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Brodrick Bunkley Will Start For the Eagles Next Season

Written By Bob Cunningham On Saturday, February 26, 2011 Comments

When the 2011 season kicks off, Brodrick Bunkley will be the starting defensive tackle next to Mike Patterson, and Antonio Dixon will be on the bench.

And the reason is simple: Bunkley better fits the new scheme.

New defensive coordinator Juan Castillo has already made it very clear that defensive line coach Jim Washburn will be able to do whatever he wants with the guys up front. It will be Washburn's scheme, and Castillo, along with Mike Caldwell, Mike Zordich, and Johnnie Lynn will have to work accordingly.

In Washburn's scheme, the defensive ends go after the quarterback. That's been talked about to death, so we all know that, but something that's not being talked about is the fact that his defensive tackles also play a one-gap responsibility rather than two.

Under Sean McDermott (and, to a degree, Jim Johnson as well), the defensive ends were taught to look inside and play run before attacking the quarterback. That half-second on every snap was the difference between a sack or a touchdown pass on several occasions.

Antonio Dixon, Brodrick Bunkley, Football, Jim Washburn, Juan Castillo, Mike Patterson, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Trevor Laws | |

Eagles Sign Two From Practice Squad, Send Allen to IR

Written By Bob Cunningham On Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Comments

Owens could see time with Mike Patterson hurting.

Per the Philadelphia Eagles official release:

"The Philadelphia Eagles today announced they have promoted S Jamar Wall and DT Jeff Owens from the practice squad to the active roster.

To make room on the 53-man roster, they have placed S Nate Allen on the Injured Reserve list (knee) and waived TE Garrett Mills. The team also re-signed S Jamar Adams to the practice squad.

Wall (5-10, 202) has spent the last 11 weeks on the Eagles practice squad. Originally a sixth-round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 2010, Wall was released prior to the start of the season, but was claimed by the Houston Texans on 9/5/10 and played in the season opener, logging one special teams tackle.

He was released on 9/29/10 and signed to the Eagles practice squad the following day. A native of Plainview, TX, the 22-year-old Wall played collegiately at Texas Tech, where he registered 186 tackles, nine interceptions, 34 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 50 games (38 starts).

He earned second-team All-Big 12 Conference honors following the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Owens (6-1, 304) was originally a seventh-round draft choice of the Eagles in 2010 and has spent the entire season on the team’s practice squad.

Owens played collegiately at Georgia, where he was a defensive co-captain and started in 37 of 52 games and recorded 102 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss and four quarterback hurries.

He was one of just 11 players in the NCAA FBS ranks to receive 2009 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team accolades.

Adams (6-2, 212) spent one week on the Eagles practice squad after signing with the team on 9/22/10.

He joined the league in 2008 as an undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent most of the 2008 and 2009 seasons on their practice squad, but also was promoted to the active roster twice, playing in seven career games and posting four special teams tackles.

The 24-year-old Adams played collegiately at Michigan, where he started 34 games and contributed 172 tackles, two sacks and four interceptions, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors following his senior season.

Wall wears jersey number 37 and Owens wears 64."

Placing Allen on IR was expected, but I did not expect the team to promote Owens or Wall. By not bringing in a veteran at safety, the team now has only one safety with any true playing experience in strong safety Quintin Mikell.

Kurt Coleman, a rookie, will become the full-time starter at free safety. He has been impressive in limited action, but behind him they now have Wall, Colt Anderson, and linebacker Keenan Clayton has been known to step in on occasion this season.

That's a lot of inexperience at a position that could make or break this defense when the playoffs role around.

Personally, I would feel more comfortable with a vet lurking the sidelines just in case, but Andy Reid has rookie fever this year and it's worked out well so far.

Promoting Owens says to me that Mike Patterson got bad news on his MRI. It might not be season-threatening, but it could not have looked good.

Can the Eagles really keep rolling with all these rookies and practice squad guys? I guess we'll see, and it's something Coach of the Year voters might want to keep an eye on.

