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."
When will Reid draft some PSU linebackers? He shuns big ten schools in favor of little-known schools...hmmm...what is behind this?— psuwelsh- Predictions for Saturday: 1.Reid will throw red flag by 2nd qtr. 2.raw center will not stop Ratliff. 3.d jackson will be twittering by half time. 4.cowboys go up early "forcing" Reid to abandone run. 5.Cowboys win 23 to 17 in the nfc east superbowl.— DallasRules
You'll be able to re-use this headline when our season is over (most likely late Saturday night). The D must be the area the Eaglees focus on this off-season.- Hey Dallas....please learn how to spell....I assume you can't find the spell check tab!— PhiEagleII
Comment removed.- Let some of the big hosses on the Offensive line play D-line,at least our 5'11" D tackles and 260 lb. speed rush ends won't get pushed 10 yards backwards every Dallas run play.— MJOLLNIR HAMMER
- In last year's NFCCG, 24 points given up by the D would have been enough to win. The Eagles need the "O" (McNabb)to come up big. Its their only chance. Dallasrules...how many predictions ya gonna make? Getting apprehensive?— JamesJ
- Some of the thoughts represent a bit of a leap. To criticize the Eagle defense and assume Dallas will shread it is perhaps confusing Tony Romo with the QBs down the road. Romo is pretty good, getting better. He is also one of the lesser accomplished QBs in this tournament. I'd take Manning, Farve, Rivers, Warner, Brees and Aaron Rogers over him. And McNabb is capable of outperforming him. Let's not forget, Dallas is prone to stupid mistakes (especially penalties at the wrong time) in close games, and their field goal kicking remains questionable despite the change. Most of all, have you ever seen an Andy Reid team quit? You have to anticipate a fired up embarrassed Eagle squad showing up. Dallas might win by a controllng score, sure. It seems very premature to project that.— KBland
- did anyone watch that game last sunday? dallas's defense is the best in the nfc and with it they will go to the championship game. eagles/mcnabb unable to beat a real good defense all year. only reason they beat a good redskin defense was because their offense gave us the games.— JACK V
- Philly 10 and the other McNabb haters really are clueless and transparent.....Bottom line; McDermott and Morningweg are not up to snuff.....Outside of B Dawk and Shane in the middle, this is the same D..mind you the same D that gave the lead back to Arizona in last years NFC chip....So then WHY the hell does every loss get pinned on McNabb; and then when he plays SUPER...you same haters will say; the D won the game (like punk arse Ike Rease), or Westbrook (Mr. I'm hurt EVERYYEAR and has made LESS plays than McNabb in his career--check Pro Bowl #s and the # of games Westbrook has won by himself vs. McNabb) won the game, or Andy Reid won the game or even the pickle juice won the game....The Eagles problem is really quite simple: The rely on two flawed and philosophies; (1) the think a light in the arse, blitzing D is the answer and they believe a dink and dunk pass game with a strong arm QB with a slightly above average career accuracy percentage is the winning formula..but it really isn't; the D has NEVER been stout at stopping the run or pressuring the passer without blitzing (in the AR era)...and the O has always abandoned the run for no apparent or logical reason....NFC Chip vs. Tampa....they run the ball down the Bucs throats on the first drive, then start trying to pass, pass, pass...only to have a stupid 3 step drop out pattern jumped by a smart CB.....My college ran that WCO stuff when I played 12 years ago..and the AR brass act as if they just invented a 20 year old scheme....P.S. McDermott is in over his head....— RoastedBird
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- Hey philly10--it's NO WONDER "McNabb" produced zero points...after all, the guy WAS playing 1 on 11, right?— reils
- Macho is so soft - he should sit. He gives new meaning to the FS position.— beefbr
- Ashante needs to stop biting--the cowboys are looking for this-trotter can help with the run -but he can't cover the tight end -so its a toss up--we need to blitz more since Cole is always getting doubled-but we need to disguise it more--or do it on 1st or 2nd down and not on the obvious 3rd down.— phillyboymike7
- McDermot is unsure of himself and inexperienced. Pretty soon players are going lose respect for him if it hasn't happend already..— Cant Climb
