Only The Beginning

Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins were released in what seems to be the first of a rash of defensive roster moves.

Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson, two key veteran leaders at the Defensive Tackle position, have officially been released from the team on Monday and, with them, goes any doubt that the Eagles are not in rebuilding mode.

Jenkins struggled in 2012 as he saw a dip in sack production, QB hurries, tackles, and playing time. A lot of that could be the result of adding, then, rookie Defensive Tackle Fletcher Cox to the position though. Patterson played only five games in 2012 and recorded six tackles overall. However, it was clear that Patterson was not himself as he struggled to produce as well in a season where even Trent Cole, a normally consistent pass rusher, recorded a career low in sacks.

Its important not to view these releases as salary cap moves because the Eagles had plenty of money to be players in this year’s free agency anyway, even though they now have even more space to make moves. Rather, these moves were strictly schematic, in nature, and had everything to do with business as the team is searching to recover from its worst season in over a decade. The moves can be processed clearly when put into context. Jenkins and Patterson do not fit the 3-4 scheme that the Eagles want to run or the youth movement that the Eagles have going at the Defensive Tackle position.

It isn’t the end of the world. Its only the end of a scheme. The Eagles still have interesting talent on the roster. Derek Landri (who is going to be an unrestricted free agent come March), Fletcher Cox, Antonio Dixon, and Cedric Thorton are all still young contributors who have many years of football to give and learn but don’t think for one second that Chip Kelly is finished with the Defensive Tackle or Nose Tackle position. This is only the beginning of the defensive turnover that will take place this off-season, which will be highlighted by the decision of what the Eagles will do with the seemingly ridiculous contract of Nnamdi Asomugha.

At the end of the day, Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson were two key players that provided key production in the 4-3 scheme but, do not be disappointed in the Eagles actions. This is in the best interest of Chip Kelly’s defense, or at least that is what we are forced to believe. In my own opinion, Jenkins could have been a viable option at 3-4 Defensive End. However, I was not chosen as Andy Reid’s successor and Jenkins is not on the team any longer. All that can be done is a forward look into the future. Besides, any change cannot be considered bad after a 4-12 season.