Andy Reid, Football, Jamar Wall, Jeff Owens, Mike Patterson, Nate Allen, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles | |

John Henderson Unlikely to Become an Eagle

Written By Bob Cunningham On Saturday, May 08, 2010 Comments

Henderson doesn't appear likely wind up in Philly.

All across the blogosphere there seems to be rumors of John Henderson finding his way to Philadelphia and entering the rotation at defensive tackle with Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson.

However, it's highly unlikely Henderson even gets a sniff from the Eagles much less a visit, a contract, and playing time. It's not even necessarily a knock on Henderson -- a guy who has been to a couple Pro Bowls and was once considered a premier defensive tackle -- as much as it is a testament to how the Birds feel about the guys they've got.

It's obvious why they like what they have in Bunkley and Patterson. Both guys have been very good run-stuffers and, perhaps with any sort of pass-rush from the left side and a solid linebacking corps behind them, they can finally elevate their game to the next level.

Trevor Laws was a second-round pick a couple years ago (and in fact was taken two spots before DeSean Jackson), and the Eagles refuse to give up on him just yet. They believe he can be the inside pass-rush they've been looking for, and will give him at least one more year to make an impact before moving on.

But the biggest reason why Henderson won't wind up in Philly is Antonio Dixon. Dixon was the forgotten man a lot last year, but he always seemed to be making plays when they needed him to. Whether it was getting a pass-rush or playing the run, Dixon was impressive in his rookie season and looks to see an extended role in 2010.

Right now he's the third tackle and the Birds have a lot of faith that he can turn into a playmaker one day; They have so much faith, in fact, that they're going to ignore the urge to go out and sign a guy like Henderson who has been so dominant in the past.

Patterson, Bunkley, Dixon, and Laws will probably be the four defensive tackles, so there's really no room for Henderson. He doesn't fit the youth movement taking place, and he would certainly want far more money than the Eagles would ever be willing to pay him.

They might kick around the idea of bringing in Henderson if one of those four were to get injured, but even then the spot would most likely go to Jeff Owens, a seventh-round pick out of Georgia.

Either way, it doesn't look like there's going to be a scenario that ends with Henderson in Philly.

Antonio Dixon, Brodrick Bunkley, Football, John Henderson, Mike Patterson, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Trevor Laws | |

Eagles Will Need More From Patterson and Bunkley

Written By Bob Cunningham On Saturday, April 10, 2010 Comments

Bunkley will be counted on for an inside pass-rush.

In 2008, both Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley were being discussed as two of the best up-and-coming young defensive tackles in the league. As a tandem, they were being discussed as a top five duo.

However, both seemed to regress a step or two in 2009. Neither played poorly, but it wasn't nearly the production we were all used to saying from the duo in '08. Everyone kept waiting to see the duo that stuffed Brandon Jacobs and Eli Manning on separate fourth down attempts, but those players never showed up.

And it's not just the run game. Neither guy has been able to get a consistent pass-rush up the middle since they first arrived as first-round picks, forcing Jim Johson/Sean McDermott to use an odd third-down package involving defensive ends playing on the inside.

It's a package that's highly susceptible to the run, and ideally would be avoided altogether. But in today's NFL, a pass-rush is simply too vital to leave Patterson and Bunkley on the field on obvious passing downs if they're not going to be able to get to the quarterback.

In 2010, the Eagles will need to get more of a pass-rush from the duo, first and foremost. They have shown that they are capable of playing the run and that will come back as the players around them get healthier and the talent increases, but they've never shown the ability to get a pass-rush.

That was mainly the idea behind drafting Bunkley. Patterson was a run-stuffer at USC and not expected to get an inside pass-rush, but that's why Bunkley was brought it. He always had a quick first step at Florida State and it figured to translate to the NFL. It hasn't, and now the Eagles are looking for answers.

Trevor Laws was drafted in the second round to provide an inside pass-rush, but that has been an absolute misfire as Laws has been a non-factor since day one.

Rotations, at every position, are all the rage in the NFL today, but a duo of two-down defensive tackles will kill this defense. If this unit is going to take the next step, they will need Bunkley and Patterson to provide more of a pass-rush.

Sacks aren't even necessary -- simply getting in the quarterbacks face will be enough.

