Changes more likely on defense for Eagles
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Changes more likely on defense for Eagles
Bob Brookover
Fresh off a 24-point loss in which they failed to score, the Eagles know they need to do something different in their Saturday night rematch with the Dallas Cowboys.
It's far more likely that personnel changes for this game will be made on defense rather than offense.
Rookie linebacker Moise Fokou has started the last two games at strongside linebacker and received the majority of playing time at that position in the last three games. But Fokou said today that he is splitting reps at that position this week with Chris Gocong, who had been the team's primary strongside linebacker the last three seasons.
"He could play at a couple different positions," defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said when asked about Gocong.
McDermott also hinted that Sean Jones could see more time at free safety in this second game with Dallas. Jones estimated he was in on five plays during Sunday's lopsided loss.
"(Experience) is something we have to consider being in a playoff game and a primetime game," McDermott said. "The speed of the game could be faster and for young players to play in those games ... it's the first time in these games. We've taken that into consideration for the game plan this week and we'll look to use each and every player that is in uniform for us this weekend."
Though Jones is in his sixth NFL season, this is his first time playing in the postseason.
McDermott indciated that veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter could see the field quite a bit this week, too, after having a solid second half Sunday against the Cowboys. McDermott, however, understands that he can't expose Trotter too much because of the problems he has in coverage situations. Akeem Jordan started the game at middle linebacker Sunday, but was in for just one play.
"That's the slippery slope you're looking at," McDermott said. "Trotter is a heck of a competitor and I think we all noticed a difference when he was in the game the other night. He played with great intensity. We just have to make sure that we scheme around that going into this weekend."
McDermott said he also felt as if he could have blitzed more Sunday.
"We blitzed on one of the first or second runs that they broke off and we didn't execute the blitz the right way, so we backed off a little bit, which I take responsibility for," McDermott said. "I should not have done that. There are always going to be blitzes in every game plan and there were blitzes in that game plan."
I literally have no idea what to expect this Saturday. Which team shows up? We left a good number of points on the field, there's no question, and there had not been an offensive clunker like this in weeks, so hopefully this gets it out of their system. But I've said all year this team's fortunes will rise and fall on the strength of their defense, so this article's message is spot on.— evolutionary
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- No, we don't have a great defense right now, but they are (and have been) good enough for a win. They gave up 24 last week which I thought was a managable number, but when your offense self destructs and doesn't score at all then 3 points isn't managable. For this game the "D" needs to at least hold the girls to that 24 or hopefully a little less, the offense needs to do away with the mistakes, that's all there is to it, just sayin'...— DJ
- The pass rush is horrendous. I have no idea what happened to Thomas/Parker, but he is a shadow of what he was 1 and 2 years ago. Cole was getting man-handled on the otherside. The blitzing has been horrendous this year. Stop sending guys on the blitz who aren't quick enough to get there. I can't tell you how times I have seen Mikell sent on a blitz only to be 2 seconds too late with a pass going right to the spot where he would be covering in the middle of the field. I would LB and corner blitzing occassionally in nickel/dime packages, but for the love of god...stop sending the safeties. It has proved completely useless on a passing play. Romo is certainly playing well enough this year to burn us. You might as well send Hanson on the blitz because he can't cover. Him getting burned on that slant by Crayton was pathetic. I never thought I would see the Eagles D fall so far in my lifetime. Next year every pick in the draft should be a defensive player save for an O-line man that can play/challenge for Justice/Jean-Gilles/Cole for a roster spot.— DrZ88
- Gee, an article about the defense and who writes a comment about McNabb?? Hey Lowthrow/Philly10, that was probably the greatest sports comment ever, "if the offense doesn't score points they wont win" sheer genius!! My god, how are you not on TV or radio with quotes like that?— buhtz
- Look, the O did not get it done on Sunday - obviously. But, even with the donut, they ended the year 5th in the NFL in points scored (out of 32), and I believe the defense ended up around 18th. Only giving up 24 sounds like a respectable showing, but if you watched the game, you could not be impressed with their inability to get off the field, all the yards they gave up both passing and running, and all their mistakes. Part of me is happy that McDermott looks to change things, but I also think that he;s been tinkering too much. Why didn't Jordan return to weak side after his injury? Why not keep Spoon in the middle, with occasional use of Trot? Not sure what to say about the strong side, but perhaps Gocong, with a lot to prove, may actually play a decent game...I can hope. Are we disguising and executing our blitzes, and are our DB's playing so as to maximize the effect of whatever coverage scheme is chosen?— MG44
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- ENough about Mcnabb, he was only part of the problem, it was a TEAM LOSS, they were all lacking.... If Mcnabb shows up like he usually does early in the playoffs I give us a better than average shot at this. Reid is a good Coach even though I bash him, he will adjust and motivate this team......— kramer65
- Wow, except for your corners (and i am not 100% on them), i donts see any playmakers on this defence for the chickens. The first game, this D did ok, but is was schemes that kept you close. But schemes can only take you so far.— DallasRules
DJ are you on crack? 24 points is acceptable to you? Yeah, the "O" blew it, but giving up 24 points is okay? I remember when we used to dish out the shut outs. Bend but don't win is not a defensive strategy. Go out there and kick their collective a**- blitz or no blitz, it does not matter. Tony Romo will shred your secondary. Dallas 27 Philly 17 with 1 TD in garbage-time.— DallasRules
- Philly10: Actually your statement is false. Technically we can win if the defense scores off turnovers. It is not their primary job, but that could happen. Now STFU!!— Bigbadrookie
- Only ONE CHANGE NEEDED: MCNABB!— Wise_Owl
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