Gaither most likely done for year

F...

Not good. I’m not a Gaither fan, but sadly, we need him.

by Bye, Dawk :( on Oct 22, 2009 12:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wonder if gaither will be put on IR....

are the eagles gonna make another move?
What free agents are out there?

by hoya03 on Oct 22, 2009 1:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs

Witherspoon was the move. They knew the extent of Gaither’s injury a few days ago I’m sure, but you lose leverage to make a trade if other teams know you’re desperate.

by Bye, Dawk :( on Oct 22, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I think they did well to get a starting caliber LB for as relatively little (and I liked Gibson, too) as they did.

I can only imagine that when the Eagles called looking for LBs, other teams guessed something worse was up with w/Gaither.

I wonder if I can bill Jeff Lurie and Peter Angelos for the years of therapy their teams are going to put me through.

by BrianS on Oct 22, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One good thing about Reid (and I’ve bashed him all week) are his relationships with other teams around the league, that seem willing to deal with the Eagles. He comes from that Walsh-Holmgren coaching tree which has so much influence league-wide, and many of our assistants have gone on elsewhere to become coaches (Harbaugh, Spags, etc). And here’s an example of a deal where the Eagles (Reid) and the Rams (Spags) were able to work out a mutually beneficial deal.

It sounds dumb, but having strong relationships with other teams around the league is really an important part of being a GM. It certainly helps with how they been able to move around so much in the draft, and to make deals like the Witherspoon and Peters trades when they absolute have to.

by Bye, Dawk :( on Oct 22, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

I hate Andy Reid as an in-game coach but he is great at drafting, trades, relationships with other teams etc. If the Eagles don’t win it again this year, I would like a new “big name” coach but keep Reid in the FO.

Andy Reid has to live with Sunday's reality: He was out coached by Tom Cable. (John Clayton)

An inconsistent coach is far worse than an inconsistent quarterback.(Route 36)

by Route36 on Oct 22, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reid has also done some deals with the Patriots so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some deals with the Cheifs in the future now that Pioli is over there.

Let the beasting begin.

by TransplantedFan on Oct 22, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly another blow

Just another hit to us. I’m not a Gaither fan really. In my opinion, he’s a role player at best, but I never wish nothin bad on him. But—eff you, we’re winning anyway.

by macjack09 on Oct 22, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

JUST A THOUGHT................

And calm down people before u rip this but i was wonderin about Derrick Brooks, wats the word on him and wat has he been up 2?? I would assume hes still in football shape but does he have anything left in the tank? Hell the Pats just brought back Seau right, at this point do u guys think signing Derrick Brooks could be a positive or is this a horrible idea????

by goldenbird09 on Oct 22, 2009 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

bad idea.

we already brought trotter back, and so far it hasnt helped. the eagles arent about to bring in 2 old veteran free agent linebackers

by Manoovi on Oct 22, 2009 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha i knew that was comin.......................

u have a good point about the signing 2 old vet free agents thing, but Brooks played last year while Trot was out of the game for a year and a half, or watever it was. Im also wonderin if Trot is gonna be cut or not. So if they were willing , or more so desperate enuff 2 be bring in Trot than y not Brooks?? At this point i would think he would at least be a better fit then Trot. But who knows, maybe Trot just needs 2 get re-acclimated…………….suuuuuure. I think the Witherspoon trade is more valuable then people realize., we gave away a player who wasnt even playin for Starter who i think is gonna be a huge help. But with Omar now likely lost 4 the year were gettin slim on THE DC. Im not sure in Mays or Fokou is ready yet but if not we need another LB as sick as that sounds.

by goldenbird09 on Oct 22, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Trot would have been cut

following the trade…but I was also assuming we’d still have Gaither. Can’t see them cutting Trot with Gaither out unless Joe Mays shows the something.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

shows THEM something

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a good thought at this point.

My opinion is depth can never hurt seeing as how players continue to drop like flys. From what I keep hearing, though, his situation is similar to Runyan’s. That is, assumably if there was anything left, he would’ve already been signed by some team some where. I’m guessing there has to be some reason teams are staying away.