Both Patterson and Bunkley can be top-flight, elite defensive tackles in this league, but they're going to have to show a commitment to taking that next step if they want to keep their jobs past next season.

Brodrick Bunkley, Football, Mike Patterson, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Sean McDermott | |

Eagles Facing a Make-Or-Break 2010: Trevor Laws

Written By Bob Cunningham On Thursday, January 28, 2010 Comments

2010 is a make-or-break season for Trevor Laws.

The Eagles drafted Trevor Laws in the second round back in 2008 with the hopes that he could be a good addition to an already-impressive defensive tackle tandem in Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley, and maybe even push one of them for some starting snaps.

It goes without saying that it has not happened yet. In fact, Laws seemingly took steps backwards in his second season and was a non-factor all season long. He didn't have any meaningful stats and was even a healthy scratch for the last month of so of the season.

Laws was -- unbelievably -- taken two spots before the Eagles' young superstar DeSean Jackson, but he hasn't even been able to replicate Jacksons snaps or games played, much less his production.

His rookie season seemed promising as Laws was getting more and more snaps as the season went on. He would come in and relieve either Patterson or Bunkley, and because he's a quicker tackle, was even helping get a pass-rush up the middle outside of the Eagles' nickel package.

He seemed to be progressively getting better and better, but there were no big plays to speak of or anything to really make him stand out. However, there wasn't anything like that for Bunkley in his rookie season either, so there was no reason to panic.

But this offseason, I saw him working out day after day with the trainers off to the side with the walking wounded. He was injured for a good portion of training camp, and though he seemed to be moving well enough as far as I could see, day after day he was missing more and more practices.

Missing practice could have been the reason for his lack of production, or it could have been a lingering injury, but either way he wasn't nearly productive enough for the Eagles and is now facing a crossroads in his career.

Next year will be his third season, and if he doesn't produce, the Eagles could let him walk once his rookie contract is up. In order to avoid that, Laws is going to have to show that he has the power and quickness to make an impact and get a pass-rush up the middle. That's why he was drafted, and if he can't do it, he will be shown the door.

Andy Reid hasn't had much success with second round picks over the years (Matt McCoy, Barry Gardener, Quinton Caver, Victor Abiamiri, etc.), so seeing Laws fail to make an impact wouldn't exactly be a surprise, though it would be a disappointment.

Laws certainly has the talent to produce at this level, so as long as he stays healthy and is able to participate in training camp this season, my personal belief is that Laws will produce the way they expect him to, and that he will make an already-impressive defensive tackle tandem in Patterson and Bunkley even better.

Brodrick Bunkley, Football, Mike Patterson, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Trevor Laws, Victor Abiamiri | |

Questions Surrounding the Eagles - Part 2 - The Defense

Written By Bob Cunningham On Monday, July 27, 2009 Comments

The Eagles defense swarms to stop Kevin Faulk.

Every year there are questions surrounding not only the team as a whole, but each player individually.

These questions are the ones that will determine the player's year, or rather, the answers will determine the year.

The defense has a ton of expectations to meet not only for themselves as a unit, but individually and to the fans, media, and coaches. The answers to the questions as individuals will shape the defense as a whole.

Trent Cole

Q: Can he become the great pass-rusher that he has shown flashes of becoming?

A: Overall, I would say that Trent Cole is a top five defensive end in the league. If not, he's sure close to it. However that's overall play, as a pass-rusher he may not make it into the top ten. He's got to prove that he can beat the great left tackles in this league before he's called a great pass-rusher. He's got Jordan Gross Week 1.

Mike Patterson

Q: Can he step up his game even further, finding himself in the Pro Bowl?

A: He was on the verge of a Pro Bowl last year, so I would say it's reasonable to expect a Pro Bowl-caliber season out of him again this year. He's really stepped up his play in the middle, he just needs to become a bit more consistent rushing the passer.

Brodrick Bunkley

Q: Can Bunkley becoming the inside pass rush the Eagles expected him to become?

A: With the weight that he's put on to become the run-stuffer that he is, I don't see it happening. He's still got a decent inside push, but I don't see him becoming a Corey Simon-type pass-rushing tackle. However if he can keep plugging the run the way he has, he'll hear no complaints from me.

