Football Outsiders On Eagles Awful Linebacking Crew
by JasonB on Feb 15, 2012 9:00 AM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
Email
Print
Vince Verhei of Football Outsiders wrote a piece yesterday detailing the biggest offseason needs for every NFC East team. Now we could all see how the Eagles LBs performed last season, but when Verhei quantifies their issues it becomes even more painfully obvious where the weakness on this defense was.
The stat pages at Football Outsiders make the holes in Philadelphia's defense very clear. First, the defensive line statistics, where we see Philadelphia ranked third in stuff rate but 29th in second-level yards and 22nd in open-field yards. In plain English, that means the defensive line was very good at hitting runners in the backfield, but when those runners made it across the line of scrimmage, they usually went for big gains.
Next, the team defense page, which shows that the Eagles were OK covering wide receivers and dominant against tight ends, but they ranked 29th when covering running backs in the passing game. You'd be hard-pressed to find a team in the league that got less value out of its linebackers.
How much of an afterthought have linebackers been in the City of Brotherly Love? Of the team's top five linebackers, one (Akeem Jordan) was undrafted, two (Jamar Chaney and Moise Fokou) were seventh-round picks, and one (Brian Rolle) was a sixth-rounder. Casey Matthews, a fourth-rounder last year, has the best pedigree -- but he was such a disaster that he was benched after just three games.
His last point is one I've been talking about forever now. Where's the investment in the position? Where's the pedigree? They're stocking it with late round picks and hoping for what? To get lucky?
In the Reid era they've spent a top pick on virtually every position but linebacker. They've taken 2 offensive lineman (bet you thought it was more), 1 OB, 2 WRs, 5 defensive lineman and one corner in the first round. They've spent big free agent money on corners, defensive ends, QBs, WRs (once...). They've traded a first round pick for an offensive lineman...
Point is, virtually everywhere else on the team they've invested in top talent. But not at LB. So it's no wonder that's where the weakness is. It's time to invest in the position.
87 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
13 years of
not investing, don’t see it changing.
How quickly he forgets such investments as
Matt McCoy, Chis Gocong, Stewart Bradley and the illustrious Quinton Caver
Funny that McCoy was the highest of those in the second round…
Follow Bleeding Green Nation on Twitter & Facebook.
Bradley was good before his injury and Gocong was a perfectly fine SAM for what we did back then.
by Anders Jensen on Feb 15, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
I can agree with this...
…never thought the day would come that I longed for Stewart Bradley back…
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
Did we actually draft him as a DE?
Or did we always want him as a SAM? If he was a conversion, why did he never work out as a DE for us; did we even try?
We always wanted him as a SAM...
…but he still had never played the position before we drafted him, so technically we drafted a DE.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
Gocong can't count in that statistic.
He was a converted DEnd.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
But his selection
speaks to another issue: drafting guys and trying to use them in a way that was different from what got them drafted to begin with. Gocong was successful in college with his hand in the dirt, rushing the passer. Mr Piggy and his piglets try to make him a stand up, read and react LB and that is why he failed.
I liked Gocong for some reason
Always played hard even if he was making a mistake. Am forever grateful to him though for him being 1/2 of the hit put on B.Jacobs flipping him mid air causing a fumble, good stuff.
In other news, water is wet.
The Eagles have had so many shots at guys in the draft and they’ve continually passed them up. A perfect example is the Dallas and Philly trade in 2010. Long story short, the Cowboys got Sean Lee and the Eagles got Daniel Te’o-Neshiem, Clay Harbor, Mike Kafka, Ricky Sapp, Riley Cooper and Dion Lewis. Whoops.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
I remember that exact moment when I heard we traded our pick
I was screaming and wondering why not take Sean Lee? Then the Cowboys get the guy!!! I wasn’t happy!
Would Lee even fit in here?
And Harbor’s not a bad TE, Kafka was worth a shot, Cooper has disappointed but isn’t a disaster, and the jury is still out on Lewis.
I don’t think it was that bad of a trade.
2012 is the year of Philly sports teams.
You’re sooooo ridiculous. You realize how stupid you look by throwing all your weight behind anything the Eagles do, right? A trade that nets one team a pro-bowl caliber LB and another team a bunch of average at best back-ups is one that is won by the team with the pro-bowl LB.
The Curse of Lombardi
Iggles Nest
"Stats are for fantasy and losers. Winning is an attitude."
It’s time to invest in the position.
Reid can’t possibly be so stubborn as to not do something about the linebacker position…right?