Smack it up, flip it, rub it down... OH NOOOooo!

by J800 on Oct 22, 2009 1:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

brooks is still pretty good and could probably start and improve a lot of teams right now, but he’s not what we need. if it wasn’t for trotter i’d say make a move for him, but just like the axe man he’s a good run stopper but with age his average pass coverage hasn’t gotten any better

by notfromphilly on Oct 22, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok.........

tru tru……but at this point anything would be better then Trot caught in passing situations, it just is gonna resulting in big plays for opposing teams. Now i dont know wat theyre gonna do with Witherspoon, i guess the plans for him 2start at the mike but i think theyre gonna move around to the outside as well. Witherspoon AND Jordan i think will be fine, its gocong thats gonna be the weaklink, fik it bring in Brooks, we already reached with the AX, im sorry 2 rip on Trot cause hes def one of my fav Eagles ever, its sad 2 see a player whos heart and desire are still at the top but their physical talents are 2 diminished 2 be on the field.

by goldenbird09 on Oct 22, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At this point, I’d like to see Trot vs. Reid vs. Brooks in a foot race. Winner suits up Monday Night, although AR looks more like a D lineman.

Smack it up, flip it, rub it down... OH NOOOooo!

by J800 on Oct 22, 2009 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where are people getting this idea that Gocong is bad?

He’s a solid player, a good strong side, and very good against the run

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

bad news.

not happy with the way gaither has played but we need all the help we can get. on the other hand, todd is great news.

by Q27 on Oct 22, 2009 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What we need

Is for JOE MAYS to start stepping and playing at a competent level, then we wouldn’t need to do this tap dance with our LBs. Also, what’s Fokou doing? I know he’s only a rookie, but if he can some things together he may be able steal some playing time

by DLawrence on Oct 22, 2009 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

its hard for Mays to step up when his shoulder has been injured.

by Ben16 on Oct 22, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah.............

im kinda curious 2 about Fokou, he looked good and bad in the preseason but i think he can be a good player. We should at least giv him sum playin time.

by goldenbird09 on Oct 22, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trotter looked good and bad against Oakland too

it’s just that his bad cost us a TD, and then allowed them to run out the clock at the end. 2 bad plays cost us the game (that’s obviously not to exonerate Andy or the Offense)

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing it confirmed elsewhere

Gaither is being confirmed as done for the season over at PFT.

Let the beasting begin.

by TransplantedFan on Oct 22, 2009 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

didnt like this at first, but now i know gaither is done for the year, im really happy about it

eff you we winning anyway

by eagleswin on Oct 22, 2009 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

haha thats brutal bro, i dont think gaither was that bad, but then again with our LBs so that means he actually sucked. No matter how shitty people might think he played the bottom line is were worst off witout him.

by goldenbird09 on Oct 22, 2009 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But we're better off with Witherspoon

and if Gaither’s injury is what brought him here, I’ll take it. I’m imagining that if Gaither hadn’t been hurt bad, we never would have made the deal.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A blow

But at least we duck and covered, maybe a slight side step. Some of these “ITS OVER.. OH NOES!!!!” type posts I see (not this post but elsewhere) are way over the top. Gaither was ok, a good guy to fill in for half the downs this year due to Bradley being on IR… but he wasn’t the best. I think ‘Spoon can at the least be another Gaither.. he’s a very solid player.. probably more so than Gaither. This news does hurt, but only in that it means Will needs to catch up faster, and we’re back to not having a lot of depth at LB.. but it’s not end of the season news. Just the birds rolling with the punches, and we’re probably one of the best in the league at doing that.

by Sparki on Oct 22, 2009 3:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gaither was bad

Spoon is a big upgrade over Gaither

by Team Serbia on Oct 22, 2009 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gaither's not terrible

but he’s definitely a situational player. We’ll be much better off with Spoon since he’s a 3 down guy.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

herremans n peters are back and i cant wait to see witherspoon

by rainvillefromottawa on Oct 22, 2009 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

so much for cutting trotter.