Juqua Parker

Q: Can he fend off Abiamiri and keep his starting job again in 2009?

A: I believe that he can. Honestly I thought he might have kept his job even before Abiamiri got injured. But now with Abiamiri down until mid-August, the job is Parker's. I don't believe that the Eagles coaching staff feels they can rely on Abiamiri anymore as this is his second untimely injury in as many years.

Darren Howard

Q: Can he ignore his age and have another superb year rushing the passer?

A: As long as Howard is only relied upon for about 15 snaps a game, I think he can keep this up for another year. He showed last year that he's able to transition from being a speed-rusher to finding ways to beat guys with great defensive moves. Whether lined up at end or tackle, Howard gets the job done.

Trevor Laws

Q: Can he pushed Bunkley and Patterson for more playing time?

A: In his second year, the Eagles certainly hope so. He wasn't brought in to start any games, but with the rotation that the Eagles run they would certainly love for him to command about the same amount of time throughout the game. I'm not sure if he's ready for that much time, but he'll see a significant increase in time this year.

Dan Klecko

Q: Can he show that he belongs on this team?

A: Unfortunately Klecko may be the victim of a numbers game. The Eagles probably don't want to keep four DT's, so Klecko is going to have to show that his versatility makes him too valuable of a commodity. That means perhaps showing the he can rush the passer and still play some offense in an emergency situation.

Victor Abiamiri

Q: Can he get healthy and show that he has what it takes to start in this league?

A: The Eagles coaching staff seems willing to hand him the job, but he keeps hurting himself and showing that he can't be trusted to stay healthy. I don't see him starting this year, but if he takes advantage of the snaps that he does get, he could certainly become a starter for the 2010 season.

Bryan Smith

Q: Is he too small to be playing defensive end in the NFL?

A: Out of a tiny school, McNeese State if I'm not mistaken, Smith dominated against inferior talent, and size. At 6'1 and about 235 pounds he's built more like a linebacker, and more be forced to move if he wants to keep a job in the NFL. He didn't see a single snap last year, but I see that changing in '09.

Chris Clemons

Q: Can he take some time away from the starters on either end?

A: Clemons showed flashes of the player that the Eagles thought they were getting in the offseason last year at the end of the season, and they're hoping he can carry that momentum over into this season. He's a great speed presence on the edge and I do believe will see some significant playing time in '09.

Chris Gocong

Q: Can he take the next step in becoming a great linebacker?

A: Gocong has shown that he's a solid linebacker, but not much more than that. He's a pretty sure tackler and isn't bad in coverage, but he hasn't shown a real strength area. After racking up 23.5 sacks (in one year) at Cal-Poly, he hasn't been used much on the blitz. From what we've seen, Gocong may be close to his ceiling.

Stewart Bradley

Q: Can he become the next great Eagles middle linebacker?

A: The Eagles have a history of some good middle linebackers in Jeremiah Trotter, Chuck Bednarik, and Byron Evans. A lot of people expect Bradley to be added to that list. He has the skill, the size, and the intelligence to make it happen, and I believe that he will. He's got the factors, once he puts them together it will be special.

Akeem Jordan

Q: Can he progress enough to keep his starting spot in 2009?

A: Jordan supplanted Omar Gaither last season after the "Baltimore Debacle" and never looked back. He played very well, but Gaither is a guy who has started here before and in order to keep him on the bench Jordan will have to show that he's polished in his knowledge of the playbook and his skill on the field.

Tank Daniels

Q: Can Daniels steal some time away from Gocong?

A: Daniels, in his second stint with the Eagles, has always been primarily a special teams guy. He said this year, however, he wants to see some time at linebacker. I like him as an athlete, but not having seen him play the position, we don't know if he put that athleticism to use. If Gocong doesn't step up, I'd like to see Daniels get a shot.

Joe Mays

Q: Can Mays make his mark on special teams and maybe earn some defensive time?

