The Eagles have the top-ranked special teams coverage group in the league, allowing the third fewest yards-per-punt return and the fourth fewest yards-per-kick return. One of the keys to their success this season has been special-teams ace Colt Anderson.
Signed off of the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad in November of 2010, Anderson immediately made an impact on special teams, notching an amazing five special teams tackles in his debut with the Eagles and finishing the season tied for third in special teams tackles, despite only appearing in eight games. This season, he leads the team in special teams production points, with nearly two times as many as his runner-up, kicker Alex Henery. He has made his mark both as a gunner on punt returns and in coverage on kickoffs, leading the team in special teams tackles.
Tragically, Anderson suffered a torn ACL while covering a punt against the Seahawks last Thursday night. He has now been placed on injured reserve and, in his place, the Eagles have signed a player who they hope can follow in his footsteps. Tom Nelson, a safety out of Illinois State, was brought in Monday to fill the void on the roster left by Anderson. Undrafted in 2009, the former Redbird spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and appeared in 21 games, starting three of them. Following a pre-season trade for safety Taylor Mays, the Bengals cut Nelson. The 5-11, 200-pound safety is confident that he can make an impact for the Eagles this season, even with only four games to go.
"I think I'm very versatile," said Nelson. "I can play safety, corner, nickel, and on special teams. Versatility is huge in this league. My athleticism oftentimes is overlooked, but I bring a good deal of that to the table, as well."
If Nelson can make an impact on special teams, specifically, in these last four games, the Eagles coaching staff, as well as the fans, will feel a lot more comfortable moving forward with Colt Anderson recovering from knee surgery.
Nelson, much like Anderson, did not take the easy route to the NFL. Both had to prove themselves at smaller college programs, Illinois State for Nelson and Montana for Anderson, both were undrafted in 2009, and both had to prove themselves on special teams in order to keep their jobs in the NFL. A solid special teams contributor, Nelson is hoping to see his role expanded role in Philadelphia, so he can show why he deserves to stick on this roster and in this league.
"Wherever (special teams coordinator) Bobby April wants to put me, I'll play," he said. "I'm just excited to get out there and fly around at practice. Playing this game is what I do."
