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"Trent (Cole) is playing at a high caliber, no question about it. J.T. is playing very well. Those two right now they're two of our better ends in the pass rush. It's as simple as that and they're getting more time than (Darren) Howard and Jevon. No secret. J.T. is getting good pressure and so is Trent," Johnson said.
Kearse had started the first eight games of the season. Johnson understands that Kearse, a three-time Pro Bowl end who battled back from a left knee injury which sidelined him for all but two games last year, could be frustrated by the move.
"He's got a lot of pride. He'll bounce back," said Johnson.
Can't say that we didn't see this coming. Juqua has been playing more and more snaps anyway, and Kearse hasn't been effective. Whether it's age or the knee injury from last year... The phreak just isn't the same player and it looks as if he'll spend the remainder of his last season here as strictly a situational pass rusher getting a few snaps a game. Who knows? Maybe this will motivate him to make a few plays when he does get the opportunity to get in games...
Also, Jim Johnson said that Darren Howard would see more time at right defensive end to spell Trent Cole. That's good news considering that Cole has played every snap the past two games. He needs a breather.