A: "The Headbuster," as he's called in the locker room, made a few heads turn with his crushing hits in last year's preseason, but unfortunately for him that only equated to special teams time. Mays is a hard-hitting guy who can play fast, but having Bradley in front of him hurts. He may have to move to the outside to see some time.

Omar Gaither

Q: Can he push Akeem Jordan out and earn his starting spot again?

A: For my money, I like Gaither out at the WILL more than I like Jordan. I think Jordan is a good player, but Gaither has been starting somewhere on this linebacking corps since his rookie year, so he knows what he's doing. He's an experienced guy that I think a young group really needs on the field.

Asante Samuel

Q: Can he dive deeper into the system and play even better than he did in '08?

A: I absolutely believe that we'll see an even better year out of Samuel. Yes the defense may change a bit, but it's basically the same thing with McDermott. Another year in the defense gives Samuel a complete understanding of it and will allow him to take more chances and make some bigger and better plays in '09.

Ellis Hobbs

Q: Can Hobbs show that he deserves to start, or is he destined for the nickel?

A: I think even with Sheldon Brown being unhappy about his deal, he will remain the starter opposite Samuel, and rightfully so. However with Hobbs the Eagles are in great position with their corners. They will have a former number two guy in Hobbs playing the nickel, and a nickel guy in Joselio Hanson playing the dime. They should be set.

Joselo Hanson

Q: Can he challenge Hobbs for the nickel position?

A: He may see some time in the nickel, but I do think he will primarily be relegated to dime duties. He showed a lot of promise last season, but all of the guys in front of him are established vets. Of course, the Eagles are paying him $5 million a year, and may not want that sitting the bench. Expect a rotation, with Hobbs getting the majority.

Sheldon Brown

Q: Can he put his contract squabbles aside and have another successful year?

A: A lot of times players with contract squabbles go to one extreme or the other. Either they play the greatest season of their career, or the worst. Brown seems like a guy who's leaning towards the first option simply because that's his character, but who would be surprised to see the latter? This is why Hobbs is an Eagle.

Macho Harris

Q: Is he a cornerback, or is he a safety?

A: Personally I think I'd like Harris at safety, but the Eagles are going to give him an opportunity at corner. If he can't stick with the guys on the edge, they'll most certainly move him inside and groom his at free safety.

Quintin Mikell

Q: Can he step up and fill the leadership void left by Brian Dawkins?

A: Absolutely. Mikell is not the vocal leader that Dawkins is/was, but he will lead by example. He's a hard-hitting, physical kind of guy and that always has an impact on the other ten guys with whom he's playing. I expect Mikell to earn his first Pro Bowl nod, and perhaps even an All-Pro team appearance.

Sean Jones

Q: Can he show that he deserves time at either free or strong safety?

A: If the Eagles are smart, they'll move Mikell to his natural position at free safety and insert a proven guy like Jones as the starter at strong safety. 14 picks over three years doesn't lie, the guy is an absolutely ballhawk. I would love to see him on the field as much as possible.

Rashad Baker

Q: Can Baker push Quintin Demps/Sean Jones for some playing time or backup role?

A: Baker is a hero in Philadelphia before he stepped foot in the city. He was the guy who picked off Jeff Garcia last year, ensuring a Raiders win and an Eagles playoff berth. However, Baker will have to fight just to stay on this team. I'm not sure that he'll make it with Macho Harris probably becoming a safety.

Jack Ikegwuonu

Q: Can he put his legal troubles aside and show all the talent he supposedly has?

A: Icky is the most perplexing player on this team. From what we've heard, he should have been a first-round pick, but the injury prevented that. His legal troubles are behind him, and now he has to show that potential. Who knows what he will do, but hopefully he comes to camp focused and with a chip on his shoulder.

Quintin Demps

Q: Can he put a bad NFC Championship game behind him and earn a starting spot?

A: I like Demps, but as I said with Sean Jones, I don't believe it's his time. I think Jones should start at strong with Mikell at free, leaving Quintin Demps as a backup to both guys, and the starter as kick returner. He will eventually be a starter, and a good one, but he's a bit young and there are some better options at this point.

