Talon_60
09-30-2007, 02:20 AM
Eagles LBs are ready for test
Saturday, September 29, 2007
BY NICK FIERRO
Newhouse News Service
PHILADELPHIA -- Few complaints have been heard, although the Eagles' rebuilt linebacking unit still has a bit to prove, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson admitted this week.
All three of the starters likely will get more chances tomorrow night against a Giants offense that won't abandon the run unless the game gets out of hand.
Actually, because of opposing personnel packages, the Eagles were forced to open in their nickel package in each of the first three weeks, which meant strong side linebacker Chris Gocong was on the sideline. That could change against the Giants, who traditionally are a run-first squad.
Either way, Gocong, a converted defensive end whose strength remains rushing the passer, still will have to cope with being off the field on all obvious passing downs.
"I would like to get more big plays and stuff like that," Gocong said, "but I really can't complain. I'm just doing my role and doing what I do."
"When we're in regular, we're thinking they're going to run. So we really don't get too many pass blitzes. But I'm going to get some pretty soon."
Through three games, Gocong, Omar Gaither and Takeo Spikes have made their share of tackles, but few have been behind the line of scrimmage and none have been sacks. Gaither and Spikes, in fact, are running 1-2 in tackles with 28 and 22 respectively. Gocong, has 11 stops, two for losses.
"It's early in the season, so we'll see, but I think all three of them are capable of making more plays," Johnson said. "They've been steady, but I'd like to see more plays, the big interceptions, the sacks, the tackles, the (forced) fumbles."
One thing is certain: confidence is not an issue. Natural born leaders Spikes and Gaither make sure of that. In fact, when Gaither was informed the Eagles' rank fourth in the league against the run, he feigned disappointment.
"We should be first," he joked. "Obviously we haven't played against great rushing teams. The Redskins are a good rushing team, we did pretty well against them. But fourth is pretty good. But we want to be better. We want to be No. 1, and this week is going to be a good test for us."
At least the linebacking corps will be at full strength. That can't be said about a lot of other areas.
On offense, tight end L.J. Smith (groin) is out, tackle William Thomas (knee) is doubtful and running back Brian Westbrook (ab dominal strain) is listed as questionable. None of them practiced yesterday.
Defensively, they could again be without free safety Brian Dawkins (stinger), who is listed as questionable, and cornerback Lito Sheppard (knee), who is listed as doubtful. They also were held out of yesterday's practice and soon were joined on the sideline by cornerback Will James, who cut his finger.
"We've just got to see how bad it is," said coach Andy Reid, who raised the alert level by also listing James as questionable. If James can't play, it would leave the Eagles with just one reserve -- rookie Nick Graham -- at that critical position and would thrust Joselio Hanson into a starting role.
If Thomas is unable to go, it means second-year tackle Winston Justice likely will make his first start.
"Winston's done a nice job," Reid said. "He's grown up over the year as a football player and has worked very hard at it. (He's) had an opportunity to get in games and play, which is a valuable experience. Obviously, (there will) be a big challenge with (Giants right end) Osi (Umenyiora). He'll get in there and compete."
Contact Nick Fierro at nfier ro@express-times.com
Saturday, September 29, 2007
BY NICK FIERRO
Newhouse News Service
PHILADELPHIA -- Few complaints have been heard, although the Eagles' rebuilt linebacking unit still has a bit to prove, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson admitted this week.
All three of the starters likely will get more chances tomorrow night against a Giants offense that won't abandon the run unless the game gets out of hand.
Actually, because of opposing personnel packages, the Eagles were forced to open in their nickel package in each of the first three weeks, which meant strong side linebacker Chris Gocong was on the sideline. That could change against the Giants, who traditionally are a run-first squad.
Either way, Gocong, a converted defensive end whose strength remains rushing the passer, still will have to cope with being off the field on all obvious passing downs.
"I would like to get more big plays and stuff like that," Gocong said, "but I really can't complain. I'm just doing my role and doing what I do."
"When we're in regular, we're thinking they're going to run. So we really don't get too many pass blitzes. But I'm going to get some pretty soon."
Through three games, Gocong, Omar Gaither and Takeo Spikes have made their share of tackles, but few have been behind the line of scrimmage and none have been sacks. Gaither and Spikes, in fact, are running 1-2 in tackles with 28 and 22 respectively. Gocong, has 11 stops, two for losses.
"It's early in the season, so we'll see, but I think all three of them are capable of making more plays," Johnson said. "They've been steady, but I'd like to see more plays, the big interceptions, the sacks, the tackles, the (forced) fumbles."
One thing is certain: confidence is not an issue. Natural born leaders Spikes and Gaither make sure of that. In fact, when Gaither was informed the Eagles' rank fourth in the league against the run, he feigned disappointment.
"We should be first," he joked. "Obviously we haven't played against great rushing teams. The Redskins are a good rushing team, we did pretty well against them. But fourth is pretty good. But we want to be better. We want to be No. 1, and this week is going to be a good test for us."
At least the linebacking corps will be at full strength. That can't be said about a lot of other areas.
On offense, tight end L.J. Smith (groin) is out, tackle William Thomas (knee) is doubtful and running back Brian Westbrook (ab dominal strain) is listed as questionable. None of them practiced yesterday.
Defensively, they could again be without free safety Brian Dawkins (stinger), who is listed as questionable, and cornerback Lito Sheppard (knee), who is listed as doubtful. They also were held out of yesterday's practice and soon were joined on the sideline by cornerback Will James, who cut his finger.
"We've just got to see how bad it is," said coach Andy Reid, who raised the alert level by also listing James as questionable. If James can't play, it would leave the Eagles with just one reserve -- rookie Nick Graham -- at that critical position and would thrust Joselio Hanson into a starting role.
If Thomas is unable to go, it means second-year tackle Winston Justice likely will make his first start.
"Winston's done a nice job," Reid said. "He's grown up over the year as a football player and has worked very hard at it. (He's) had an opportunity to get in games and play, which is a valuable experience. Obviously, (there will) be a big challenge with (Giants right end) Osi (Umenyiora). He'll get in there and compete."
Contact Nick Fierro at nfier ro@express-times.com