"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins
The SOPA and PIPA bills must be eradicated! Contact your local Representative and/or Senator. Spread the word! NO CENSORSHIP OF THE INTERNET!
bwahahahaha
Reid can’t possibly be so stubborn as to not do something
It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop !
We don't need the best players at every position,
we need players that play their best , at every position.
by JJeaglerooter on Feb 15, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
what
last year our biggest need was RCB. We went and got 2 probowlers.
This year our biggest need is LB. We’ll probably get some LBs.
thats the point
everyone knew the LBs were terrible before the preseason, but andy had to see in-game confirmation that his LBs suck. why cant we EVER get ahead of something? all we do is pick up the mess by time it is too late. see the WR corps in the Mcnabb years, we had literally the worst WR in the league, Andy waited three seasons to do anything about it, and by time he did we didnt have the best team in the league anymore (sorry but the 2002 team was the best eagles team ever, not 2004).
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
I agree with this
It’s so glaring they have to invest in it. It’s impossible not to.
They have used seconds and thirds and pulled in the free-agent band-aid (Spikes, Witherspoon), but now it’s time to go big. Period end of story.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring it Home for Jerome.
There is no investment in the position whatsoever
and now with the team teetering on the edge, there’s going to be one hell of a clamor if we STILL dont do shit about it. despite with such late picks, i think we still did a decent job making use of what we had, even if what we had was garbage
"If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail. You know what I mean? Fuck it." -- Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant
This offseason:
Andy Reid must go. …. Andy stays.
We have to sign Spags! … Spags to the Saints.
But Castillo HAS to go! … Juan stays.
Well we better at least get a LB in FA or the Draft! ….
to be continued…
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 10:04 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Yeh …good point there…
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 10:17 AM EST up reply actions
This has to be the year Reid finally drafts a LB in the 1st rd.
Depending on what happens with DJAX and free agency we shall have a clear cut projection of what the 1st rd pick will be on april 26th.
KUECHLY, BURFICT or HIGHTOWER?
by Almightypudster on Feb 15, 2012 10:08 AM EST reply actions
You know what I took away from this?
the Eagles were OK covering wide receivers and dominant against tight ends
Wow, never thought we’d see that in an analysis. Everything else was pretty obvious.
Formerly DeSean10
36-5-20-JJ -- Forever Bleeding Green
Team Kuechly, J. Jenkins, Iloka
Too big a part of that...
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
That's what I was about to type...
I couldn’t believe it when I read it, but now thinking back, I guess we were pretty good against tight ends this year.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
yeah, I think we identified it as a weakness early and focused on it.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
That was the one non-obvious piece of analysis to me. I thought we were murdered by tight ends against New England, but perhaps I am wrong.
To be fair, we were down some players in the secondary that game.
Formerly DeSean10
36-5-20-JJ -- Forever Bleeding Green
Team Kuechly, J. Jenkins, Iloka
by AnthroEagle on Feb 15, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
Its no surprise
out of all our LBs and Safties, we have 2 potential (working in progress) starters…everyone else is a backup at best…..
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 10:21 AM EST reply actions
who?
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Allen and Rolle?
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
So we’re writing off Jarrett, Clayton, and Matthews already, huh? Coleman had some moments too, but I do think he’d be a better backup than starter.
Formerly DeSean10
36-5-20-JJ -- Forever Bleeding Green
Team Kuechly, J. Jenkins, Iloka
by AnthroEagle on Feb 15, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
Writing off? You have to EARN a starting spot dude….. you dont just give them away…. CMON man
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Plus,
Jarrett and Matthews didnt get much playing time, so its STILL hard to say whether or not they will transition to NFL playing. I think we can all say with confidence, that what we saw from Matthews early in the season was horrible. He was in on some plays toward the end of the season as well, and cant say he did anything great to showcase himself, but he didnt blow it either. I am still looking forward to seeing Jarrett this year. And, like Shady said already, hopefully, Bowles will fix some of the secondary issues for our safeties.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not saying you give them away, but you just said that there are only two players out of that group two potential starters in that group, implying that none of the other players will be able to start. You wrote them off. I don’t get why you think that was some sort of controversial/attacking statement.
Formerly DeSean10
36-5-20-JJ -- Forever Bleeding Green
Team Kuechly, J. Jenkins, Iloka
by AnthroEagle on Feb 15, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Potential does not equal starting caliber dude. Until they prove themselves and are CONSISTENT, they are not worthy of starting in the NFL. Its as simple as that….Allen and Coleman were given starting roles ….heck they couldnt even get by Page ….he had to get the boot so one of them could start….that is not earned in my mind. Matthews was given the spot, Clayton hasnt shown enough YET to be a starter….. I think you are confusing potential with starting caliber…
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
They do have potential….they just really need to be more consistent ….the safetieds anyways…the LBs need an overhaul
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, here's the confusion
I think you are confusing potential with starting caliber…
we have 2 potential (working in progress) starters
You said we have two “potential” starters, i.e. only two players who have the potential to ever start. So you’re writing off the others as NOT having the potential to start, which is ridiculous.
