Philadelphia Eagles: Open Letter to Casey Matthews

Dear Casey,

We were all so happy when the Eagles drafted you. Based on your college career and your family pedigree, we expected that you would become the kind of linebacker who from any point on the field can sprint to the point of attack and stop an offense cold. We haven't had that kind of linebacker for a while--one that our opponents would have to game plan to avoid.

This is going to take a while. Due to the strike, you didn't really have all the necessary time to learn the ropes of the NFL and the defensive scheme of which you are apart.

This has been evident so far this season, especially in Sunday's game against the New York Giants. They isolated you on your side of the field, got you to bite on the play fake and run inside, then passed to Brandon Jacobs on your side of the field, almost at the spot you vacated. An easy touchdown was the result.

Casey, we know that eventually you will become the great linebacker that we need. For now, can you please, please learn to do one thing. STAND STILL.

When you are an outside linebacker, you need to cover your side of the field. Someone else has responsibility for the middle. Just man your position, cover your assigned gaps, and let the play come to you.

So please Casey, just STAND STILL until the play develops. Trust us; this will work out just fine for now.

Respectfully,

Eagles Fans Everywhere.