Philadelphia Eagles Defense Takes Another Hit

The Philadelphia Eagles defense took another hit today as middle linebacker Stewart Bradley's MRI came back as a torn ACL.

This come on the heels of the death of beloved defensive coordinator Jim Johnson; on the heels of Sean McDermott being promoted to defensive coordinator, taking away the "interim" from his title; on the heels of Johnson leaving the team to continue his battle with melanoma.

Add to all of the above that Brian Dawkins is no longer in the secondary.

What else could go wrong? There are other injuries for their defense, all considered to be minor. Thankfully.

Anyone who thinks this isn't a big hit to the defense is kidding themselves. Last year, Bradley took the on-field play-calling spot. A year removed from being moved to inside linebacker.

A big move for a guy that had never played the position in his career.

In an interview, he mentioned his biggest challenge was learning the basics of the position. Things you learn playing "little league," as he put it.

Difference in stance, which foot to use first coming out of the stance, where your eyes are supposed to be. All things you learn through high school and college, and hone in the NFL.

And apparently the coach had great confidence in him, putting him in that spot full-time last year, and he did not disappoint.

Hopefully Omar Gaither can step back into the role he had in 2007. And if he can return to that form, we should be OK.

But this is another big hit. In a year that seems to be full of them for the Eagles.

This will be a big (yet probably quiet) story this year in the NFL.

Derrick Brooks is looking great right now. Yet-to-be-seen if Philly is looking to make a move.