http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2281 Recent articles about Darren Howard en-us Alright Eagles fans, the moment we've all been waiting for, Training Camp has officially begun. {Obviously the defense was waiting too judging by all the extreme hits!} Below we have some of the highlights of Day 1. - Donovan Mcnabb was amazing and clearly was the best quarterback on the field. Not only were his throws [...] Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:15:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/296610 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/296610 After watching the Birds' defense struggle since 2004, it looked like the Jim Johnson blitz heavy, "bend but don't break" defense had seen its time come and go. Then, lo and behold a Jim Johnson style defense won the Super Bowl last year. Unfortunately, that defense belonged to the Giants and was piloted [...] Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:14:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289975 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289975 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 ""Everybody is going to size each other up," defensive end Trent Cole said. "Everyone checks out who was lifting and who wasn't lifting at all [during the offseason]. So far, he is the eye-opener." Cole nodded toward the locker next to his, occupied by defensive end Darren Howard. Funny how moments earlier, Howard, who is entering his ninth pro season and third with the Eagles after leaving New Orleans via free agency, had to exchange the T-shirt he was given (an XXL) by the team to wear to a playground dedication because of the tight fit. "Too big up here, anymore," he said, flexing his upper body. He is now a chiseled 255 pounds, about 15 lighter than last year's playing weight." Thu, 05 Jun 2008 08:23:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274731 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274731 PHILADELPHIA -- When the Eagles cut ties with Jevon Kearse in February, many assumed fellow defensive lineman Darren Howard was next on the chopping block. And when the Eagles signed defensive end Chris Clemons, it seemed to be just a matter of time before Howard got the pink slip. Then, the Eagles added two more defensive linemen in the draft -- including McNeese State defensive end Bryan White -- and it appeared coach Andy Reid had officially rendered Howard expendable. Yet, when the Eagles wrapped up their first minicamp Monday, Howard was still there, dressing in the same locker stall he's occupied since being signed in 2006. Only this wasn't the Howard of the past two seasons, the one signed to a six-year, $30.5 million deal and expected to wreak havoc opposite Kearse in the Eagles pass rush. This wasn't the frustrated Howard, who never came close to fulfilling that contract, lost his starting job and eventually faded into the shadows of the NovaCare Complex. This Howard had trimmed down by 10 pounds, expressed optimism about 2008 and had accepted his role on the team. Hey, he still has one right now. "My whole career, I've always been one of the guys, if not the guy, on the defensive line," Howard said after the minicamp, recalling double-digit sack seasons with New Orleans. "I talked to [defensive line coach] Pete Jenkins before the camp and I talked about my role, and I understand that and I accept that. ... For the last two years, I didn't really understand what my role was going to be because it wasn't always clear. Now that I know where it is, I know where I fit with this team and I know where I can contribute." Right now, Howard believes he's still an important piece of the team's nickel and goal-line packages at defensive tackle and a formidable backup to Pro Bowl right defensive end Trent Cole. Howard disappeared last season after he lost his starting job to Cole. The big-play ability he showed for six season in The Big Easy was all but gone. When he did make an impact, it came during goal-line situations here and there -- certainly not what the Eagles originally broke the bank for. Howard, who averaged 40 to 50 tackles and about eight sacks per season with New Orleans, had one sack last season and just eight total tackles. The decline left Howard unhappy about himself and his situation in Philadelphia. But after much contemplation during the offseason and some discussions with coaches that cleared up his place on the team, Howard said he came to accept the role he can serve this season. "It was different, something that you got to adjust to it," he said. "I think every player comes into that time of their career. As long as it's clear between players and coaches and staff -- which it wasn't always -- when it's clear, it's a lot easier to accept." Now that he's trimmed some fat, Howard plans to add more muscle between now and training camp, which starts early this summer -- July 21 at Lehigh University. He likes the weapons Reid added to the defensive line and is comfortable