Victor Abiamiri: Eagles' DE Faces a Make-or-Break 2010 Season

Bob CunninghamJan 22, 2010

If I could vote for one guy who has been the biggest disappointment on the defensive side of the ball for the Philadelphia Eagles, I would quickly cast my ballot for Victor Abiamiri, a second round selection back in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Abiamiri was the forgotten second round pick in '07 because of all the attention the Eagles' other second round pick, quarterback Kevin Kolb, was receiving in the media. Abiamiri came in without a whole lot of expectations, other than the expectations that come with a second round pick.

His rookie season was a wash as he played in only six games and didn't record any noteworthy stats. It was a bit disappointing, but there's not a whole lot you can say about a rookie who doesn't produce. The first year is really about learning the system, finding your groove, and fitting in as a player.

However, he came in with a lot of expectations in his second season. Juqua Parker was this team's starter, but the coaching staff was really hoping for Abiamiri to step up and take the spot. However, after an injury and missing some time, he was unable to fully rebound. He played 10 games in 2008, finishing with two sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

This season wasn't any better, as Abiamiri was once again injured before the season began and was forced to miss seven games of the season. Once again, he was only able to accrue two sacks over the course of the season and was really a non-factor as he fell to third on the depth chart behind Parker and newcomer Jason Babin.

Abiamiri seems to be quickly falling out of favor with the coaching staff and really has to put together a strong offseason if he wants to get a look as the starter. The Eagles will most likely go out and find another defensive end, either in free agency or through the draft, so Abiamiri will face substantial competition.

Until the Birds do go out and get another guy, Parker will remain the starter with Abiamiri given every chance to take the spot. However, if he gets hurt in the offseason again, he's going to be put onto the backburner and forgotten about when the starters are decided in late August.

He's been contributing in the nickel packages as a defensive tackle, but that will only keep him around for so long.

2010 could very well be Abiamiri's final season as an Eagle if he's unable to take that next step and show the coaches that he's ready to start full time. They're not going to give him a second contract to be a backup, so if he's not starting in 2010 don't expect to see him back for 2011.