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If the free-agent signings in recent months have shown Eagles fans anything, it is that the team is looking for better playmakers on defense...

Just How Good Will the Philadelphia Eagles' Defense Be?

by Patrick Wall (Scribe)

16

1,373 reads

Preview/Prediction

July 10, 2008


If the free-agent signings in recent months have shown Eagles fans anything, it is that the team is looking for better playmakers on defense.

Sure, the offense got an upgrade in the draft with the likes of DeSean Jackson, but defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has made the headlines with the signing of former New England Pro Bowler, Asante Samuel.

Add to that the singing of defensive end Chris Clemmons, and the Eagles have the makings of a dominant defense.

But will it happen?

In recent years, the Eagles' defense has been known as a dominant unit, filled with defensive stars. Players like free safety Brian Dawkins and middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, who have 10 Pro Bowl appearances between them, struck fear into the hearts of opposing teams.

Those days seem like a distant memory. After a significant drop in production, Trotter was unceremoniously dumped from the team in the middle of last year's preseason.

After his twins were born prematurely, family man Dawkins wisely put family first, choosing to taking care of his children. Unfortunately, the time away from the gym resulted in one of his worst years to date in 2007.

But things are looking brighter for the defense in 2008.

After a seemingly never-ending carousel of linebackers, head coach Andy Reid has a young starting corps that he believes in.

The group is anchored in the middle by second-year man Stewart Bradley, a third-round pick last season. In his first start against New Orleans, Bradley showed flashes, as he recorded a sack and an interception.

Weak-side linebacker Omar Gaither, with three years of experience under his belt, is the ranking veteran of the starting linebackers. Gaither showed the team enough to earn a starting role down the stretch in 2006. Because of the improved play of the defense, the Jeff Garcia-led Eagles made the playoffs.

Last season, Gaither was moved to middle linebacker, but the Eagles brass feel he is better served on the outside.

Finally, Chris Gocong is the wild card of the group. A converted defensive end, Gocong has the ability to be a quality pass-rusher. Although drafted the same year as Gaither, Gocong found himself on IR during his rookie campaign.

Being able to play together was very important for the new linebacker team, Gocong said. "As we play together more, we're going to bond and play well off each other."

Ultimately, the linebackers will make or break the Eagles' defense next season. If the unit can play consistently and make plays, the corps could be one of the strengths of the defense. If they struggle, Eagles fans can expect yet another different group of 'backers for the following season.

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16 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. chris klinkner 12 months ago

    nice article!

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  2. Shaun Ahmad 12 months ago

    If Dmac or Westbrook get hurt, season is over.

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  3. Ken Sheehan 12 months ago

    Nice article I agree with pretty much everything you've said. I think if clemons can play up to his ability that will make the job for bunkley and patterson all the easier, which in turn will allow cole to continue being a terror. But as a patriots fan i have to warn the philedelphia faithful that they shouldn't get to excited over asante, i've been watching him for years and am rarely impressed with his overall play. Sure he makes plays but most of the time its more because he's in the right place at the right time then he's beat the reciever or played the quarterback, he's an oppurtunist and i feel best described as a poor mans ty law. However if this defense can play up to its potential and the young guys improve with experience this eagles defense should certainly be something special

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  4. Bob Cunningham 12 months ago

    i think juqua parker will compliment cole very nicely.

    I'm really excited to see trevor laws.. he could be the steal of the draft.

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  5. Osi Umenyiora 12 months ago

    Eagles -- biggest tease in the NFL.

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  6. Bruce Dickenson 12 months ago

    I have a soft spot for Eagles fans. They are just if not more passionate than JETS fans and just as screwed.

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  7. XXX XXX 12 months ago

    Samuel will be a good addition and I hope the Eagles get something going this year the league needs a strong eagles team to compete...

    Alby

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  8. Michoel Botwinick 12 months ago

    The defense is young and promising, but as you said, no guarantees yet. We'll just have to wait and see. Great article!

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  9. Matt Breen 12 months ago

    that's one serious picture of asante

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  10. Alan Bass 12 months ago

    Good article. I'm expecting another mcnabb injury, i hope not though. we need westbrook and gaither to stay healthy, and then we'll at least make the playoffs again

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  11. Josh Lewis 12 months ago

    Great stuff Patrick. I'm not a diehard follower of the NFL, but I am a casual Eagles fan and you've pretty much updated me on their entire off-season on the defensive side of the ball. Thanks and keep up the good work.

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  12. Andrew Hamilton 12 months ago

    Ultimately, our Defensive Coordinator is the best in the league. This guy has been amazing for us. IMHO, even better than the Buddy Ryan/Fisher era. Johnson can take guys with raw talent, shift them around, lose them to injuries, and STILL put together a top 10 defensive unit. He's the largest factor. I also believe the same was true of our offensive unit under Childress. The coordinators of a team can make or break them. Excellent article...pick of the day for me.

    Andrew Hamilton
    Hamilton International Productions
    Convention Videographers Las Vegas
    http://www.hiproductions.com

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  13. Ryan Haass 10 months ago

    Im A Eagles Fan and the Eagles Will Have a Good Pass Rush this year and If You Rush the QB 90 Percent of the Time He will be Sacked Or Throw A Pick and with are Secndary theres gonna be alot of picks

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