In fact, Samuel sometimes can't tackle at all. In the Eagles' 13-9 loss to the Raiders on Sunday, he missed several would-be takedowns, including a wide-open shot at Raiders tight end Zach Miller during his 86-yard touchdown catch and run.

Samuel recorded zero tackles in the game and compounded his poor tackling by taking an untimely unsportsmanlike conduct personal foul in the first half. He did, however, break up two passes and snared his fourth interception of the season.

Defensive coordinator Sean McDermott was asked yesterday if the Eagles were willing to accept Samuel's tackling deficiencies in light of his big-play capabilities.

"He's there to tackle," McDermott said. "If you are on the field, you are expected to tackle."

Samuel has recorded 19 tackles through five games this season. His 24 interceptions since 2006, though, is tops in the NFL overall.

"Everybody saw my tape when they signed me," said Samuel, who was inked to a six-year, $57 million contract last year. "They knew what I was capable of."

Tightening it up. The Eagles have been bitten by tight ends this season and one of the biggest pests will be buzzing around FedEx Field when they travel to Washington Monday night.

The Redskins' Chris Cooley is seventh in the NFL among tight ends in receptions and receiving yards (27-311) and has been a stinger in the Eagles side over the years.

Over the last several weeks, the Eagles have taken steps to address their problems in defending pass-catching tight ends. Namely, the have gone to a dime package on third down with safety Sean Jones as the sixth defensive back.

"We've played some teams with good tight ends and they wanted an athletic guy to get out there and guard the tight end in third-down situations," Jones said. "And I'm that guy. I feel like I can go out there and make big plays."

The change hasn't exactly produced the desired effect. The Buccaneers' Kellen Winslow had nine catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago and Miller pulled in six receptions for 139 yards and one score last week. Overall, opposing tight ends have caught 31 passes for 365 yards against the Eagles.

Personnel decisions. Todd Herremans, who is returning from a stress fracture in his foot, confirmed that he'll start at left guard on Monday. He also said that Nick Cole, who filled in during his absence, will start on the right side.

"That's the plan," Herremans said.

Herremans, who will be playing in his first game of the season, said that there won't likely be a platoon at left guard. Mornhinweg did not rule out there being a rotation at right guard with any combination of Cole, Max Jean-Gilles and Stacy Andrews.

McDermott said that defensive end Jason Babin, who has been inactive for most of the season, would likely dress with Victor Abiamiri (knee) out for the game.

Special teams coordinator Ted Daisher said that Ellis Hobbs would return kicks against the Redskins after taking last week off because of a wrist sprain.

Contact staff writer Jeff McLane at 215-854-4745 or jmclane@phillynews.com.