backing up Cole, even though the left defensive end job is open, with incumbent Juqua Parker, second-year pro Victor Abiamiri, Clemons and White, a third-round pick, in the battle. Howard, a career right end, tried to play the left side when Kearse missed most of 2006 due to a knee injury but never felt comfortable and doesn't consider himself a candidate for the starting job. He believes he can still start -- just not here. "Not with the situation the way it is now," he said. "You got a young guy in Trent Cole playing. He's making a thousand plays. This is my ninth year. I'm 31 years old. That's not going to keep me from trying to get better, but you got to look at the situation realistically." Mon, 12 May 2008 06:23:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265928 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265928 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 the cardinals could use darren howard as a d end. one of their d ends joe tafoya only had 20 tackles and 2 sacks. howard given the oppartunity can do much better for their pass rush. as for considine u guys might think he sucks but so does the cards starting saftey. the cards aaron fransisco is #1 on the depth chart and his numbers were a brutal at only 31 tackles and zero forced turnovers. his backup oliver cenestine put up 12 tackles (was on bench). in 06 after replacing micheal lewis @ saftey (9 games started) put up a solid 85 tackles. now 85 is better than 31 anyday. so while these guys might be garbage the cards guys are even worse. and ofcourse reggie brown in the trade. have asante @ left corner and lito @ right while sheldon moves to saftey along dawkins. also try to sign a bryant johnson (teamate of fitz) or dj hackett to add depth to the WR corps. so heres how i think the eagles can get fitz w/o trading away lito. larry fitzgerald for darren howard sean considine reggie brown a second round pick and 2009 draft pick as well. Sat, 08 Mar 2008 21:38:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/186431 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/186431 iv heard rumors such as Sheppard and a 1st or 2nd round pick, Sheppard and Reggie Brown, or Darren Howard Sheppard and a 2nd round draft pick, My question to you guys is what do you think the Eagles will do or what you would want them to do Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:48:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/186097 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/186097 Of course we all know the Philadelphia Eagles fans are begging the Eagles to bring in an explosive talent at Wide Reciver this offseason, but honestly our problems go farther than that this offseason. We are still a team who utilizes the Full Back position... and with the departure of Tapeh, the Philadelphia Eagles need to address this considering the only other option is Jason Davis. Also the Eagles having Jon Runyan (34), and William thomas (33) at the starting Tackle position, while outstanding players, the organization really needs to take a look into bringing in some youth to this position sooner or later, after seeing the promise of Justice against the Giants Osi, it has become a big issue. Also some contract and cap disputes including Spikes, McDougal, and Howard. Lorenzo Neal is the most viable option in obtaining a fullback who can make a difference on this team immediatley, and since this team seems to be on a winning now is the only option kind of offseason, Neal has made way for the NFLs most ground productive runner, LT, seeing these two (Westbrook/ Neal) in the same backfield would be a scary sight to say the least, and neal fits the system perfectly as he can catch outside of the backfield and will come at amazingly cheep price for his services, listen people.... the man still wants to play football... he still has the heart, give him the oppurtunity in Philly. Winston Justice, did not do his draft hype, any "JUSTICE" at all..... but im not giving up on the guy, basically he got the gitters against one of the more scary DE's in the league, dosent mean he is a bust, but this certainly dosent give him a free pass, the boy needs to prove he is worth keeping on this team, i still believe he would make for a great Guard in the league but with the emergence of Max Jean-Gilles, i think Winston could jus be future trade bait. Tackle however is not a position i want to address in the first round i believe there is a Tackle you can obtain in the second round named Gosder Cherilus, this man is a behemoth, and i think he could learn alot sitting behind two of the best Tackles in the league and become a disturbing force on the line. And Lastly Takeo Spikes is due to account for 5million this season against the Eagles cap. Is the man expendable with the showing of Stewart Bradley, It would make for interesting talk of him being traded with the big contract signing of one Asante Samuel. Also against the cap for no good reason, Jerome Mcdougal and Darren Howard, especially with prospect Abiamiri and the signing of Clemons from the Raiders, are McDougal and Howard expendable? These are questions that will be answered sooner or later this season, probably during training camp. If your and Eagles fan and you read all the way threw this i appologize for the long read, but please if u can leave your comments. It would be greatly appreciated! Tue, 04 Mar 2008 03:10:32 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/180000 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/180000 with this signing of chris clemons, i been hearing about him rotating with trent cole, victor abiamiri, and juqua thomas. but nothing about howard. i know he had a terrible year last year and didnt play much, so is it that he might be on his way out of here, and that could free up some some salary for moss or fitz, remember kids, we have to sign draft picks too so there really isnt that much money left from the 2 previous siginings. and another thing, id rather have boldin than fitz :D Sun, 02 Mar 2008 02:19:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/176914 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/176914 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 Here is FULL positional break down of what moves you can expect the Eagles to make in free agency. I cover DE, S, CB, and OL. Check out what free agents are realistic possibilities for the Eagles. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:44:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/164552 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/164552 Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard combined for alot of salary and practicly no production in 2006 and 2007. I would be happy if the 2 combined for a 5 round pick in 2008. There are plenty of teams that are thin on the defensive line and could use 2 veteran's. I suspect Miami and Tampa Bay could potentially have some interest in this package, Aswell as possibly Tennesse. This move would create the salary cap room needed to go after Asante Samuel and other free agents. Alot of people have suggested cutting the 2 but it's not always that easy due to the salary cap. I would also like to see the Eagles get something back for all that they have invested in these 2 players. As far as the void left on the D line, I have no doubt that a rookie can match the production of Keare and Howard for 1/8 the price. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:39:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/141111 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/141111 As an Eagles fan all I hear on a daily basis is how little cap room we have. ...........Heres something we can all agree on Cut Darren Howard and Jevon Kearse, Jerome McDougle. Jevon's making $8,585,000 (6.46M base salary+2M proration+125K workout bonus) next year Darrens making $3,200,000 (2.5M base salary+700K) Jerome our great bust is making 2008: $1,982,500 (950K base salary+500K proration+532.5K). Thats allmost 12 mil. being wasted if we keep them I feel bad for Jevon Kearse because of his injury problems and I do think theres some football left in him I just dont want our team to be the ones taking the chance. McNabb is the man but Donovan you want playmakers you have to be willing to take a little bit of a pay cut. The thing is we dont have a true GM Tom Heckert is just there as a puppet and Big Red wont draft anything but DE and DT and O-linemen Jeffrey Lurie and Joe Banner need to get a real GM. Andy is a great coach but he needs to stay away from drafting players or deciding on Free Agents. This offseason we our Birds to be willing to spend as much as possible so we can put the best product on the field. Look we all know the Cowgirls will try to make moves, the Redskins always make moves. In 04 we made a big splash by getting Owens and Kearse. Yeah it blew up on us but we still had a chance at a title. For all my birds fans out here let me ask you this....Don't you want to see a parade down Broad Street? I know number 5 wants to make that happen. I know Weapon X wants to see that happen, I know Big Jon and B-West both want to see that too. Free up cap space get the playmakers and let us Philly fans have something to cheer about. 25 years is a long time ladies n gents and the window of oppourtunity for the birds is closing. Make moves now because I dont want to have another era of Doug Pedersons....for the love of God the NFC East has 11 total Super Bowl winners we have none..... I WANT MY BIRDS TO WIN A LOMBARDI..............I want Dawk to win one before he retires, I want Jon to win one for all the times hes punched Strahan in the face, and I want Donovan to win one so we can prove to the rest of the world that he is our John Elway.....Whether you agree with me or not ...... we can all say E A G L E S EAGLES!!!!!! Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:53:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/138941 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/138941