When Ron Brooks collapsed, so did the Eagles.
Ron Brooks, the nickel corner? The 12th man on the defensive depth chart? The free-agent afterthought who had started just three games in his first four seasons?
Yes. That Ron Brooks.
That might sound overblown, considering the other issues that sabotaged the Eagles’ 2016 season. Lane Johnson, the $56 million right tackle, was suspended for 10 games. Fletcher Cox, the $102 million defensive tackle, stagnated. Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin, whose contracts totaled more than $72 million, combined for just 7½ sacks. So, yes, there were other factors.