Looks like Mays at MLB
All signs are pointing to Joe Mays being the starting middle linebacker when the Eagles face the Bears Sunday night.
Looks like Mays at MLB
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
All signs are pointing to Joe Mays being the starting middle linebacker when the Eagles face the Bears Sunday night.
He and several players said that he took most of the repetitions in the middle during practice today.
"They're giving me some reps right now so they can give me a feel for the game just in case my number is called," Mays said.
If Mays gets his shot in the middle, Chris Gocong -- who played in the middle last week as sort of an experiment -- will move back to his regular spot at strong-side and Will Witherspoon will stay at weak-side.
"I gave it my best," Gocong said. "It was hard. It's tough to set everybody and know all the run gaps and know all the coverage. It's a lot of stuff and it's hard to do in three days."
The Eagles have gone through six different linebackers, including Mays, since starter Stewart Bradley was lost for the season during training camp. Mays got the first shot but lost the position during the preseason.
"I thought he had a good preseason," Gocong said. "He's a physical guy and that's what we need."
Mays admitted that he let the demotion get him down.
"Yeah, I did," Mays said. "I shouldn't have, but I did."
He was inactive for most of the season, but has dressed recently and made the most of his chances on special teams.
"It feels good," Mays said. "It always feels good to get in there and play. But, still, during the game you can't really get too excited because you still have a game to play."
Mays is who we have, strap em on and do what you can do!!!— DJ
Comment removed.- Yep, we have two NFL-caliber linebackers returning next year: Bradley and Jordan. The rest, including Gocong, can't cover tightends, can't create turnovers and lack the instincts to make this unit even mediocre.— farside37
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- on the bright side, fokou won't committ 15 penalties. on the dark side, olsen torches mays for 3 tds. Good thing Greggy Olsen is on my fantasy team. Hey Phil Sheridan, can we use this injury situation as an excuse?? Oh man, Don's gotta throw 5 tds to win. 5-5 heading to the aTL unfortunately— sore richard
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- Here's the scorecard so far: 1st it was Bradley, then Mays, then Gaither, then Trotter, back to Gaither, then Witherspoon, then Gocong, and now back to Mays. My kingdom for a middle linebacker— Nothing but the truth
- Agreed. This is the worst get of LB's in the NFL. Flat out stick. Can Barry Gardner still play? Oh wait, he was horrible too...— barkley3407
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- Best roster in the NFL!
- What happened to Witherspoon as the MLB??? At least he was making something happen.— Bobphxville
- yeah witherspoon isn't bradley, but he's clearly the best of the bunch. they traded away a GOOD player for him.— L Bears
- Why are they carrying Trotter on this roster when they obviously need help he can't deliver. Further, Gocong should be released after this year.— msantell
- I watched Joe Mays play for 4 years at NDSU! He is an amazing player and people clearly underestimate his talent!— ndphillygirl