Formerly DeSean10
36-5-20-JJ -- Forever Bleeding Green
Team Kuechly, J. Jenkins, Iloka
by AnthroEagle on Feb 15, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You can play the semantics game and put words in my mouth all day long…I could care less…youre wasting your time….
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
Apparently I am, because you’re simply not comprehending what I’m writing. I haven’t put any words in your mouth.
Formerly DeSean10
36-5-20-JJ -- Forever Bleeding Green
Team Kuechly, J. Jenkins, Iloka
by AnthroEagle on Feb 15, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Its ok man…..movin on….
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 12:46 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah you kind of nailed on his exact words
And he still tried to distance himself from it.
There’s playing the semantics game, and there’s “here’s exactly what you said, is it what you meant or not?”
Basically, he’s not going to admit he’s wrong.
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring it Home for Jerome.
See, I think the jury is still out on Allen. He had a great year before his injury. I just hope he comes back better next year. This year was definately disappointing for him.
I actually think that Coleman has potential to be a solid starter. Hard hitter, seems to be in on every play. Good drive … or should I say “high motor.”
Rolle was seems like he has potential, but will probably be a rotational guy, IMO.
Chaney was pretty good at times but inconsistent, another rotational guy.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Hopefully Bowles can bring out the best in them. I still dont see them as starters, other than Allen. But this next year is make or break for most of those guys.
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 15, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Hopefully Bowles can bring out the best in them.
This.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe if............
we dress kuechley up in a cheesesteak costume on draft day……….hmmmmmmmmmmmm?
It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop !
We don't need the best players at every position,
we need players that play their best , at every position.
by JJeaglerooter on Feb 15, 2012 10:50 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
You see this man? You know what he does to cheesesteaks? You think he knows enough about linebackers to realize that Luke isn't a real cheesesteak? Or even cares that it isn't a real cheesesteak?
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
Sorry I had to re-post this question "Michael Floyd anybody?"
Would it be a smart move to draft Michael Floyd with our 1st round?
The reason why I think this guy would be great is because he’s a big dude that fights for the ball. We don’t have a WR that’s effective in the red zone and this dude is beast. One thing I like about this dude unlike Jackson & Maclin is that Floyd turns around and fights for that ball even when he’s covered very well. We need a WR that’s built like a TE and Floyd’s that guy. What Dunta did to Jackson & Maclin won’t work with this dude, Dunta would just hurt himself. I’ll take Floyd over Blackmon in a heart beat.
Mark my words people this dude is the next Calvin Johnson.
Why waste money bringing in overpriced FA’s when we can draft a future WR.
Jackson + Floyd + Maclin + Avant= Best WR core in the NFL.
(trade or cut Cooper,Smith & Hall)
As far as LB, 2nd round is going to have some really good talent plus we can bring in Fletcher for a 2yr deal.
Chris Rainey anybody?
If we can get this dude with one of our 2nd picks than Mccoy is going to have a stellar backup. Cut Brown and bring in Rainey. I like Lewis but not this much.
The reason I like Rainey is because he can change directions and juke just like McCoy, and I think he’s a little faster than McCoy.
Also, having Rainey for backup would keep McCoy humble both on the field and contract time.
I like Kuechly.
Not to say we couldnt get rid of Jackson and Samuel for a 1st rd pick and take him or Blackmon too, but my priority is LB.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 15, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
I'm not 100% sold on Kuechly.
If we draft him I won’t be mad. I just think he’s just a product of good coaching. I think BC does a good job teaching LBers. Kuechly was the backup for Mark Herzlich and I find both to be similar. I would pick a physical LB over Kuechly anytime. Btw 2nd round is going to have some good LBers. I’m just tired of us drafting undersized talent. Would I waste my 1st round on a LB? No. Atleast not in the 2012 draft, alot of good LBers coming out of this draft year. I would love to test FA for our LB and pick a LB in the 2nd round.
by EaglesNeedD on Feb 15, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
^ this guy
i’m all for drafting a playmaker WR in the draft… and picking up a LB in FA
www.tinyurl.com/poloRLsale2012
I say
A solid vet lb in fa ,plus kuechly,as well as moss and speedy wr in draft.
