The Athletic · Oct 11, 2017
Goal for Eagles defensive backs is simple: Stay off the ‘loaf board'
With 1:12 left in Sunday's game, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer found J.J. Nelson on a comeback route near the left sideline.
Nelson broke Patrick Robinson's tackle and sprinted upfield. It looked like a sure touchdown, but Eagles safety Rodney McLeod caught up with Nelson, punched the ball out and forced a fumble, keeping the score at 34-7.
Aside from personal pride, there was another reason why McLeod wanted to make sure he hustled to the very end, even though the result of the game had already been decided. He wanted to stay off the loaf board.
“It's up on a whiteboard in the room so everyone sees it,” McLeod said. “The goal is always zero.”