isaac ] Seumalo now.

“If they can be maulers up front and Jalen Hurts can add into that run game and they can be a top-five running team, that’s the only way the Eagles have a chance to win the division. That’s the only chance the Eagles have to make the playoffs.

“They’re going to have to be a run-first football team. We’re gonna have to take advantage of [Hurts’] running ability and open it up with play action. That’s the only way the team can win now and make the playoffs and win the division – is going to be through pounding the rock. We’re totally unprepared for that in the city of Philadelphia.”

Mikell, a former Pro Bowl safety, agreed with Avant, adding that a heavier dose of running would be beneficial to more than just Hurts and the offense.

“Maybe it’s because I’m a defensive player, but to me, a team that decides to commit to running the football … to me that says you care about the defense, you care about special temas, you care about the entire unit,” Mikell said. “You’re running the ball, you’re shortening the game, and giving the defense a chance to rest.

“When you commit to the run game and you commit to the run scheme, to me that’s team football. That’s caring about all three facets of the game. I know Philly fans have been spoiled with the passing game, but i think they’d be alright with running the ball.”

Eagles camp began Wednesday.

Check out Geoff Mosher’s observations from Day 1 of camp, with notes on Zach Ertz, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Hurts and the defense.

Also discussed on the latest Q&A: Some of Mikell’s and Avant’s favorite memories from camp at Lehigh, a preview of the offense, and a look at which Eagles are rising and declining.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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