It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop !
We don't need the best players at every position,
we need players that play their best , at every position.
I've never seen a non-top 5 team get locked into a pick in February before the combine before
but hell if Kuechly is available, all signs keep pointing that way. It’d suck if he were taken before then.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Feb 15, 2012 11:52 AM EST reply actions
Not really...
…Zach Brown would be just as good here, if not better. He’s one of those freak athletes man…and everyone will know it when he runs a sub 4.4 40 at 235+ pounds.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
That's who I was thinking about too. But he ain't a SAM or MIKE....and that's what you guys want, right?
Aren’t you set with Rolle as your WILL. I LOVE Brown as a prospect, but the knock on him is his run defense.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Feb 15, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't call us "set" with Rolle...
I think he had a very good rookie season, and by no means should he be the first linebacker replaced, but I think our fanbase being so big on him is a result of lowered expectations for linebacker play over the years more than the actual level of his play.
I’ve said it numerous times on this forum. I WANT PLAYMAKERS. I want us to draft players that must be accounted for by the opposition. Zach Brown is one of those players at LB with Hightower and Burfict being the other two. Keulchy is the most sound and reliable of those four, but probably has a better shot being Stew Bradley than Brian Urlacher.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
I hate Hightower and Burfict, but love Zach Brown. I understand your reasoning. Makes sense.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Feb 15, 2012 1:17 PM EST up reply actions
By the way...
…I hadn’t seen you here since your team won it all. I give you congrats and the ultimate props as a fan, as you had the balls and the class to mix it up on this site BEFORE your team won the Superbowl.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
I've been around...I've avoided some of the main topics
that refer to the Giants, simply because I know I might end up accidentally pissing someone off haha. I’ve chillin in the Eternal threads and some fanposts. But thanks man, I appreciate it.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Feb 15, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
What don't you like about Hightower and Burfict?
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
I think Hightower is very instinctual
but he’s limited athletically. Burfict is just an ass that plays undisciplined. BKinginAz’s fanposts sum it up better than I could.
"We will not be denied." - Antrel Rolle
by BigBlueIntervention on Feb 15, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Lucky for us, there is some good MLBs in this years FA and Lawlor just made a post on igglesblitz.com to describe some later round prospects there could play MLB for us.
Also in your system the SAM lb is more important then the MLB, but we atleast need a MLB there can tackle to save his life.
by Anders Jensen on Feb 15, 2012 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
great article
Amazing that every position BUT LB has been drafted or had a quality free agent signing except linebacker in the Reid era.
I long for the days of Seth Joyner, William Thomas and Byron Evans.
I fully expect the Eagles to pass on any linebacker available to them in the first round and also to NOT sign any linebackers in free agency.
Why ?
Well lets fast forward to training camp.
Andy, why didn’t you attempt to draft any linebackers or sign any free agent linebackers ?
Well, with another year in Juan’s system I can really see this group coming together and making plays every week. We took a look at the draft and the free agents and none of those guys were better than what we have. Thats right—-NO FREE AGENTS OR DRAFT PICKS ARE BETTER THAN CASEY MATTHEWS AND JAMAR CHANEY.
At that point—-every one in attendance does a collective face palm.
haha so true
Since we’ve only been complaining about the LBs for a year and a half, andy needs to see on-field confirmation that they suck for three full seasons before making a change…remember the WRs during the mcnabb years? we had to complain for three years before he went and got TO…
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
We did great at shutting down no name TEs, but average and above average TEs did pretty well against us. The only quality TE that we shutdown was Witten.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
the coverage on tony gonzalez in week 2 cancels out any TE we “shut down”
NOW HIRING- NFL HEAD COACH
It's not just that.
V Davis 4-45 with a TD
Fred Davis 6-95
A. Hernandez 6-62
Gronk 4-59 1 TD
Fasano 3-56
Keller 3-73
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
At the least...
… comparatively speaking, we did have a great year against tight ends. Tight ends are going to get their catches…it’s too short a path from the QB to consistently stop the completions when the team actually utilizes them…but compared to the three preceding years, those are HUGE improvements
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
It's okay.
THE BEST TE LANCE KENDRICKS was a non-factor vs. Philly
"the Patriots aren't that good." -Freddie Mitchell
Oh for the days of...
Mark “Backup Kicker” Simoneau, Carlos Emmons, and Nate “Mr. Monday Night” Wayne.
P.S.
I apologize for the middle of this thread, people….but if you don’t check your bitches when they step out of line, they lose their minds.
Why do people always think I'm playing the Race Card???
Is it because I'm black???
