The Rise of Akeem Jordan

by PhillyCheez1123 on Oct 11, 2009 6:12 PM EDT

From winning a national championship at James Madison University, to finishing second in Buck Buchanan Award (best defensive player in FCS), to being an All-American, to being an undrafted free agent signing to our beloved Eagles, you could say that Akeem Jordan has been under the radar most of his football career. However, this talent is beginning to blossom in his first full season as a starter.

Last season, the Eagle's coffin was nailed by many people after a loss to Baltimore, the infamous game when Donovan McNabb was benched. After this game Andy Reid said that McNabb would remain the starter. The Eagles went 4-1 the rest of the year and everyone thought that Reid had just made the coaching decision of the year. On the other hand, there was another move that some fans may not know about. Akeem Jordan was named the starting weak side linebacker for Jim Johnson's defense.

"He has a great feel for the game and has very good instincts for where the ball is going in the run game and the pass game." Reid said of him.

Fans wondered why this undrafted free agent who hasn't proved himself at all, was benched for Omar Gaither, a 'backer who proved most of the season that he cold make big plays and be a good linebacker in this league. He answered his critics by playing better in pass coverage and helping boost his team's defense from 9th before he played, to 3rd by the end of the year, and earning the respect of his teammates, including longtime leader Brian Dawkins.

"He's a very athletic guy and he has a nose for the football. You're going to see some great things from him coming real soon." said Dawkins.

After this season he still had some critics (me being one of them) because he didn't display much play making ability in his time. Now he has answered those critics this season, posting up 2 interceptions, a sack, and a 50 yard fumble return earlier today which was eventually reversed. Oh wait, I almost forgot, he also leads the team with 26 total tackles. Whether people are noticing them or not, those numbers are Pro Bowl caliber numbers.

It looks like we have a star rising Eagles fans.

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I will say

He has been impressive, but its still to early to say that he is Pro Bowl calibuar. Of all the LBs, hes been the most impressive, but hes got real tests coming his way later on in the schedule. He was the only defensive player that showed up for the Saints game (with the exception of Cole, but he always shows up). With that being said, I do look at the glass half full. He has been a playmaker when he needed to be and seems to get better as the schedule goes on. If we can get some help on the other side of him next year and Stew can return to his pro bowl form (I have my doubts)…then maybe the weak point of our defense becomes less weak.

by macjack09 on Oct 11, 2009 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

Akeem

is pretty damn good… I love having a young deadly team…

thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro

by wild_eagle on Oct 11, 2009 7:56 PM EDT reply actions

Go Akeem and go JMU

Akeem’s alma mater. Its always cool to see a D2 player make it to the NFL.

by Bo Jangles on Oct 11, 2009 10:39 PM EDT reply actions

+1

JMU has the hottest girls…i wish i played football there

by ssean2266 on Oct 12, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Akeem Jorden is our best LB this year

Last year wehn he replaced Gaither he led the team in tackles from that point on. He has been going balls to the wall ever since he earned the starting job. NOT ONE EVEN HALFWAY GOOD GAME they were ALL AMAZING. He could even be the best defensive player on our team. This Kid is special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by NickPampani on Oct 11, 2009 10:45 PM EDT reply actions