Asante Samuel, Brodrick Bunkley, Football, Mike Patterson, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Quintin Demps, Quintin Mikell, Stewart Bradley | |

The Top Five: Best One-Gap (4-3) Defensive Tackles in the NFL

Written By Bob Cunningham On Monday, June 29, 2009 Comments

Haynesworth stands over a defeated Warrick Dunn.

In any defense, the tackles may be the most important part.

They are the first line, and they're the tone-setters. Their play can determine the difficulty or ease of the linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties behind them.

If the line is playing well and keep the linebackers clean, odds are that team will be fairly successful. If they're not, their respective team is looking at a very long day.

They're the biggest guys on the field and their only intention is to make sure that the other big guys across from them don't move them. They growl, they snot, and they snarl just to defend that six inches of ground.

The trenches. It's the reason why we love football and what makes it such a man's man of a sport. Giving up or keeping that six inches can be the difference between a win and a loss.

These are the guys who do it best.

5. Mike Patterson - Philadelphia Eagles

54 games started, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 forced fumbles, 1 TD, 154 tackles

Patterson has been solid since his first days in the NFL, but over the last two seasons he has really began to separate himself as one of the better tackles in all of football.

He's grown into a brick wall. He's not tall, and not all that big at only 5'11 and barely breaking 300 pounds, but he understands that leverage is all that counts when you're a lineman, and he uses it better than most.

His shorter stature seems to help with this, as it's much easier for a guy at 5'11 to get lower than a guy at around 6'4.

Look for Patterson in the Pro Bowl this year, and several times in seasons following. If this list is put together again in a few years, he may find himself much higher.

4. Marcus Stroud - Buffalo Bills

100 games started, 24.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 245 tackles, *3-time Pro Bowler

Stroud is an absolutely dominating force.

He's highly underrated because of the small markets he's played in (Jacksonville and Buffalo), but make no mistake there is not a single offensive coordinator in the league who doesn't gamplan for a way around Marcus Stroud.

Even without the deserved media coverage, Stroud has still found his way to three Pro Bowls. One more than his former teammate, John Henderson.

Stroud is always going to command a double-team, and will make his teammates better because of it.

3. Tommie Harris - Chicago Bears

69 games started, 24.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 143 tackles, *3-time Pro Bowler
Tommie Harris may be the quickest man playing defensive tackle.

Unlike Patterson, Harris is much more of a pass-rush specialist. While he certainly doesn't seem to lack against the run, his forte is getting pressure on the quarterback and creating havoc in the backfield.

Barring injuries, Harris may be considered the best tackle in all of football, regardless of the scheme. Unfortunately for Harris and the Bears, he has been injured throughout his career and unable to reach his full potential.

Even while he may not ever get to that point, he is still a force to be reckoned with and should be recognized as one of the most complete tackles playing the game today.

2. Albert Haynesworth - Washington Redskins

74 games started, 24 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 200 tackles, *2-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Albert Haynesworth. He seems to only be motivated by the money and the glory of playing professional football. I may be wrong, but the fact that he has only produced in contract years does nothing to temper the criticism.

As far as on-the-field goes, no one has been better than Haynesworth the past two years. He has been a disrupting force anywhere along the line. While he's mainly a tackle, he has moved out to defensive end on occasion with great success.

He is a beast of a human being and is able to beat nearly any offensive lineman that the league can throw at him. Again, the only problem is that he has only produced in contract years.

If we throw out the past two seasons (both contract years), Haynesworth has a mere 9.5 sacks. He also has never finished out an entire season. This, in my mind, does not entitle him to the $100 million contract he received. He has his money, now will he be motivated to perform?

1. Kevin Williams - Minnesota Vikings

94 games started, 42.5 sacks, 4 INTs, 5 forced fumbles, 4 TDs, 223 tackles, *4-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro

Kevin Williams is without question the very best defensive tackle in the entire NFL.

He is incredibly reliable (having missed only two games in his career), and can rush the passer as well as stuff the run.

He's an absolute wrecking ball on the line. Moving him is a nightmare for any offensive line. He consistently must be double-teamed if he is going to be taken out of a game, and even then he usually dominates.

His rare mix of being able to get to the quarterback and hold his own on the line is something the NFL hasn't seen since back when Reggie White graced the football field with his presence.