Meh. He was out of his mind before this post anyway.
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
"WHY IS THIS PINK-HAIRED BITCH A CAR?!"
"Cocaine's a helluva drug"
"I’m the real macaroni you cheesy b@#$%, I’m demonic with the Kraft" - Eminem
"Don't bother getting married - just find a woman you hate and buy her a house." - some anonymous great man
Quick summary
for those who never got to see it? (Like me)
honestly our currents lbs
Make me miss Chris Gocong. Sign David Hawthrone and Draft Bobby Wagner in the 2nd round and move away from these articles Andy.
Trevor Laws: "Thank Giants for kicking to (Desean)."
Mike Vick: "Why would they kick to Desean?"
Matt Dodge: "Snap too high!"
NJ Eagle: "Fly Eagles Fly!!!"
by NJEagle on Feb 15, 2012 2:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions
In defense of our LBs
OK, they aren’t very good. But the style of defense that we play attacks behind the line and the backfield doesn’t come up to stuff the run. Basically, our LBs are left holding the bag if anything leaks through to them, and their stats are going to be worse because of that. Now, what that does mean is that we need even better LBs. But I think even with that you will see their stats being a bit worse than teams runnng more conservative style defenses or those that run 3-4 defenses.
How can nobody mention?!
That the Eagles were #16 at right tackle and #31 at right end defending the run the run while #2 at left end and #7 at left tackle.
So basically Babin was one of the worst run defending DEs in all of the NFL. His lack of effort at times was apparent this year at defending the run and he quit in the 2nd half of the Seahawks’ game.
I am sure I will get the same dopes commenting here about how it isn’t Babin’s job to play the run even although though ~45% of the plays run against the Eagles’ defense this year were running plays. I guess Babin can take those off.
Notice incredibly strong the stats are for Cole’s side and how the Eagles were well under the NFL average for runs around the left end?
Even hampered by injury this year, Cole racked up 11 sacks in 14 G and had 4 more tackles than Babin. Babin can’t hold Cole’s jock as an all-around player yet it was Babin who got all of the accolades this year because of the sack total.
It amazes me how under-appreciated Cole is in town. Quiet ferocity is how I would describe the way he plays yet you hardly see any of his jersey at the Linc.
Easily the most under-appreciated player on this team and best overall player on this team besides McCoy right now.
Weren’t we all knocking Babin for that all year long?
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
Not as the sack total mounted. What was the capper for me is how he flat out quit in the 2nd half of the Seahawks’ game. He wasn’t the only Eagle but he if you go back & watch that game he is just standing around not even bothering to pursue the play downfield. Then after the game when he was asked about his effort and the team’s by a few reporters he got all pissed off & short with them.
I’m pretty sure we still did.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
I also add the Seahawks’ game is where I turned on Castillo too and wanted him fired. He couldn’t even draw a basic game plan to stop a hobbled Jackson with a one dimensional attack in Lynch.
What really spoke volumes thought about Castillo is that he was a complete no-show after the game on any post-game format to answer any questions. It was the same after the Cards’ game. When things went well and the Eagles’ won, he always was chipper & answered questions after the post-game. When it wasn’t, he was a no-show.
Now maybe that was a Reid decision. It was that shows that Reid is pretty poor at handling the media. I don’t think it. I think it was Castillo just ducking some tough questions & hostile crowd after some ugly losses this year in games the Eagles should have won.
I dont think Cole is under appreciated in Philly. Its the national media there isnt appreciating how good of a DE Cole is.
Also most people was worried about Babin defending the run and still was even tho his sack total mounted. I know Im one there wish we had 2xCole, but we dont and I much rather have Babin and his pressure from he right then a DE there cant get any pressure but might stop a few run plays per game, because the only way to stop QBs like Manningx2, Brady, Bress etc is with pressure, not stopping the run.
by Anders Jensen on Feb 16, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
Defense was missing a Hoover
If they had a safety who could tackled reliably this year at SS (paging Coleman or Jarrett) especially against the run, the Eagles would have made the playoffs I bet.
How many of the fans reading this article needed Football Outsiders Analysts
to tell us our LBs sucked?
How many of the fans reading my comment did NOT PREDICT the linebackers we had were simply completely outclassed in converting to the wide 9?
Why is this repetition necessary? We need 2 new LB’s.. one who commands the defense, plays smart, sheds blockers and stops the run. one who has above average to excellent coverage skills, strong physical presence, and can still hold his own in the run game.
WE NEED A COVER LB AND A STOPPER LB.
by milroyigglesfan on Feb 16, 2012 7:31 PM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bleeding Green Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
