Detroit's take on Sims
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Detroit's take on Sims
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Looking for some perspective on Ernie Sims, the Eagles' latest acquisition, I spoke to a few people who would know best what kind of linebacker the Eagles were getting. One was a Detroit area writer who covers the Lions and another was a NFL scout that regularly scouts the NFC North.
The writer had nice things to say about Sims the person and his devotion to football. But he said there was a reason why the Lions had given up on their 2006 first-round draft pick. Some of it had to do with timing -- Sims is in the last year of his contract -- some of it had to do with never reaching one's potential and some if it had to do with just moving on.
The scout thought the trade was a good one for the Eagles, not only because they would be getting a player with a "high motor," but because Sims would flourish in a system that was predicated on its linebackers playing downhill. The scout did say that Sims had trouble playing in space.
The Eagles view Sims as a starter, either at weak-side or strong-side linebacker. His size would imply that he's better suited to play WIL, but the Eagles need a SAM linebacker that can run with a tight end and Sims has done that, although not much of it.
As much as I appreciated the reports I received from the writer and the scout, I thought the e-mail I received from a Lions fan this morning was just as useful. Take it for what it's worth, but I could imagine an Eagles fan writing the same thing to another team's beat writer about a player that looked great to the outside world but not so great to those who watched him week after week, year after year (think: McNabb). Here's the unedited e-mail:
Here is some Detroit perception for you ...
Sims is 5-10, 230 lbs., not 6-0.
He is quick, but he continuously overruns plays, even when in the scheme he was drafted for. Perhaps part of this is his maturing as a player.
I think he's a high character, high intensity guy who is always working hard, but he's not really big enough to play linebacker. If he were smart enough to make the position change, I think he could make a good strong saftey, if he played better in space, because he is a hitter.
Given the observation that he continues to overrun plays at linebacker which is a position he already has a lot of time at, expecting him to play well in MORE space as a strong saftey would be a stretch.
Finally, as a Matt Millen high draft pick, you have to be a little skeptical. He started here because the Lions spent a high pick and a lot of money on him and kept hope that he would pan out. As bad as our defense in Detroit was the past couple of years (one of the worst in history), if he were REALLY a catalyst, wouldn't Gun Cunningham (who really knows what he is doing) have kept him around? The Lions don't even have a replacement, yet traded him ANYWAY.
I wish Sims and the Eagles well, but honestly, I'm GLAD we got rid of him.
Good luck in Philly.
Still a Big upgrade over . . Gocong . . for a 5th rd . pick . . . i like our chances . .— ingy9- Under Sean McDermott the Eagles D has struggled, suffered with in-fighting, and problems at LB and DB positions. Can Jauron fix this? Is Sims a good trade--can't imagine him stopping a pounding ground attack by Cowboys-Redskins-Giants which Eagles are sure to see.— Smashmouth
- I thought the same thing as Syddan. Gave up a 5th round pick for a player drafted 9th overall? What's the catch? He stinks, that's the catch. I've NEVER seen him play, not one down, but I can tell you if he had any talent, he wouldn't be available for a 5th. Best case, one year and he's outta here. Another wasted draft pick by Eagles and they didn't even have to wait for the draft to begin.— scootch
- Perspective is, he is here as a fifth round pick. We would get the same potential out of a linebacker in the 5th round. If he does not pan out then it costs a 5th rounder whopee!! I just hope this is not the only answer to the linebacking corps, we need more!!— Iowaeagle
- It's amazing the positive spin that is being put on this in the comments. Let's make it simple and throw away sports writers opinions and look at the facts. The Eagles acquired a starting linebacker from a 2-14 team for a fifth round pick in the draft. Ths player was also the ninth pick overall in the 2006 NFL draft and he was selected by a general manager with a track record of making poor first round picks. Again, why is there such optimism about this trade?— syddan26
- It's amazing the positive spin that is being put on this in the comments. Let's make it simple and throw away sports writers opinions and look at the facts. The Eagles acquired a starting linebacker from a 2-14 team for a fifth round pick in the draft. Ths player was also the ninth pick overall in the 2006 NFL draft and he was selected by a general manager with a track record of making poor first round picks. Again, why is there such optimism about this trade?— syddan26
- I don't stutter but my comments keep getting picked up 2x. Sorry.— syddan26
- I always love all this good/bad talk about a player. We'll find out what this guy is all about come the first pre-season game. Until then, everybodys opinion has a 50/50 chance of being right. I like the comments that he likes to hit and has a good motor. How many 5th round picks make a team anyway, worth a shot.— craig123
- Gotta love how all the brainwashed fans think this is a great move. Meanwhile, the rest of us logical sports fans realize a garbage team like Detroit traded away a former high draft choice for practically nothing. Keep it up, sheep, keep it up.— UncleEddie
- wow - good perspective from Detroit - maybe not as great as we had hoped for this defense - think he's an upgrade from Trotter, though. And we only used a 5th rounder, so still a bargain— Tom Man
- I will trust the scout. Could care less what a dope fan has to say about anything, much like most dopey eagles fans. The fact that the philly writer gives any credence to a fan's email is a joke. Good trade all in all. All upside.— phillydopes
- Okay dopes. I am going to write slowly so you can understand. Simms was in the last year of his contract and already told Detroit he wasn't going to resign there. Last year, Detroit switched to a Tampa 2 cover defense which is ill suited for Sims' athletic ability. hence, why detroit traded him - they wanted to get something in return rather than letting him walk next year. Its not that hard to understand. Doesn't mean he sucks -- it means a new regime is detroit doesn't have a fit for him in their new defense. Much like 3-4 lbs not fitting in a 4-3. Comprende?— phillydopes
- @mrgjf45: "bitter loins fan". yeah, i like 'em bitter on occasion...— bigsteve
- He wasn't a bust. He obviously has talent. He's only 25 years old. He sounds excited to be getting out of Detroit and he's in his contract year. Kudos to Howie for getting him.— Rick Wise Guy
- That guy is a Detroit "fan." Lonewolf is an Eagles "fan." Deduct how you will.— dr.elektrika
