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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a first quarter touchdown by teammate Patrick Robinson (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Jalen Mills #31 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates a first quarter touchdown by teammate Patrick Robinson (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Eagles: Letting Patrick Robinson walk

Hindsight is always 20-20. The Eagles got a great year out of veteran corner Patrick Robinson in 2017. He brought needed stability to the back end of their defense. One would think that would’ve been enough to convince them to work out some sort of extension. Instead the Eagles decided to protect their limited cap space and let Robinson walk in free agency, signing with his former team the New Orleans Saints.

It seemed like a safe move at the time, but playing it safe doesn’t usually win championships. The Eagles defense has sorely missed Robinson since he left. Their secondary has been beset by loads of injury issues at cornerback and it’s cost them in some critical games down the stretch. Games that probably would’ve ended differently had he been there to help. Sometimes it isn’t the big moves that determine the course of a season.

Even the lesser ones can end up having a huge impact.

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