The four career interceptions, two of which he's returned for touchdowns, shows the rare athleticism he possesses for a man his size. He also has scooped up two fumbles for touchdowns.

Williams is a talent that only comes along once a generation. He's a man who's extremely underappreciated because of the position he plays, but should get serious Hall of Fame looks if his career holds up the way it is.

Albert Haynesworth, Football, Kevin Williams, Marcus Stroud, Mike Patterson, NFL, Tommie Harris, Top Five | |

State of Eagles' Defense - Part 3 - Defensive Line

Written By Bob Cunningham On Tuesday, April 14, 2009 Comments

Last season the defensive line was good. Not great, but good. They helped lead the way for the third ranked defense in the NFL, and the best overall defense in the NFC. However, there is room for improvement.

Trent Cole is a Pro Bowl guy, and has been year in and year out. He’s been phenomenal during his career with the Eagles and is recognized throughout the league by offensive coordinators as a guy for whom they must gameplan.

He commands the double team, which should allow for other players to make plays. Unfortunately that has not happened as much as it should from the guys on the other side, specifically Juqua Parker.

Parker accounted for only five sacks last season, being overshadowed by Darren Howard who doubled that amount with 10. Chris Clemons, the third end, finished with one less than Parker with four.

In the Eagles’ Jim Johnson-led defense, no one player will have more than between 13-15 sacks because of all the rotation and various blitz packages for various players. But with that said, five is just simply not enough out of a guy who is supposed to be our starter opposite Cole.

Howard has had a resurgence and could, or rather should, overtake Parker for the starting role while limiting him to a backup status (which for this defense of rotation simply means Howard should start getting some of Parker’s snaps).

Clemons, Victor Abiamiri, and second-year man Bryan Smith should all push for more playing time at defensive end next year. A healthy Abiamiri and Smith will mean more fresh legs and more speed on the edge, allowing for more sacks in ‘09 than in ‘08.

No one should be shocked if the Eagles also decide to take a defensive end in the middle rounds, somewhere between the third and fifth.

Brodrick Bunkley was originally drafted to be an inside pass-rushing presence more than a run-stuffer, but it would appear as though the opposite has happened. Bunkley was only able to muster up two sacks last year (to put that into perspective Dan Klecko had two in the first three games he played defense - more on him later), but came on big in the running game.

Bunkley’s most memorable plays from last season would have to be his stuffs of Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs on fourth-down plays in the playoffs.

Mike Patterson also suffered in the area of rushing the passer, coming up with zero sacks last season. That’s struggling at its best. However Patterson seems to be in the same boat as Bunkley in that he has come on very strong in stopping the run and being a huge presence in the middle.

In their defense, these guys do come off the field on third downs to make way for Johnson’s pass-rushing line consisting of Howard and Abiamiri in the middle.

However with that said, they still need to step up on first and second down to get pressure on the quarterback. If they show they can get to the passer, perhaps they can be left in on third down.

Trevor Laws was the Eagles’ first pick in the draft last year, going 47th overall in the second round. Laws seems to have a lot of potential and should find his way into some healthy playing time in the coming years if he can turn that potential into production when he gets the limited time he’ll likely be receiving for at least another year.

Dan Klecko will likely be coming back to his natural position, and that’s right where he belongs. Weaver is a significant upgrade at fullback, and I’m sure Klecko will be happy to bulk back up and play defense.

He played admirably, but what we saw was the best we were getting out of Klecko on offense. He showed promise last year as a defensive tackle, registering two sacks in the first three games before being switched to fullback.

Now Klecko can go back to defense while making the occasional appearance on offense inside the 20’s.

Overall this is a group filled with immense talent. Some of that talent when untapped last year and must be taken advantage of in 2009. The line is what makes this defense go, and without a good year from the line we Philly fans could go through a rather agonizing season.

Andy Reid, Brodrick Bunkley, Chris Clemons, Dan Klecko, Darren Howard, Football, Jim Johnson, Juqua Parker, Mike Patterson, NFC East, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Trent Cole, Trevor Laws, Victor Abiamiri | |

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