Jarrett, DRC likely to start
The Eagles might get a glimpse of their secondary of the future Sunday with Jaiquawn Jarrett slated to start for Kurt Coleman and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie looking likely to start in place of Asante Samuel.
Jarrett, DRC likely to start
Jonathan Tamari
The Eagles might get a glimpse of their secondary of the future Sunday with Jaiquawn Jarrett slated to start for Kurt Coleman and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie looking likely to start in place of Asante Samuel.
Coach Andy Reid said it would be a "stretch" for Samuel to play Sunday, saying the corner has bleeding in his injured hamstring. Coleman was placed on the injured reserve today with a partial bicep tear.
In a mild surprise, LeSean McCoy is not practicing today after spraining his ankle Saturday. Reid did not give much indication on whether McCoy will play, so his status Thursday bears watching.
Jarrett, a second round pick in April, has just one start this year and has not made much of an impact on special teams. Reid, asked why Jarrett hasn't seen the field much, said Coleman and Nate Allen's improvement were the reasons, not the rookie's struggles.
Still, this will be Jarrett's second chance to show something in his rookie year and head into the offseason with something to build on.
"Every day you get better," he said. "I'm much more comfortable this month than I was last month."
"Any time you’re on the field is an opportunity to show what you can do," he added.
Asked if he was disappointed by his rookie year, Jarrett said, "never disappointed. It's a long process. Learning, you've got to learn the game of football."
Rodgers-Cromartie started against the Cowboys and looked more comfortable playing in his familiar spot on the corner rather than in the slot, where he has spent much of the season. But today he said he didn't have a preference and expects to be in the slot next year if all of the team's cornerbacks return.
But it seems likely that the Eagles will part ways with at least one of their top corners, with many observers expecting Samuel to go. Samuel is due a significant raise, his interception numbers have dropped and he has made his frustration known over being dangled as trade bait in the offseason.
Say goodbye "Aunti" Samuel. There is NO reason to play McCoy! He's on his way to a well deserved Pro Bowl. Lets see how much we need to address at safety. By my count that could be 2 more blown 2nd rounders which is added to how many others (at least 10) over the FatRed era.— lgm4885- We're going to miss asante's hard nosed play agains the run and non stop bubble screens to his side..The 'Business Entity' will be OK..We also needed to replace Jorrick Calvins stellar kick returns..— PhillyMike5959
- No reason to play McCoy. Good opportunity to get a look at Dion Lewis, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Brandon Graham in expanded roles.— dawkbeast20
- "Reid, asked why Jarrett hasn't seen the field much, said Coleman and Nate Allen's improvement were the reasons, not the rookie's struggles."
Seriously, I am giving up before my head explodes.— del_sj - As much as I'd love to see Asante stay, it just didn't work this year and there's too many holes to keep 3 decent corners. Trade him, get a LB, Safety or draft pick and let's turn this thing around Big Red.— nyphillyguy
- I hope Asante plays for Juan and Andy next year; but not in Philly.— burholme
- I think every Eagles fan shares this sentiment. — coloradoeagle
- Move the "business descision" to safety, let him play center field, less exposure to gambling. Agree, they should have been having auditions since the jints beat the jets.— xlGmanlx
- Move the "business descision" to safety, let him play center field, less exposure to gambling. Agree, they should have been having auditions since the jints beat the jets.— xlGmanlx
- The poll question should be-- Should the Eagles feel comfortable allowing Coach Reid to make our 3 high draft picks (1st round, 2 high 2nd rounders) , considering he can't evaluate talent?— IvanDejesus
- I think Howie Roseman becomes the scapegoat for having 3 All-Pro CBs that can't play together and leaving too many other holes. They just made too many personnel changes with no off season training and a shortened training camp. Vince Young has to go and the Eagles need a Garcia-type back-up who can win games when Vick gets hurt (not Garcia, he's too old now). I say, give Juan a chance with a full off season and don't completely overhaul the roster. Fill in some of the holes, but give these guys a chance to get to know each other and play with each other.
— BeFrank
