A new head coach and a new defensive coordinator usually means a fresh start and a fresh scheme for the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Chip Kelly hired defensive coordinator Bill Davis on February 7th. Davis, a former Eagles ball boy under Dick Vermeil, was the San Francisco 49ers coordinator in 2005 and 2006 and the Arizona Cardinals’ coordinator in 2009 and 2010. Although his defenses did not fare well, Davis is experienced in the 3-4 scheme which he will be implementing with the Eagles. The linebackers are a very important component of the 3-4 scheme because they are asked to get a lot of pressure on the quarterback as well as cover the offense’s best athletes at times.
The Eagles will have veteran linebacker DeMeco Ryans penciled in as the starter on the inside along with second year linebacker Mychal Kendricks. It is believed that both have a firm hold on their respective inside positions. However, it gets a little sticky when the outside linebackers are discussed.
On March 14th, the Eagles signed former Houston Texans linebacker Connor Barwin to a six year contract worth $36 million. The Eagles are hoping that Barwin’s production reverts back to his 2011 season when he recorded 11.5 sacks. In 2012 his production dipped and he only got to the quarterback three times. Although there is a multitude of ways for outside linebackers to be productive, it is expected that quarterback pressure will be a key component for the outside linebacker position in Philadelphia.
The Eagles are expected to stand up defensive ends Trent Cole and Brandon Graham. Although they will both be facing big adjustments by switching positions their talent is undeniable. Cole may have trouble dropping into coverage but his penchant for attacking the quarterback is unquestionable. Cole struggled last year because of a nagging wrist injury so 2013 will be a huge year for him. Brandon Graham showed up at the end of the 2012 year with four sacks in five games and finally proved why he might be worth the first round pick the Eagles spent on him. Graham, like Cole, may have trouble dropping back into coverage and both may still wind up as a defensive end.
If the experiment goes as planned the Eagles will have a starting linebacking corps of DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks in the middle and Connor Barwin and Trent Cole on the ends. Brandon Graham will get plenty of playing time as a reserve by spelling Trent Cole. Jamar Chaney is expected to make the team as a reserve because of his versatility as an inside and outside line backer. Phillip Hunt, Casey Matthews, Emmanuel Acho, Jake Knott, Joe Kruger and Jason Phillips will compete for the unspecified remaining available spots in the linebacker group. Hunt and Matthews have been with the team since 2011 and have experienced varying degrees of success.
Ultimately, the linebacking corps will be a work in progress especially on the outside. Players are changing positions and techniques. They will have to become comfortable with covering tight ends and some, like Cole, are not used to that. And the outside linebackers must do it quick in order for the Eagles to make an impact in the NFC East this year.
[Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images]
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