"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China

by snowhill82 on Oct 22, 2009 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

true

I thought Trot was gone for sure…but apparently his career just got salvaged.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

disappointing news

It seems to me that good teams get younger; that good teams trade away older players and you’re surprised at how little you miss them; that good teams trade away olders players and you’re surprised at how good their replacements are and at how little the departed veteran accomplish once he’s gone. I have always been impressed at how good the Eagles are at getting younger and staying young. This year, there seems to be a lot more in-season roster shuffling, and a lot more of bringing in older vets in that regard. I’m no expert, but I wish the Eagles didn’t feel a need to bring in Trotter and Witherspoon.

by dave in san mateo on Oct 22, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The need arose

when Bradley went down. We can usually hide an injury or two because our coaches draft and train really well…but we were simply not prepared to lose Bradley.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isnt Witherspoon better on the outside? So would it make more sence to move Gocong into the middle, with Jordan and Spoon as the OLBs?

by philiafan14364 on Oct 22, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Spoon can play both.. I believe hes better outside but for this year we need him in the middle but i wouldnt be surprised at all if next year he takes Gocongs job if he plays well this year which I think he will.

DeSEAN JACKSON THE 10NE

by TheILLadeph on Oct 22, 2009 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Witherspoon, when playing OLB, is a WILL linebacker. Gocong plays SAM linebacker. Spoon would actually be taking Akeem Jordan’s job if we move him to OLB next season.

RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.

by Imp on Oct 22, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spoon could definitely play SLB.

Strongside linebacker

The strongside linebacker (SLB) is often nicknamed “Sam” for purposes of calling a blitz. Since the strong side of the offensive team is the side on which the tight end lines up, or whichever side contains the most personnel, the strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the tight end. Often the strongside linebacker will be called upon to tackle the running back on a play, because the back will be following the tight end’s block. He is most often the strongest linebacker, at the least he possess the ability to withstand, shed, and fight off blocks from a TE or a FB blocking the backside of a pass play. The linebacker should also have strong safety abilities in pass situation to cover the tight end in man on man situations. He should also have considerable quickness to read and get into coverage in zone situations. also called Nickel linebacker.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linebacker#Strongside_linebacker

Since Spoon is supposed to be a great coverage backer, he could definitely play either side. Since he played MLB before, we know he is strong enough to fight off blocks. Since WILL is his best position, we know he is fast enough to blitz. He could play all 3 positions no doubt.

I predict Bradley(MLB), Spoon(SLB), and Jordan(WILL) as our starting backers next year.

Andy Reid has to live with Sunday's reality: He was out coached by Tom Cable. (John Clayton)

An inconsistent coach is far worse than an inconsistent quarterback.(Route 36)

by Route36 on Oct 23, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear your prediction

and I’ll be impressed if you’re right. My opinion is DEFINITELY different. Spoon (240lbs) is too small to play SAM. I imagine he’d have more trouble than Gocong (265lbs) shedding a FB block and getting to the ball carrier.

Gocong’s not a bad LB, especially against the run.

I predict Bradley at Mike, Spoon at Will, and Gocong at Sam…Gaither and Jordan will be backups, I can’t even see them beating our Bradley or Spoon for a LB job in nickel packages.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Gocong is a pretty bad LB bro. How many times do you hear his name during the game. Elite (4-3)outside linebackers have around 100 tackles a season. Gocong averages just around 60. 2 names that come into mind are Chad Greenway and Lance Briggs. Greenway(6’2 242) had 115 tackles and 5.5 sacks last year. This year he has 35 tackles, 2 ints, and 1 FF, on his way to another 100+ tackle season.

Lance Briggs(6’1 242) had 110 tackles last year and had as much as 130 in his career. This year, 33 tackles, 1 sack, 1 int and on his way to another 100+ tackle season.

Strong side linebackers should be able to blitz, cover the tight end, and stop the run. Gocong is below average in all 3. Spoon would just have to gain 4-5 pounds next year. He had 7 sacks in 2007. He has no problem shedding blocks. If Jordan keeps up his play through the rest of the season, there is no way he loses his job next year. He is on track for a 85 tackles season and already has a sack plus 2 ints.

Andy Reid has to live with Sunday's reality: He was out coached by Tom Cable. (John Clayton)

An inconsistent coach is far worse than an inconsistent quarterback.(Route 36)

by Route36 on Oct 23, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh.

Fair enough. Good point.

RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.

by Imp on Oct 23, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it could work...

gocong could be serviceable in the middle.

"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China

by snowhill82 on Oct 22, 2009 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I only wonder

if Gocong’s smart enough for middle. With that said, we don’t have anyone big or strong enough to replace him at SAM.

"What did it feel like? That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box."- Sheldon Brown on his pounding of Reggie Bush in the '06 Playoffs

by jalarsen1 on Oct 23, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs