http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/1988 Recent articles about Chris Gocong en-us May and June certainly isn't the time to read too much into the state of an NFL football team. But we are in July now, and perhaps this time just before training camp is the perfect time to look at what the prospects for the upcoming season are, especially when compared to previous years. There are a few very important things that stand out to me at this point. I remember an article by Dave Spadaro about the same time last year, where he posed the question: "Is it a good thing or a bad thing that the biggest position battle is between the punters?" This is a good point to start from. He went on to say that time will tell. Obviously that is in the history books now, and time has indeed told. It was not good for this team. During training camp last year the biggest question marks involved the punter and the development of Broderick Bunkley. That was it. Looking back, this may have been a factor involved in the release of Jeremiah Trotter. A year on, it is clear that the linebackers that have replaced him and Takeo Spikes is a source of good competition. And eventhough I still yearn to have Trot on the field in green on Sundays, I must admit that the prospect of the current linebacking corps gets me very excited. This could be an example of where increased competition has improved the team. The linebackers are a very interesting group, with a good amount of competition between them. Eventhough Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley and Chris GoCong may be penciled in as the starters, competition dosn't have to refer to direct competition. The competition between the linebackers is primarily one where each one of them needs to prove that they are indeed the real deal. And having three young, energetic men vying for respect can be a devastatingly good thing. The important factor is that they seem to have a good relationship, which means that they will push each other in a positive way. The athleticism of this group is further evidence of the good things that youth and competition brings. Stewart Bradley is the prime example. He is bigger than Patrick Willis, Jon Beason and Paul Posluszny (6'3'', 254lbs), and he is more explosive than them (4.17 shuttle time). GoCong and Bradley tied for the lead among this group in bench reps (28). Of course, these are just combine numbers and they don't matter much on game day. But the point is that this group is primed to be an example of how good competition can be for a team. During training camp last year, I also distinctly remember William James proclaiming himself ready to take over Sheldon Brown's job at cornerback. When looking at the level of competition at cornerback this year, I can't help but chuckle even more at the thought of James baing a starter on this defense. Something that people seem to forget about the Lito Sheppard "situation" is the level of competition it brings to the secondary. And based on what was evident from camp last year, it seems obvious that competition is a good thing. Having competition between two Pro-Bowlers and an unbreakable shutdown corner, as well as a rising star in my opinion in Joselio Hansen? Well that is something we could only have dreamed about last year. Even the undervalued position of fullback is enjoying a huge amount of competition, to the point where it actually seems as if the coaches can't make up their minds! But this could also prove to be very good, as this will probably result in the position being upgraded over Thomas Tapeh. Strictly speaking, Quarterback is another position featuring competition. Last year, Donovan McNabb was the starter, A.J. Feeley and Kelly Holcomb were the backups and Kevin Kolb was the youngster. This time around, Kolb appears to have beaten Feeley out to take that second spot, and this means that he is one injury away from starting (usually that doesn't mean much, but unfortunately it is a factor when considering McNabb). Of course, the dynamic becomes even more interesting if Kolb were to get meaningful playing time during the regular season...But I don't see that as being good competition. That could in fact be potentially devastating. Other positions that have some nice internal competitions going on include: Running back - This may be the position that has the biggest impact offensively this year, and seeing the competition between Booker, Buckhalter and Hunt for that backup spot is encouraging. Wide Reciever - This battle will be primarily for the 3rd and 4th WR spots between Jackson, Baskett, Avant and Lewis. Tight End - The emergence of Brent Celek and the addition of Kris Wilson means that there will be great competition for playing time behind L.J. Smith. Left Guard - This competition was highly publicized prior to OTA's, but Jean-Gilles has been dissapointing so far and Herremans is the clear favourite. Left End - This is a good battle between the size of Victor Abiamiri, the speed of Chris Clemons and the stability of Jaqua Parker. Strong Safety - Sean Considine needs to make a push to prove that he is worth keeping on this team, while Quintin Mikell is the favourite to start next to Brian Dawkins. I see the positions that feature a healthy dose of competition this year as the following: QB, HB, FB, LG, DE, LB, CB, SS. That sure is a whole lot more exciting than Sav vs Dirk. Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:55:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286033 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286033 Since 2000, the Eagles have been consistent playoff contenders in the NFC, finishing only one season under .500. During the decade, despite having an offensive-minded head coach and offensive stars such as Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, the team's backbone has been Jim Johnson's aggressive defense. When that unit has made key plays and limited opponents' scoring, the Eagles have been more successful. But last year, except in a few key games, both the solid and the spectacular elements were missing from the defense. It didn't help that longtime linebackers/defensive backs coach Steve Spagnuolo took the system he learned under Johnson to New York and made the division-rival Giants the league's top pass-rushing defense. The Eagles were beaten at their own game in their own division. Despite sending a defensive end, Trent Cole, to the Pro Bowl, the Eagles finished with a so-so total of 37 sacks, and Cole (12 1/2) provided more than a third of them. On the last line of pass defense, the secondary, injuries were a major problem. Cornerback Lito Sheppard missed five games, while safety and unit leader Brian Dawkins missed six, contributing to the team finishing dead last in the league with only 11 interceptions. The Eagles managed to be pretty strong against the run because of good interior line and linebacker play, but they didn't really strike fear into teams by swarming after quarterbacks and forcing them into big mistakes. The defense did have one surprising stand against the high-powered Cowboys offense in an impressive Week 15 victory. Philly recorded three sacks and three picks of Tony Romo in a 10-6 win. Not surprisingly, both Sheppard and Dawkins were active for that game. The Eagles will need many more performances like the one they enjoyed in Dallas to get back into contention for a playoff spot in a very tough NFC East. However, there's hope they can do it with a cleaner bill of health and improved personnel. The strength of last year's team was up front, where Cole and young tackles Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley combined to anchor the defensive line. Former Titan Juqua Parker showed promise in seven starts last season, and the addition of former Raider Chris Clemons (eight sacks) will bolster both the team's edge pass rush and its overall depth. At linebacker, Omar Gaither will be more comfortable making plays after moving from the middle to the weak side. Of course, there is that monster offseason addition in the secondary. Philly obtained arguably the best player on the free-agent market: cornerback Asante Samuel. Samuel, with 16 interceptions over his final two seasons in New England, has emerged as one the game's most dangerous ballhawks. Not only does he reinvigorate the Eagles' takeaway potential, but he also allows them to have a fine nickel package that includes '07 starters Sheppard and Sheldon Brown. After a down year, Johnson should be much happier with the results this season. The defense can take a huge leap with Samuel's presence as the driving force. The offense is the source of the team's second burning question: What should be expected from McNabb? But if the defense regains its old swagger, that question won't matter as much. As the team proved as recently as 2006, it can win plenty of games when the defense is operating at a high level, supplemented by heavy doses of Brian Westbrook and the running game. Philadelphia finished in the division basement and was the only team in the NFC East not to make the playoffs last season, but it still was 8-8 and proved it could play with the 13-3 Cowboys when everything was clicking. The Eagles have improved their roster and gotten healthy enough on defense to turn the NFC East standings upside down. With a little help from the offense, worst to first isn't as big of a jump as you might think. Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:43:22 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284103 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284103 SWOOP HAS CLOSED THE GAP ON CHEIF ZEE'S LEAD... HE IS NOW ONLY LOSING 47-53 OPPOSED TO THE 40-60 HE WAS LOSING BY... COME ON EAGLES FAN LETS HELP OUR BELOVED MASCOT KICK SOME DEADSKIN A$$!!! P.S. CHEIF ZEE IS REALLY CREEPY LOOKING! Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:56:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280499 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280499 This past Saturday many players from the Eagles took part in a fashion show to help raise money for the United Way of Camden County. They joined up with Chio and the Morning Show from Wired 96.5, and put on the show at G Lounge. Donovan McNabb, Correll Buckhalter, Todd Herremans, Hank Baskett, Chris Gocong, [...] Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:50:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279138 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279138 This is the shortcut version of the game. We all know this game ends in a bad way, but it is very entertaining to watch. The Birds defense did a good job of shutting down Randy Moss, but Wes Welker went off. A.J. Feeley had a gutsy effort, but his crucial interceptions to Asante Samuel cost the Eagles the [...] Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:52:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277733 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277733 When I say Gang Green, I mean the defense. This year, the Eagles might have the best defense that they ever had in the Reid era. Not only that but they may have set up a situation in which they could have a great defense for many years to come. My reasons for saying these things are that our defensive line is so deep this year. There are, in my eyes, no question marks on the defensive line. We know what Trent Cole is capable of and we know what Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson can do together. Those 3 will only get better each year. Chris Clemons in my eyes is not a question mark, he is a stud. Playing for the raiders his first few years, he finally broke the mold and tallied 8 sacks this past season. At age 24, he seems like he is starting to understand the game and is only going to get better in a better system in Philadelphia. The backups are Juqua Parker who can provide big plays when he is called upon and Victor Abiamiri who will get worked in occasionally and make plays. The reason I think that the backups, or role players if you would like to call them that, will make big plays is because they are surrounded by talent. The veterans like Cole and Patterson will take them under their wing and teach them a thing or two and help them through the early years of their career. Bryan Smith, a 3rd round draft pick this year, is very fast and physical and he can make plays early in his career, and mold for the future as well. With all that pressure on the quarterback, it only makes the backfield play better. A backfield which consists of Asante Samuel, Brian Dawkins, Lito Sheppard (as of now), and Sheldon Brown. If they get a lot of help from the defensive line they will all be able to make plays and get turnovers, a statistic that the Eagles lacked last year. Now we move to the linebackers. This is the reason that I think our defense can be good for a long time in the future. Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley, Akeem Jordan, and Chris Gocong. Who? Unless you are an Eagles fan that is the question you are probably asking. Well after cutting Takeo Spikes this offseason the Eagles turned the reigns over to these four youngsters. Many think that they aren't experienced enough to take this big of a role this early in their career. I think opposite. There is so much talent in the backfield and on the line that this is the perfect time for these guys to start learning and maturing. The offense will not be completely focused on stopping the linebackers from making plays. In fact, the offense might try to pick on the linebackers and that may be a problem early on but it will give them a challenge to overcome and make them better. But with that being said, all the focus is on stopping Trent Cole and throwing away from Samuel. The linebackers can surprise the offense by sneaking up and making plays when no one thinks they are capable of doing so Stewart Bradley, 6'4 255, recorded a sack and an interception in his first career start against the New Orleans Saints last year. He also helped on a huge goal line stand and looked very elusive on the defensive side of the ball. Jordan looked very good too. Fast and physical. Gaither and Gocong started last year so they are the ones who will be teaching the younger linebackers. Gaither said that Bradley takes in information faster than anyone he has ever played with. He also said he reminds him of Brian Urlacher with his size and speed. Don't get me wrong here I am not saying he is the next Urlacher, but I believe he will be a good player. After a few seasons, when most of the veterans have passed on, the defense will be anchored by this young corps of linebackers. They will then be mature, veteran linebackers and will know eachother very well. From that point on, the Eagles can build around the linebackers and have a very good defense for a long time. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:53:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275395 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275395 The Eagles young trio of LBs are ready to make an impact and make some plays this season. Wed, 14 May 2008 19:10:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267068 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267068 NFL announces new position to classify hybrid players continually drafted by Eagles. Wed, 14 May 2008 07:04:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266743 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266743 Offense comes back strong: Donovan McNabb: Finished season healthy on a 3 game win streak and has all offseason to practice and not rehab. Brian Westbrook: Self explanatory, the man is unreal. Wide Receivers: Some say we did not address this position well. I still believe that we will make a trade similar to the Donte Stallworth deal 2 years ago. We have to get someone. If not we will rely on Curtis who has one season of experience with McNabb under his belt, and Reggie Brown to try to break out this year as last year was a disappointment to Eagles fans. Tight Ends: LJ Smith is back off injury and provides a big play spark. Celek looked good when he got the chance and was able to make plays. Schobel's future could be somewhere else next season. Offensive Line: Good as long as they all stay healthy. I think Max Jean-Gilles is ready for the pro's and if someone goes down he can step up. Defense will succeed: Trent Cole: Great pass rusher coming off the edge to put pressure on QB's. Patterson & Bunkley: With another year of experience these two should be a great tandem in 2008-2009. Patterson was 3rd in tackles of all defensive tackles last year behind the 2nd place tackler by 1. As long as he is not suspended he should be a huge factor. Brown & Sheppard: Sheldon will be back on attack again this year! No one knows what will happen to Sheppard but he will either play great on the field or bring us a great player in return, or a pick in next years draft. Linebackers: Jim Johnson thinks he has finally found that young, talented, smart group of guys who will play great next year and mesh through the next 10 years together. I feel confident with Gaither, Bradley, and Gocong starting and Akeem Jordan rotating in to add some speed and energy to the defense. Gocong and Gaither both started last year and can provide leadership for the other 2 young guys. Dawkins & Mikell: Brian Dawkins wasn't in football shape last year because he had to tend to his wife while she gave birth. Dawkins will be working hard this year and get himself ready properly for the season. As for Mikell, well he has to stay motivated throughout camp to keep his job and I believe he will do just that. Now for the new guys: Asante Samuel: Best in the business. Leads the NFL with 16 interceptions over the last two seasons. Who can forget the two interceptions and a touchdown he put up against us last year? Chris Clemons: Tallied a career best 8 sacks for the Oakland Raiders last year. Now he comes to a better defense and has the luxury of playing on the opposite side of Trent Cole, one of the NFL's best pass rushers. Klecko & Wilson: Dan Klecko is switching his position from defensive line to fullback for the Eagles and Kris Wilson is going to provide an athletic talent at the tight end position although he played full back in Kansas City at times. He had a leg injury which set back his career but healthy, this kid can make plays. Lorenzo Booker: Fast. Quick. Playmaker. All words to describe the versatile 2nd year running back out of Florida State. The Eagles had interest in him during last year's draft and after seeing what he could do in the pro's, they traded their 4th round pick aquired from Carolina for him. He should provide matchup problems while on the field with Brian Westbrook. Jackson & Laws: Desean Jackson was a tremendous kick returner at the University of California. He returned 6 kicks in his college career and had a good receiving career too. He provides speed for the offense and is a game breaker on special teams similar to the ability that Devin Hester provides for the Bears. Not to say that Jackson is going to have the impact Hester has but he will do better then Reno Mahe because I'm sure you have all seen his return against Tennessee last year! Trevor Laws had 112 tackles his senior season on a God awful Notre Dame team. He stood out on the defensive line and will provide depth for the Eagles. When he gets in he will be able to make plays and do what is asked of him. With the team healthy and the new additions, the Eagles should soar in 2008! Sat, 10 May 2008 22:30:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265594 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265594 Here is the transcript of the conference call that the Eagles had with DeSean Jackson for Philadelphia-area reporters: On what it feels like to be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles: "It's a blessing, a dream come true. The Philadelphia Eagles were high on my list. I felt like I had a connection with the program, [head coach] Andy Reid and the rest of the coaches. It's a dream come true and I am ready to get in there as soon as possible and make great things happen for the team." On what the connection was between him and Reid: "I felt like we had a good eye-to-eye conversation. He let me know how he felt about me and he just said he needed an explosive wide receiver that could come in and return kicks and punts. I informed him that I thought I was that guy to come in there and do some great things." On whether he was aware that it normally takes wide receivers a few years to blossom in this system: "Mostly, I spoke with [Dave Culley] the wide receiver coach. He just spent time breaking down the offense when I went on my private trip there to visit the team. The offense looks like a great offense to be a part of. I am just very excited for the opportunity I am getting." On whether he was surprised that he lasted as long as he did on the first day of the draft: "I definitely was. I felt like I would go higher than I did, but God had a plan for me and I knew it would be a team that would pick me up and put me in a great position. Like I said, everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great fit for me." On how often people bring up his size and what he thinks about that: "I have been hearing about that all my life. It has been something to motivate me. Sitting back and waiting for my name to be called, I kind of figured that a lot of people were afraid of my size. Like I tell everybody else, my heart is bigger than my size and I play larger than I really am. It is just something that I will keep having to go through in my career, but I am ready to compete right away." On whether he will play with a chip on his shoulder because a few teams passed on him: "I definitely feel like that will motivate me. I just know I have to come to the Eagles ready to play, I will expect a lot of myself. I have sat back the past few weeks and saw [CB] Asante Samuel added to that secondary with [FS] Brian Dawkins. They have [RB] Brian Westbrook and [WB] Donovan McNabb. Those are some awesome names to be a part of. I am going to come in right away and try to compete and just get better as soon as possible." On how long he has been working with Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice: "I have been working with him for the past two months. He is a great mentor of mine. He has been teaching me a lot of things about running routes and being ready for the competition at the next level. He told me to study my playbook, keep my body healthy and so much more. Like I said, it has been an honor for me to be able to work with one of the best wide receivers in the game." On how they got together: "I am actually signed with DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment, so he is signed with them too. That is how I got to meet him." On why he was able to have success in college returning punts: "I am very confident. I can just sit back there and catch the football no matter where it is kicked. I can field punts and I am able to see the whole field. I can see my blockers and make great moves from there. Once I see a seam, I am going to hit it and take it the distance." On whether there is anything else that separates him from other returners: "I just feel like - even with the draft, I just felt like I was ready, just waiting for someone else to show confidence in me. The Philadelphia Eagles are a perfect fit for me and it's an honor and a blessing to be able to be their pick." On what he thinks will be the biggest adjustment from college to the NFL: "Coming in and working hard. I have to face every team. It's a long season, I hear from a lot of people in the NFL. I have to study playbooks and go to film sessions. I have to keep my body healthy. It is going to be a big transition for me, but I feel like I can come in and produce right away." On whether he thinks it will be harder to adjust to the return game or to playing the wide receiver: "I think both of them will be challenging. Coming in and being an impact wide receiver right away and coming in and returning kicks right way will both be challenging. That is something that I expect from myself. I expect nothing but the best things. I just feel like I am capable of making great things happen for the team. I am going to hope for the best and certainly come in prepared and ready to work." TREVOR LAWS Here is the transcript of the conference call that the Eagles had with Trevor Laws for Philadelphia-area reporters: On whether he had much contact with the Eagles coming into the draft: "Yes, I talked to a couple of guys. I had some great interviews with the guys. It's a surprise, though. It's a big surprise; I'm thrilled about it." On why he is surprised: "I would be surprised anywhere. Going through the draft process, not knowing what's going to happen, you can go anywhere. It's amazing that I'm going to be up there in Philly. It's awesome." On the situation at defensive tackle: "I looked at their roster a little bit, but I see there is a position for me to contribute. There is an opportunity for me to get in there and compete with some guys. I think it's a pretty good place for me." On whether he plays defensive end or defensive tackle: "I would definitely say I'm a tackle." On whether he has played any defensive end: "I played end in a 3-4 scheme, but in Philadelphia , who plays a 4-3, I'm definitely an inside guy." On who he talked to the most when he visited with the Eagles: "The whole staff. We sat down for a little bit and talked to a few people. They were some pretty positive meetings." On how close he is with DE Victor Abiamiri: "We're real close friends. We were roommates for over a year. I talk to him on a weekly basis almost. It's really exciting to go to the same team as him." On what his day was like: "It's nerve-wracking, but the moment your name is called, it's just amazing. It's the moment you've been waiting for, for so long. I'm just beaming right now." On what it was like when he got the phone call from the Eagles: "A lot of Eagles staff and [head] coach [Andy] Reid and a couple of different people. It was surreal. It feels great." On who the first person was that he talked to: "I think Coach Reid. As soon as the phone [rang], my whole family mobbed me, so it was kind of hard to hear, but it was a great situation." On whether he was worried that his stock would drop in the draft after Notre Dame struggled: "Yes, definitely. But, I think with my strong Senior Bowl and combine performances, teams kind of looked through the season and saw the player I really was." On where he is right now: "I'm in Minnesota right now at my parents' house." Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:30:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259952 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259952 Ladies and Gents since the offseason started I've been on Donovan's bandwagon to get our Birds some playmakers aka a real number 1 WR. However time went by and yet even as I write this March 23, 2008 there is no new offensive weapon for Super 5. I mean there's always a chance before the draft we make a trade or something. The thing is I realized we really shouldnt let Lito go, he's been a constant Cowboy Killa. He's been our Number 1 CB for a few years and has done a great job.. With the addition of Asante and Chis Clemmons I think our Defense can really excel. Jim Johnson can blitz out of his ass now. We can have more LB blitzes because we know Gocong and Bradley can rush the passer as well. Now my fellow birds fans for anyone whoever reads my articles or comments you know i'm right in the front of the bus when it comes to getting a top WR but I think keeping lito might be better. Now lets just imagine my scenairo. I say draft S Kenny Phillips from Miami in the first round, for the second round pick the best WR out there and then address our usual picks which concists of OT and DTs. So lets say the seasons here.... we slide Sheldon to nickel have Kenny Phillips start at safety dawk at his spot asante and lito at the corners. We can then unleash our d-linemen for havoc. Damnit I MISS the GANG GREEN D our city loves great defense thats one thing our team would always get right through the years. The last few we went away from it time to get back on it. The only way my scenario works though is if Andy doesnt red shirt our draft picks because it seems the Eagles are the only pro team to redshirt rookies lol. Seriously though if we get rookie results from the rookies we are going to Tampa. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 11:30:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/215535 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/215535 Andy answers a lot of questions that are on Eagles fans' minds. It's a great interview. You have to listen to it. From trading Lito, to going after Moss, to problems on special teams, the Eagles draft strategy, to their situation at linebacker -- this interview covers it all. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:48:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/183052 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/183052 Is Lance Briggs a possibility in Philadelphia? Could the eagles Starting Linebackers be Spikes, Gaither and Briggs with Gocong at DE? Stewart Bradley could give all of the linebackers plays off due to his size and versatility. Why has Lance Briggs been so far off everyones radar? Thu, 28 Feb 2008 08:40:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/172150 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/172150 Jim Johnson is happy with what he has got - and eager to mix and match his players. By Bob Brookover INDIANAPOLIS - Something is different about the Eagles as they head into free agency this year, and it's really not that difficult to figure out what it is. "This is probably the first year where I'm not really concerned as much about our linebackers," defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said yesterday from the NFL Scouting Combine. "It's one of those things where I feel good about our linebackers." Linebackers have rarely been a feel-good story for the Eagles in the off-season. In Johnson's nine seasons as defensive coordinator, 17 players have held starting linebacker positions, and the Eagles have never had the same three starting linebackers in consecutive seasons. Every year it seems as if the Eagles have signed a free agent (Dhani Jones, Nate Wayne, Shawn Barber, Levon Kirkland, Carlos Emmons), made a trade (Takeo Spikes and Mark Simoneau) or drafted a linebacker (Barry Gardner, Quinton Caver, Matt McCoy, Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither and Stewart Bradley) in the hope of finding a winning combination. Johnson said the right combination is finally in place. "I'm optimistic," he said. "I felt good at the end of the year. I felt good about our linebackers coming around. Stewart Bradley showed he could play at middle linebacker. Omar can play the middle or outside backer. Chris Gocong, Akeem Jordan, I really like the way they played. Takeo Spikes, coming off that [shoulder] injury, I think he'll be fine." Given the history, it really is amazing that Johnson said he has more than enough quality linebackers. Instead of looking at the position as a cause for concern, he's viewing it as a source for creativity. He's not exactly sure how it's going to look yet, but he thinks it's going to look good. "I think it's going to sort itself out," Johnson said. "The biggest thing is how fast Bradley can handle the middle linebacker. We'll still probably use Omar [at middle linebacker] in certain nickel situations. I just feel like it's a situation we haven't had before. I feel like I've got some guys I can move around. I can move Omar from strong-side to weakside or middle linebacker. He's an experienced linebacker," Johnson said. "Jordan showed me he's a good football player, and he can help us in nickel situations if he doesn't start. Takeo . . . I think he'll know the system better and feel more confident, too. I'm not worried about who's going to start or where they're going to start. I just like the depth in the rotation." That depth will likely allow Johnson to play both a 4-3 and a 3-4 defense as he did late last season, with Gocong lining up as a pass-rushing end, the position he excelled at during his college career. "I think Gocong is going to play more in nickel situations like he did at the end of the year," Johnson said. "We'll probably do more things like that. When you have good athletes on the field like Chris, you have a guy who can spy the quarterback because he's got that kind of speed. He can be a rush guy or a guy who can drop into coverage. I think he can get better at rushing the passer. We're going to work with him a lot in the off-season on just rushing the passer." Johnson's linebacker scheme is already being formulated, which is drastically different from the way things were a year ago at this time. The Eagles knew they didn't want Dhani Jones back at the strong-side position and weren't sure if Jeremiah Trotter had enough left in the tank to be their middle linebacker. They also had not yet traded for Spikes to fill the role of weakside linebacker. The Eagles certainly still have concerns about their defense. Johnson loves what he got from defensive end Trent Cole and defensive tackles Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson last season, and he still thinks there's a place for defensive end Juqua Thomas. "I would still like to rotate a lot more," Johnson said. "You could probably play Trent Cole every down because he has such a high energy level, but I'd rather give him a rest once in a while. It's the same thing with Patterson and Bunk. Mike will give you great effort, but he needs rest, too." Second-year end Victor Abiamiri figures to fit into that rotation, and the Eagles are likely to add some defensive line help via the draft, free agency or both. While veteran end Jevon Kearse is going to be released, it appears as if the Eagles are going to retain defensive lineman Darren Howard. "I think he's going to be more of an inside tackle on our nickel," Johnson said. "He'll play some end, but to me his strength helping this defense has to be as a good rush guy inside on nickel situations." In order for that to happen, the Eagles will have to pay the high price of $2.5 million for a role player, and Howard will have to swallow his pride because he's no longer a premier pass-rushing end. Johnson doesn't think the latter will be a problem. "He's a very quiet guy," he said. "He never complained, and when he played he gave a lot of effort. I think he likes Philadelphia. I think he's going to be here more in the off-season. I think he's happy when we're winning. He doesn't have to play every down." Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:50:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/167363 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/167363 What is the Eagles plan to help Pro-Bowler Trent Cole? Jared Allen and Suggs are out. So where will the Eagles look? Can they count on a #1 draft pick like 6'8" DE Calais Campell from Miami U? Do they hope and pray Kearse/ Howard/ Thomas manage to platoon??? Bunkley should continue to be a aggressive pass rusher from the tackle position Does Abiamiri step up? Does Gocong continue develop as a pass rusher from LB or DE? He does hold the 1-AA sack record. Sacks create interceptions and interceptions create sacks. Whatever moves the Eagles make or don't make. The only thing i garuntee is that Asante Samuel will impact the defense of whoever signs him. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:19:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/159314 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/159314