Jenkins, Washburn and the Eagles' D-line
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Jenkins, Washburn and the Eagles' D-line
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Many of you have suggested I get back in my car so the Eagles can make their next move.
This week, I've been driving when the Birds traded Kevin Kolb, signed Nnamdi Asomugha and acquired Cullen Jenkins.
I'm now back by my computer, so apologies, things might be a little quiet for the rest of the night.
But let's get to everything that's happened since I last posted. The Birds have added another piece to their defensive line rotation with Jenkins. And they traded Brodrick Bunkley to Cleveland for a fifth-round pick.
Juan Castillo talked Bunkley up earlier this offseason, but he's in the final year of his contract, and with the emergence of Antonio Dixon last year, along with the addition of Jenkins, trading him made a lot of sense.
The more I think about it, the more I realize pretty much everything the Eagles are doing defensively revolves around the addition of Jim Washburn. Would they have made Castillo the defensive coordinator without having Washburn in place? I'm not so sure.
And now they have added Jason Babin and Jenkins, two guys who combined for 19.5 sacks a year ago.
Jenkins is 30 and has had some injury issues, having played in 31 games the last three seasons (11 in 2010).
But assuming he's healthy, how does Jenkins fit in?
According to Pro Football Focus, he played 58.5 percent of the snaps in the games he was active for last season. About 72 percent of those snaps were passing downs. In other words, Jenkins' job will likely be to provide pressure inside as part of Washburn's rotation.
With Antonio Dixon emerging as a run-stuffer last season, this gives the Eagles some versatility inside. The guess here is that Mike Patterson and Trevor Laws will be the third and fourth defensive tackles, but who knows what else Howie Roseman has up his sleeve?
Also, it should be noted that Jenkins could see time at DE also. Here's what Greg Cosell of NFL Films wrote on Twitter:
Jenkins great fit for DL coach Washburn. Versatility to play DE + DT; an excellent pass rusher from DT, which the Eagles lacked. Great move.
I've mentioned before that Washburn used eight guys in his rotation last season. I looked at snap counts when the Eagles played the Titans. Eight defensive linemen played at least 15 snaps in that game. And seven of them played at least 35 snaps.
Keeping that in mind, it'll be interesting to see how the roster shakes out. I mentioned the four defensive tackles above, plus Trent Cole and Babin at DE makes six.
That would leave four spots, assuming no more major moves are made (which I understand is a dangerous assumption). I'd say Darryl Tapp and Juqua Parker are favorites for two of them, leaving Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Ricky Sapp, Phillip Hunt and Victor Abiamiri.
Of course, I'm probably jumping the gun, and there very well could be more moves still to come. But that's an early look at how things are shaping up.
JORDAN COMES BACK (NOT WEARING THE 4-5)
The other move the Eagles made was bringing linebacker Akeem Jordan back. In 2010, he had the most special teams points on the team, according to stats kept by the team. Jordan had 16 special teams tackles, behind only Moise Fokou. That's where he has certain value.
But depending on who else the Eagles add, it's not out of the question that Jordan competes at the WILL position, where Fokou has been taking reps with the first team.
In 2009, before he got injured, Jordan played very well at that spot.
Again, there are still probably more moves to be made before we get into in-depth discussions about roster spots and defined roles, but that's a instant look at how Jordan might fit in.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Excellent pickup. Eagles are certainly putting their money where the mouth is this offseason, very impressive. This along with the Philies picking up Hunter Pence it is very good to be a Philadelphia fan this week. Now if the idiots down in Washington can stop acting like 14 year old little girls and pass the debt ceiling increase we can all sleep well at night!— yourdaddy!- C'mon dude, sports, for most of us, are our escape. Please do not mix in politics with something that makes us smile and imagine hoisting multiple trophies over the heads of our hometown stars!
And, great job birds. Sheil - get back to your car!— cdk104 - I like the Jordan signining too. Probably got him for a song, And he is solid. Adds veteran ability plus great Special teams skills. We are now just s safety, back yp RB and starting RT away from the most talented team in the league and in franchise history.— Mugwumps88
- To all the "nickels" users- SHUT THE ---K UP!!!— ozone
- Joe "Nickles" Banner — woodyung
- Agree, Jordan is solid. Good special teams player. Can backup competently at linebacker. And they need some backups that have been an Eagle for more than two seconds.— armchairGM
- They still have not fixed the LB position at all. They got a QB, DT, and two cb's, but not one LB. and with all the money spent by now, its doubtful they pay to bring in a good one. Therefore the linebacking core sill STILL SUCK HORRIBLY. The D should be improved, but only back to where it was 08/09 before last years debacle. Jenkins is exactly the same size as bunkley, actually one pound lighter according to official listings, to they are still small on the line. small-fast all across the line. bad linebackers. This D is nowhere near best in the league. If they play hard, maybe top 10. and by the playoffs it will be a worn down group that will get run on....and not have a run game supporting it. = LOSING in big games. this team is no better then any other Reid has had. in fact it is worse then many of them. There will be no SB with Reid this year, or ANY year. I hope this D can compete, but Reids history indicates NO.— CharlieGarner25
- Get a grip. This team is so much better than last year. I am not a Reid fan - he does a decent job. He's not good at time mgt. nor adjustments during the game. I wonder how that impacts on the players. Not as predictable as he used to be. I am a major believer in the middle line backer being the heart and soul of the defense. Yes, we need a beast for the middle. — Dr Bri
- Joe "Gold" Banner!— Geno D
- Off topic, but why is Winston Justice on the PUP list? Can Peters switch sides??— fillyfan
- @CharlieGarner25 Are you even a fan of this Team?? All you do is complain on this site. I mean dude, they just signed the best player in free agency two guys who combined for 20 sacks last year. And did you even read the article. They sign LINEBACKER Jordan. Matthews will start in the middle and go on to win DROY and Chaney will be a tackling machine on the strong side. I really like this linebacking core. I also like the youngster they drafted out of ohio state even though he is small he is ery physical and has a nose for the ball.
