The full breakdown
Cox was productive as a run defender (72 grade), consistently setting a firm edge and making splash stops, highlighted by beating the right tackle inside for a tackle for loss in the first quarter (Q1 11:03). He also demonstrated great effort by rallying across the field to blow up a swing pass (Q3 06:26). However, his pass rush facet was a net negative (45 grade), as he regularly rushed past the quarterback or failed to shed chips. His overall grade was severely suppressed at Q1 03:10 on 3rd & 11, where an unnecessary roughing the passer penalty wiped out an incompletion and gifted Atlanta a first down.
Strengths
- Setting the edge against tight ends
- Backfield penetration vs the run
- High-effort backside pursuit
Weaknesses
- Costly discipline lapse (roughing the passer)
- Rushing past pocket depth
- Handling pulling blockers