After a record-setting season in 2021, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave wanted to one-up himself this year.
The 29-year-old has now surpassed his career-high sacks, with eight, tying for the most in the league among players at his position. And with five weeks remaining, Hargrave can only get better from here.
Javon Hargrave is tied for most sacks in the NFL by DTs with 8.#Eagles
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) December 4, 2022
JAVON HARGRAVE CREDITS HIS HEALTH FOR HIS SUCCESS
Starting off the 2022-2023 season, the 2021 Pro Bowler recorded one sack before the Eagles entered their bye week. Then things took off.
What changed was a healed injury. During training camp, Hargrave sprained his toe causing him to miss practice. Once the season started, it became more of an issue.
“Shoot, I got healthy,” Hargrave said. “(The) bye helped me get over it. That’s something I’ve been dealing with. It’s no excuse, but it’s something that’s been nagging.”
After the Eagles returned from their bye week, Hargrave recorded five sacks in two games. Two were against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and three were against the Houston Texans. He was the first Eagles with consecutive sacks of two or more since Connor Barwin in 204.
Hargrave also recorded an additional one in games against the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans.
He stated, “You just feel happy, more confident. You just see being consistent and putting in the work, that it pays off.”
With five regular-season games remaining, the defensive tackle has a total of 46 tackles. Only Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs has more sacks.
PRO BOWL BOUND?
After securing his first Pro Bowl last season, Hargrave could now be looking at round two. According the the latest votes released by the NFL, the 29-year-old is leading among defensive tackles in the NFC (47,376 votes).
Fan voting makes up a third of the overall totals. The other two-thirds comes from players’ decisions and coaches.
Another Pro Bowl for Hargrave would not only mean another tick on his resume, but could also help him secure a contract extension. In 2020, the defensive tackle was signed to a three-year deal, making this season his last. But luckily, it sounds like he wants to stick around.
“I love being in Philly,” Hargrave stated. “I feel like this is my better years as a pro. Of course I love being in Philly. It’s whatever happens.”
With a big-name like Fletcher Cox standing in front of him, it will be interesting to see what moves the Eagles make for the defensive tackle position. Philadelphia also has rookie and first-round pick Jordan Davis and 2021 third-round pick, Milton Williams.
Hargrave, however, is worried about himself for the time being.
“I had one of my better season last year. It’s just trying to be even better this year. I think that’s just the goal going into every year, just being the best player I can be for the team.”
The Eagles head out on the road for Week 14 where Hargrave will look to extend his sacks. Kickoff begins at 1 PM on Sunday, December 11 when Philadelphia plays NFC East rival, the New York Giants.
