Very Soon, It'll Be Time For Someone To Step Up
by foos05 on Mar 3, 2009 9:05 AM EST
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The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born -- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.
If Warren G. Bennis was correct in his assertion, then one thing that this team should not lack moving forward is leadership. The one aspect of Brian Dawkins’ departure that many fans fear is the leadership void that has been created. Dawkins was the heart and soul of the team, and steered the ship when the seas were rough. Look through Bennis’ eyes for a minute, and contemplate the reality of the situation. We need to remember that the other members of our defense got to play with and learn from Dawkins; some as long as six years, and I have to believe they’ve absorbed some insight from him. Let’s not also forget some of the tougher seasons that we’ve had in the past few years. If leaders are forged in the fires of adversity, then we should have quite a few stout ones ready to step in and fill our sudden void.
Over the past few days, we’ve had some debate on who would become the voice of the defense, and this seems to be a fairly hot topic. Quintin Mikell recently spoke to this precise point, along with some of his feelings about the departure of Brian Dawkins. Mikell spoke of the knowledge that he acquired from sharing a locker room for six years with Dawkins. He did, however, mention the realization that his mentor is now gone and that his presence will need to be filled, but he’s confident that we have the pieces to do so.
"I feel like I'm ready to take on a bigger role as a leader. I have to be," Mikell said. "You will never be able to replace what he did. I feel like with us having a committee of people who can set examples, who can put people in the right place that we can get the job done."
Mikell also mentioned some other possibilities to assume leadership roles within the locker room, none of which should be surprising to you.
"I believe Sheldon can be a great leader. I've learned a lot from Dawk, but I've also learned a lot from Sheldon," Mikell said. "You don't have to be the oldest one on the team to be a leader. Stewart (Bradley) can step in and say something. That's how you put together a team that wins. You have everyone."
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I can see Bradley taking on a more starring role.
Linebackers do often lead defenses (remember Trott?) and his style of play is Eagles football epitomized. Or at least I think it can become that.
by NOLACuse on Mar 3, 2009 12:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
foos +100
one of my fav post from you , couldnt agree more …
If football had a church, Brian Dawkins would be my preacher !
by NorthPhillyKid on Mar 3, 2009 12:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Leaders don’t always need to be vocal either, many lead by their actions & attitude, both on and off the field.
by ralphd58 on Mar 3, 2009 1:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
leadership
I’m with you on this one. I believe that the presence of an established leader can stifle the development of the next leader. I also believe that, all things being equal, it’s better to have a leader on the upswing of a career than a leader on the downside of one.
Unfortunately, we don’t know how this is going to work out. The emerging leader or leaders are going to be different than Dawkins. It’s possible that they will be far less effective. It’s also possible that a number of leaders will emerge but be pulling in different directions. It’s hard to tell.
The front office is taking a risk here, but I think it’s a risk worth taking. This type of stuff is the only alternative to a gradual decline.
by dave in san mateo on Mar 3, 2009 1:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Bradley
Bradley seems to be the logical person to step into an expanded leadership role. His age, position and play on the field all point to him stepping up. I agree that you want a guy in his prime (or on the upswing) rather than a fading guy as a new leader.
The Eagles might be stocked with great leaders on the defense; we have no idea. It may be that there are a lot of guys that, had Dawk not been there, would have filled that role. Sheldon and Trent Cole come to mind.
Dawk gave the pregame pump-up speech for the NFC at the probowl this year (and probably many previous years). He wasn’t just the best leader the Eagles had on defense, he was one of the best leaders in the entire NFC. When you have a guy like that in your locker room, you don’t need to be vocal, even if you’re capable of it. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges.
by michaluk on Mar 3, 2009 1:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Any report on how well Bradley’s leadership skills might be progressing over at Elle?
by andyreidswaistline on Mar 3, 2009 8:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Group effort
I believe the D will rally around one another, young players will feed off eachother. I dont know if ONE player will step in and be “the guy” leading the whole D, as the 3rd ranked defense last year its going to be a group effort and I believe they all know this. I am with you guys on Bradley he will step up and lead by his play, but overall it has to be a group effort. Very excited to see Demps step in and be a playmaker for us at FS.
DeSEAN JACKSON THE ONE
by TheILLadeph on Mar 3, 2009 1:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
that picture is actually kind of sad because that was probably the last time sheldon had a pick-six and you can see jeremiah trotter in the background
http://www.libertyballers.com/
by Remis on Mar 3, 2009 2:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
it’s just difficult to find nice banner sized pics of him that aren’t the hit on reggie bush… small pictures such for posts… take what ya can get ya know?
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 3, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hmmmm yes i understand
http://www.libertyballers.com/
by Remis on Mar 3, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
such = suck
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 3, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I love the pic, personally. Sheldon had a great year in 2008, but it’s been so long since he’s taken one to the house it’s good to be reminded he can!
by BFH on Mar 3, 2009 3:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
man, his drops are all that stand between him being a sold all around corner and an elite corner… off hand i can think of atleast 7 or 8 balls that he simply dropped this year… he’s gotta work with the ball machines a bit
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 3, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that was a most excellent post foos05
very well done best i have read in a while +1 to you go EAGLES
When I look at this team, I still don't feel as though we are very far away, we still have to work hard and do the things we are capable of, but we do have the chance to get back and come back strong." -Brian Westbrook-
by EAGLE_MAN71 on Mar 4, 2009 2:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
bla...bla....bla!
Sorry but I have to disagree with your original post foos05, your statement that:
“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born — that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born”
is simply an opinion as opposed to a statement of fact.
A better way to put this would be:
Some leaders are born, and others are made. Period.
Dawkins was a born leader. As of this point, we may not have any other such leaders on the defensive side of the ball, but we hope one of the guys that can be made into a leader steps up and gets this done. The bottom line is that this is a hope, and obviously none of us knows for sure what will happen. Some leaders are just so important that their loss leaves a big hole regardless of who tries to fill their shoes. Just try to imagine the Ravens defense without Ray Lewis and you’ll understand what I mean. I think Dawkins meant that much to our defense.
I will hold out hope with you all that we don’t really notice the difference, but in time, we will find out for sure.
by Eagles need to run on Mar 4, 2009 6:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
“bla… bla… blah….”?
classy. and yeah it was an ispirational quote that i was using, i didn’t just make it up… and how is your “Some leaders are born, and others are made. Period.” not an opinion??? Please explain this to me. And if it’s a “fact,” as you say, please show me where you’re getting your facts from. you don’t agree with an opinion i have? fine… don’t try to throw it in my face by telling me i’m wrong, but then using the same “fault” you call me on to back yourself up…
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
by foos05 on Mar 4, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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