I don't really see an OLB they can go get at this point that would even be an upgrade . To do it it would have to be a trade and the best chip they got is Samuel and if he goes it better be for a first or a super stud linebacker and atleast a 3rd.
I still would like to see either a guard or RT come in though. At this point after thinking more and more about it i think i would rather they sign a good guard which would be cheaper and move Herrimens out to RT where he will do very well.— andyreidisfat - CharlieGarner25--- What a pathetic excuse for a fan you are. Why even waist your time commenting on this board. This defense is really worst off than any other Andy Reid era defense? Get out of here man. This is the first time that Andy Reid got to put his Full stamp of approval on his D. Don't need a great LB if you DL does their job and renders the opposing teams OL obsolete. 70-30% pass to run isn't really what it seems like when on 25-40% of the pass plays are scrambles for 5+ yards.— papabear702
- Leonard Davis for LG for 3 season, while Herremans moves to RT until we can find a stud to play that position.— papabear702
- Buddy, yes, Jenkins is pretty much the same size as Bunkley, but Bunkley wasn't small by any stretch. The biggest difference between him and Jenkins is that Jenkins actually produces, while Bunkley did very little.— Hemingway
- papabear, I agree with you about CharlieGarner, but your post is tough to read with all the errors. It undermines your credibility.— phillyinsd
- Don't blame the writer, blame a society that pays athletes and "suits" millions while teachers are paid poorly. Little incentive for the best to teach. Otherwise, yes, CharlieGarner does disservice to Charlie's good name. — Dr Bri
- Charliegarner25 needs his meds adjusted. Chill out dude. Eagles have made major upgrade to defense, which everyone (including you) said was the major need. NFL salary cap model does not allow pro bowlers at every position. Most trams value LB near the bottom. This works as long as you have good talent at upfront and at back. Eagles have that now. rT a concern, but still some good names out there, expecially if Herramns could move from guard.— chitowniggle
- lol, come on. I didnt even read all that nonsense. an I am not going to waste time arguing on here lol.....they signed no new linebackers in free agency. not talking about draft picks. and a small OLB made to play MLB is not good and not impressive. eagles fan for life, Reid fan up til 08. when I realized he would NEVER win a SB. no amount of free agent signings will dupe me into believing that he will actually win a SB. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AND I WILL COMPLAIN ALL I WANT..until he ACTUALLY WINS ONE. which will happen NEVER.
the asoumga signing got me excited for about 2 minutes until I realized Reid was still coach.
— CharlieGarner25 - Sorry Charlie......really...I agree with multiple posters who believe that you really aren't a fan. Do us all a favor and go root for the Giants!
- Everybody relax.
Most of the above comments will likely be rendered irrelavent by the first game. I want a linebacker.— drenner - Dang it, I was kind of looking forward to Bunkley getting a chance in a different system. Guess Washburn wasn't a fan of his skills. I still think the whole 'fastballs' approach hamstrings tackles and hindered both his and Patterson's playmaking.— KNuff
- The Sheil Kapadia JZ reference is noted and appreciated. If you're having "D" problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but the line ain't one...HIT ME— dragoon6
- O line looks like a real weakness. Hope they have some $ left— farley
- Sign Shawn Andrews NOW.— p-diddy
- Just by sayung that you have proven yourself to be as crazy abd mentally inept as "the big kid" himself.
- @CharlieGarner25: did you ever think Andy Reid is the reason many players want to play here? Because they believe the Eagles with Andy as coach can win a SB. You can complain all you want but why not try positive thinking for once. If not for Andy, Nnamdi would be a Jet!— AerielPhenom
- @ charliegarner25 - "lol"? what are you - a text-addicted 16 year old girl? Hope you have as much optimism regarding your job, family and everyday life.— augie616
- The Eagles' offense takes away the other teams running game. If you stick to a running game against the Eagles you'll find yourself behind by 14 points before you get 4 first downs. Teams must throw against the Eagles or they can't keep up.— Ron
- Well charliegarner25... if you're not an Eagles fan we won't miss you at the SB Parade and you can stop worrying about the "D" in Sacked. What a disgrace to use a Moniker of Charlie Garner...— NRGjunk
- can we get some good line backers? the season starts in 5 weeks. until we do, going over the middle with TEs will be easy.— Don Cornelius
Follow
Sheil on Twitter. And become
a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds
coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Download it here.
