Rolle demoted; Jordan starting at weak-side linebacker
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Rolle demoted; Jordan starting at weak-side linebacker
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles promoted Akeem Jordan to starting weak-side linebacker in place of the struggling Brian Rolle, Andy Reid said today.
Rolle had a rough game Friday night against the Browns and did not put a stamp on the position through the preseason. Jordan, the long-time Eagle who has started at all three linebacker positions at some point in his career, gets another chance with the first team.
Reid said that Jamar Chaney was also in the mix for that spot, but the third-year linebacker has a slight hamstring strain and is still not 100 percent.
Also:
-- As expected, defensive tackle Mike Patterson won't be ready for the season opener and will be out an extended period of time. Reid said there was a chance he could miss the entire season. Patterson had brain surgery in January.
-- Reid said that it would be a struggle for wide receiver Riley Cooper (collarbone) and linebacker Casey Matthews (high ankle sprain) to be ready by the season opener on Sept. 9 at the Browns.
-- Defensive end Jason Babin (calf) is making progress and is still on target to return in time for the opener.
-- Reid said that King Dunlap was still his starting left tackle and won't play in the preseason finale against the New York Jets Thursday night, a sure sign that he will open the season as the starter ahead of Demetress Bell.
-- Reid said quarterback Michael Vick (bruised ribs) threw today during the morning walk-through and that he would be eligible to practice if this were a normal week.
-- Mike Kafka will have his broken left hand evaluated tomorrow. Reid sounded optimistic that the quarterback would be able to participate in Thursday's game.
-- Joselio Hanson is still the first team nickel cornerback ahead of rookie Brandon Boykin, Reid said. Hanson probably won't play against the Jets.
-- Colt Anderson (torn ACL) is making progress, but Reid said the safety wasn't completely healthy. Anderson is likely to start the season on the PUP list.
The Eagles need to draft or sign a quality weak-side LB next off season. Jordan is mediocre. If that's the best they've got, they're in trouble. I would use Chayney, even though he's more of a mike, under the theory of play your best players. I've been wondering if one of the D ends, specifically Tapp could play linebacker. Too many D lineman, not enough quality linebackers, it might make sense to give it a try. Also, I like Clayton better than Jordan. The next time Jordan makes a good play will be the first time. Clayton was a strong safety so I'd guess he could cover a TE or RB.
Thank god. Rolle was horrific against the Browns. Jordan has always been incredibly underrated.— HeelYes- Rolle has played himself put of the starting position. He has been horrible, the only downside to that is Jordan hasn't played his way into it?
- Fortunately for Akeem he is on the one nfl roster where he can start
- LOL!!! — bedpan
- trollol
— tpizza - ANDY REID: Jeff, can you please get the regular refs back?
JEFF LURIE: The regular refs? Are you kidding? They actually want a pay raise.
ANDY REID: But, Jeff you are a Billionaire. Would it kill you to give them a small pay raise. You know, the fans would also really appreciate it if you brought back the regular refs.
JEFF LURIE: Speaking of fans, let's see what my favorite Lap Dog TPizza says. I know he is around here somewhere. Oh, Andy, YOU have to wait a minute. My favorite Lap Dog TPizza is currently riding in my business class.
— bedpan - wow, thats great. After all those "OTA's" and last years "time to gel" or whatever they are still going with an undrafted guy they have had on the roster for like 7 years. If hes one of your best 3 linebackers you have a problem.— CharlieGarner25
- Casey Matthews; waived, injured
Jaiquan Jarrett; waived
Brian Rolle; special teams— dragoon6 - To me this season rides on 2 things: the quality of QB play we get and the quality of the safeties.
And really the bottom line is either Vick has to finally put it all together, or Foles has to step up big time. If we get QB play that puts this team in a position to win, then we can control the tempo of the game and take pressure off the D. With all the weapons we have on O we have to get a QB to step up. Everything else is filler.— Cameiros - Gotta think that weak side spot is gonna be a rotating door unless someone steps up., and they all might eventually get their shot. Rolle yesterday, Jordan today, maybe Chaney, clayton, or even Casey Matthews in the future. 5 guys we just need one to figure it out. I guess it's a lot better problem rotating 1 linebacker than it is all 3. If Ryan or Kendricks go down were in serious trouble.— The Pink Floyd
- HOUSTON CHRONICLE REPORTED THAT BECAUSE HIS PLAY HAS BEEN SO POOR IT WOULD NOT BE SURPRISING IF EAGLES RELEASED DEMECO RYANS.— bedpan
- won't happen,
— chalton harley - I think it's funny that a lot of you feel that we should have a pro bowl calibre person in each position. Every team has weaknesses... If all the spots were to be filled with 1st and 2nd rounds.. what's the point of having a draft past the 3rd round?
- I would settle for NFL-caliber for linebacker and safety. — coloradoeagle
